In the penultimate weekend in Division 3 there is something to play for in each of the four games. It’s extremely tight at the top with three teams on 12 points and two behind on nine. While at the bottom Offaly remain without a point with Longford and Sligo just ahead on three points.
Wexford v Longford, Sun 19th Mar, Wexford Park, 2pm
A win for Wexford would move them closer to securing a place in the league final. They currently lie 2nd in the table, just behind leaders Kildare on score difference. Louth are just behind them.
Wexford had a narrow win over the then leaders Louth in their last game. It was their second win in a row after falling to a narrow defeat at home to Down.
Longford had a fine win over Offaly to record their first points of the campaign but then lost to the then bottom side Sligo in their last game. They’ll need to get something out of this game if they are to avoid finishing in the bottom two.
Sligo v Kildare, Sun 19th Mar, Enniscrone, 2pm
Sligo will be buoyed up by their first win of the campaign away to Longford in their last game but they face a tough challenge against Kildare.
After losing their first four games Sligo recorded a fine win away to Longford. The result moved them off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation play-off spots. They have battled in games and will hope to do the same this weekend.
Kildare returned to the top of the table with an excellent win away to Offaly. It was a perfect result after losing their first game to Louth the previous week. They’ll want to record another win with a place in the league final in their sights.
Down v Offaly, Sun 19th Mar, Burren, 2pm
Down host bottom side Offaly in Burren, this weekend. The Faithful County are now bottom of the table, and have yet to record a single point.
Last time out Offaly fell to a heavy defeat to Kildare. They battled in the game but Kildare were far superior and Offaly struggled with them.
Down fell to a two point defeat away to Clare in Ennis. It was a dour affair and the Mourne County failed to score in the first half. They were denied a goal chance at the start of the second half by Clare keeper Amy Lenihan.
Clare v Louth, Sun 19th Mar, Doonbeg, 2pm
Clare still have a chance of making the league final but they need to defeat Louth in Doonbeg. There is very little between the sides at the top and every point is vital with two games remaining.
The Banner got over Down by four points in their last game but it wasn’t pretty. They scored six points in the opening half and kept Down scoreless but just scored two points after the break.
Louth fell to their first defeat of the campaign in their last game against Wexford. It leaves things very tight at the top of the table with the Wee County level on points with the top two but in third spot due to score difference.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland