A big weekend in the race for a final appearance, with Kildare, Wexford, Down and Clare all in the mix, while at the bottom Sligo and Longford try to avoid a relegation play-off.
Sligo v Offaly, Sun Mar 26th, St. Mary’s, 2pm
A big game in the bottom of Division 3. A draw or a win for Sligo and they’ll retain their place in the division for next year. Offaly would need to inflict a heavy defeat on Sligo and keep an eye on Longford, if they are to avoid the relegation play-off.
Sligo secured their only win of the campaign a few weeks ago against Longford and that result could prove to be decisive at the bottom of the division. Last weekend they were beaten by leaders Kildare.
Offaly have yet to pick up a point in the division. They have battled in games but have found the going tough. Last weekend they fell to a heavy defeat to Down.
Longford v Clare, Sun Mar 26th, Emmet Park 2pm
A big game at both ends of the division. Longford are trying to avoid the relegation play-off while Clare are chasing a place in the Division 3 final.
Longford have picked up just one win so far; against Offaly. A draw or win for the Midlanders coupled with an Offaly win would see them retain their Division 3 status for next year. A defeat and they’re in the play-off.
Clare know what they have to do; win. Then it’s a case of looking at results from the other games. Last weekend they had a fine win over Louth to stay in the promotion hunt.
Louth v Down, Sun Mar 26th, Darver, 2pm
Another massive game in the Division. A win for either side and they’ll be keeping an eye on the Kildare game. Wins for Louth and Wexford and the Wee County are through. If Down win and Kildare win, Down are through.
Louth were dealt a massive blow last weekend when they lost by 11 points to Clare. They didn’t register a score in the first half. The Wee County have lost two games in the league; they’ve come in their last two games.
Down had an excellent win over Offaly last weekend to keep the pressure on the top 2 in the division. It was a good response after losing to Clare in their previous game.
Kildare v Wexford, Sun Mar 26th, Hawkfield, 2pm
The top 2 sides in the Division clash in Hawkfield. A draw would see both advance to the Division 3 Final. A defeat for either would leave them watching out for Clare, Louth and Down.
After losing their first game of the campaign to Louth last month, Kildare have bounced back with two good wins in a row. Last weekend they were too strong for Sligo.
Wexford have won their last three games to give themselves a chance of promotion. Last weekend they inflicted a heavy defeat on Longford. They’ll hope their good run continues on Sunday.
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