Plenty of new managers and players on show in Division 2 on Sunday. After impressing last year on their way to claiming the Division 3 and All-Ireland Intermediate titles Kildare will be one of the favourites for Division 2. They start their league campaign at home to Monaghan. Former Mayo Ladies manager Frank Browne is now with Westmeath and they play their first of five away games on Sunday when they travel to take on Tyrone.
Cavan v Tipperary, Sun 21st Jan, Lacken GAA, 2pm
These two sides always have good battles over the last number of years in both the league and championship.
Tipperary had a fine win over Cavan in Division 2 last year. The Breffni County had the disappointment of being relegated to the Intermediate Championship for this year. Tipp consolidated their position in the Senior Championship for 2024.
Tipp manager Peter Creedon is boosted by the return of players from Australia. Cavan will be without Aishling Sheridan this year; a massive loss for the Ulster side.
Kildare v Monaghan, Sun 21st Jan, Manguard Park, 2pm
Kildare impressed last year in their clean sweep of titles. Division 3, Leinster Intermediate and then All-Ireland Intermediate. Manager Diane O’Hora remains in charge of the Lilywhites.
It’s always good to have a home game to start off your league campaign but Ulster side Monaghan will be up for this game. Last season was a disappointing one for Monaghan as they struggled in the league.
Monaghan have former All-Ireland Minor winning manager Darren Greenan in charge. He has assembled a young squad but it’s a tough start for his panel.
Laois v Donegal, Sun 21st Jan, LOETB Centre of Excellence, 2pm
A new era begins for Laois as they face Donegal in Portlaoise. Manager Donie Brennan who led them to an Intermediate title in 2022 and back to the senior championship resigned last year and was replaced by joint managers Tommy Deveraux and Billy Kiernan.
There is change in Donegal too as John McNulty begins his term with the Ulster County; he took over from Maxi Curran who stepped down after six years at the helm.
It’s a rebuilding process for both management teams. In a competitive division they’ll know every point matters and a good start can set you up for a good campaign.
Tyrone v Westmeath, Sun 21st Jan, Naomh Eoghan, 2pm
Two sides who would have aspirations for a good league campaign meet in Omagh. Tyrone got the better of Westmeath when they faced each other in the league last year but the Lake County will want to avenge that.
Former Mayo Ladies manager Frank Browne is now in charge of Westmeath. Though his side have been handed a tough task in this year’s Division 2 with five of their seven games being played away from home. Tyrone on the other hand have five home games.
Both sides have players leave their panel for various reasons and there is a youthful look to both panels. Tyrone will want to make home advantage count while Westmeath know every point on the road is important.
More Info on NFL Division 2 here.
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