We are nearing the end of the league campaign in Division One of the Allianz Football League, with Kerry and Mayo looking strong so far this year, they will meet under lights this weekend, while another huge clash sees Dublin travel to meet Tyrone.
Armagh v Kildare, Saturday March 12th, Athletic Grounds, 6pm
Armagh play host to Kildare in our first fixture of the weekend, two sides that have impressed with their footballing ability this season, while Kildare have not seen the results come to fruition.
Kildare produced a strong showing last time out to defeat Dublin in Newbridge, Daniel Flynn impressing for the Lilywhites while Jimmy Hyland has become an efficient finisher, he is another key performer for them so far this season.
Armagh meanwhile couldn’t finish well against Mayo in their last fixture, having started very well in the league campaign, manager Kieran McGeeney will be looking for an improvement for this weekend.
Kerry v Mayo, Saturday March 12th, Austin Stack Park, 7.30pm.
With seven points already accumulated early in the campaign, Kerry and Mayo clash under the Saturday evening lights in Tralee, for the second of our Saturday fixtures.
Kerry have been motoring well under Jack O’Connor, they have also shown their skill and ability in more ways than one, their forward line is dangerous and can score from all angles, while their defensive setup has also been strong.
James Horan will be looking to come home with a result this weekend, but he does have the opportunity to dip into a Mayo squad full of depth, to give some fringe players an opportunity no better chance than away in the Kingdom.
Donegal v Monaghan, Sunday March 13th, Páirc Seán MacCumhaill, 1.45pm
Donegal’s meeting with Monaghan in Ballybofey, carries significant implications for both teams season’s in the league.
Two wins and a draw from four matches has been a good points haul for Donegal, but a defeat on Sunday could see them dragged back into a dangerous position, with the overhanging relegation threat still there.
Monaghan have drawn two and lost two of their four encounters so far, so this match could prove vital to their hopes at staying up, the threat of relegation also on their minds this weekend.
Tyrone v Dublin, Sunday March 13th, Healy Park, 3.45pm
The final throw-in of the weekend sees All Ireland Champions Tyrone host a struggling Dublin, a game that could prove to be a physical bruising encounter in Ulster.
Very few would have predicted Dublin’s surprising form with four defeats so far this year, Dessie Farrell’s blues need to conclude the competition with a string of positive results, if they aim to remain in the Division next year.
Healy Park can be a tough venue to visit, and the defending champions know they need a result this weekend, they also require points from their remaining three matches to avoid the drop down to Division 2.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.