The big game of the weekend in Division 3 is the top of the table clash between Clare and Roscommon in Cusack Park, Ennis. Both sides have a 100% record with the Banner just ahead on score difference. This has all the makings of being an entertaining clash. Offaly currently lie 3rd in the table and they travel to take on Louth in Darver. The Faithful County are unbeaten so far and will hope to continue that.
Sligo v Down, Sun 11th Feb, Eastern Harps GAA Club, 1pm
Down are bottom of Division 3 and are yet to register a point. Sligo are just ahead of them on one point.
It has been a disappointing league campaign for last year’s All-Ireland Junior Champions Down. They have lost to Roscommon and Wexford so far. Sligo drew with Offaly in their opening game but were well beaten by Sligo in their last game.
When these two sides met in the league last year Down recorded a five point win away to Sligo. They’d like to repeat that but Sligo will be out to record their first win of the campaign.
Clare v Roscommon, Sun 11th Feb, Cusack Park Ennis, 2pm
A top of the table clash in Ennis. Both sides have a 100% record with Clare just ahead of Roscommon on score difference.
After the hurt of last year when they narrowly missed out on promotion to Division 2 and the All-Ireland Intermediate Final defeat, Clare will hope to go one better this year but face a Roscommon side who were relegated from Division 2 last year and will want to make an instant return.
Clare have impressed with wins over Wexford and Sligo while Roscommon have defeated Down and Louth. This is a big test for both sides. Clare are at home which is a big advantage.
Louth v Offaly, Sun 11th Feb, COE Darver, 2pm
Just one point separates these two sides in the table; Offaly lie in 3rd while Louth are in 5th. With a top of the table clash in Ennis, a win for either of these sides would put them in a good position.
Offaly picked up their first win of the campaign last time out when they defeated Antrim. Louth were beaten by Roscommon in their last game.
The Faithful County are unbeaten so far and will hope to continue that. Louth will want to hope to make home advantage count. In this fixtures last year Offaly had a two point win at home to the Wee County.
Wexford v Antrim, Sun 11th Feb, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm
After gaining promotion from Division 4 last year, Antrim have battled hard in Division 3 but have yet to pick up one point. Wexford currently lie 4th in the table with Antrim down near the bottom, just ahead of Down.
Wexford lost their opening game to Clare but picked up their first win of the campaign in their last game away to Down.
Antrim have lost to Louth and Offaly. They’ll hope their luck changes in Wexford but will have to put in a strong performance if they are to pick up their first league points.
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