Not many would have predicted Offaly up near the top of the table but they travel to Ennis on Sunday, just behind leaders Clare on score difference. They produced a stunning comeback last weekend against Louth and would love to build on that against the Banner County.
Down at the bottom of the table there is an all-Ulster clash between neighbours Antrim and Down in Belfast. Down picked up their first win of the campaign last weekend while Antrim are looking for a change of fortune.
Antrim v Down, 18th Feb, Davitt Park, Belfast, 2pm
Down will look to build on last weekend’s win to Sligo when they travel to Belfast to take on Antrim. The Saffrons are bottom of the table, without a point.
After losing their two opening games Down came away from Sligo last weekend with three points after Natasha Ferris scored a late point to win the game.
Antrim have been luckless in this division and will wonder when their luck will change. They have lost their opening three games. Sunday is a huge game for both sides and a win for either would be a big boost.
Clare v Offaly, 18th Feb, Cusack Park, 2pm
Offaly have surprised many so far this year. At present they are unbeaten in Division 3 and are just behind leaders Clare on score difference. Last year they struggled at the wrong end of the table.
Both sides staged comebacks last weekend. Clare came from behind to draw with Roscommon in a top of the table clash in Ennis. Offaly were superb coming from behind to defeat Louth.
Clare are at home and that could give them a slight advantage. Offaly will go into the game full of confidence and looking to maintain their good record.
Sligo v Roscommon, 18th Feb, Eastern Harps GAA, 2pm
A Connacht derby in Sligo as 7th place Sligo welcome neighbours Roscommon to Ballymote on Sunday. The Rossie are second in the table, just behind Clare on score difference.
Sligo have picked up just one point this year; that was in their first game against Offaly. Last weekend Roscommon drew with Clare in a top of the table clash. The Rossies had taken a lead in half-time.
The home side needs to put more points on the board while Roscommon will want to maintain their good start to the league.
Wexford v Louth, 18th Feb, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm
Two sides who have had mixed fortunes in Division 3. Last weekend a Caitríona Murray goal proved to be the difference as Wexford defeated Antrim. Louth were stunned by a comeback by Offaly to lose by one point.
After defeating Antrim in their opening game Louth have lost to Roscommon and Offaly. Wexford lost their opening game to Clare but bounced back with wins over Down and Antrim.
When these two sides met last year Wexford came away from Darver with a four point win. Louth will be hurting from last weekend while Wexford will be buoyed up by their result.
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