2A remains a competitive minefield as relegation and promotion really is up for grabs for a host of sides. Fourth and Ninth separated by just eight points as Old Crescent look to keep their spot in fourth locked down.
Cashel v Greystones, Saturday March 23rd, Spafield, 2:30pm
Cashel look to be out of the title picture going into this weekend and with an 11 point gap to fifth place a win this weekend will assure their spot in the play-offs.
Defeat to Ballymena last time out really dented their title hopes. While 15 points from 15 would tie them with Nenagh should they lose all three of their remaining fixtures, they need a massive swing in score difference to have a shot at the title once again, Barnhall too can prevent them a shot at the title.
Greystone’s objective is all about safety. Score difference is all that keeps them out of the relegation zone, this is a must win. The Wicklow natives did win last time out against UL Bohs and that may have kickstarted their great escape.
MU Barnhall v Banbridge, Saturday March 23rd, Parsonstown, 2:30pm
Barnhall this weekend can be assured a spot in the play-offs with a win while they still possibly can be in the title race.
With that 11 point gap in place, Barnhall need to better Nenagh’s points haul if possible this weekend to remain in the hunt. If Nenagh secure a bonus point win the race is over, if they lose then a meeting in New Ormond Park between these two next weekend makes for attractive viewing. Barnhall cannot afford a slip up.
Banbridge are three points behind Old Crescent in the pursuit of the play-off places while also five points clear of the drop zone. They could go down, they could also go up, this Division is very competitive and points this weekend will be crucial to how these final two weeks play out.
Navan v Nenagh Ormond, Saturday March 23rd, Balreask Old, 2:30pm
Is this the title winning weekend for Nenagh, a bonus point win here will assure them automatic promotion to 1B, while a win may just be enough depending on results elsewhere.
Navan will be out to spoil that party. The Meath men are in the relegation zone and very much want out this weekend. Old Crescent and Ballymena will provide their final opposition, points this weekend can put them in good shape ahead of those crucial fixtures.
Nenagh are very impressive this year and while they have suffered defeat twice, they can wrap up the title with two games to spare. After an impressive showing against Ballymena last time out their scoring talent is remarkable and Navan will have a tough time contending with their dominant attack.
Old Crescent v Ballymena, Saturday March 23rd, Takumi Park, 2:30pm
With the play-offs still up for grabs, Old Crescent can keep their hopes alive with a win on home soil this weekend over Ballymena.
The Shannonsiders have been in good shape in these final weeks but do come into this game on the back of a heavy defeat to Nenagh. Still they have shown time and time again they are a side well capable of making the play-offs but have a tough final run in to get there.
Ballymena also come into this game after a heavy defeat to Nenagh. Mena certainly are strong, building an unbeaten run prior to their showdown with Nenagh that was moved due to poor weather. As they sit back inside the relegation zone, this is a game they have to win.
UL Bohemian v Malone, Saturday March 23rd, Annacotty, 2:30pm
Having steered off course of the play-off places in recent weeks, UL are now closer to the drop zone than promotion, they need to beat bottom placed Malone to resurrect their hopes of promotion.
The Red Robins could suffer a fifth defeat in succession unless they can get the better of their Ulster opponents. Bohs had looked like a real favourite for promotion but have now slipped down the pecking order to sit just three points clear of the relegation zone. The losing run has to end this weekend.
Defeat could signal relegation for Malone if those above manage to take wins. The Ulster side are seven points adrift of Ballymena and are in desperate need of a win. WithCashel and Greystones standing in their path after the Robins, these are all crucial fixtures they must overcome.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.