The relegation battle in 2B will be an interesting battle in these final rounds, elsewhere Instonians hope to keep their hopes of a title alive as Wanderers and Galway Corinthians are still in the mix.
Belfast Harlequins v Dungannon, Saturday March 23rd, Deramore Park, 2:30pm
Sat in last place in this relegation marathon, Belfast Harlequins need a win in this Ulster derby to give them a chance of surviving the chop this season.
Quinns are three adrift of Malahide and also safety with the score difference 16 points between the two teams. Playing each other on the final day could be interesting, but if they can play like they did against Skerries last time out it could be another impressive afternoon.
A mixed run of form of late and indeed the season, leaves a side who almost made the jump to 2A last season in a fight to remain in 2B this term. Six points of a gap is a healthy margin but not ideal as it could easily be cut back if they fail to win this weekend.
Dolphin v Skerries, Saturday March 23rd, Virgin Media Park, 2:30pm
In order to avoid another relegation on the cards, Dolphin must take the spoils in this home game against Skerries, the visitors also need the points to stay out of the drop zone.
While they still have two more games to go, points here would go a long way for the Leesiders to ensure they stay up and avoid a relegation play-off. Dolphin were unlucky to lose by a single point to Galway Corinthians last time out, improvement needed this weekend.
Skerries are five points clear of the relegation zone and will want another crack at 2B next year after holding their own for the most part this term. The Goats are strong and can be a handful for any team, having lost their last two games they are not in good form at the moment.
Instonians v Rainey, Saturday March 23rd, Shaws Bridge, 2:30pm
Having had their impressive unbeaten run come to an end, Instonians now need to dust themselves off and push for the 2B title, they are close and a win here is a must.
If they get results in their favour it could be a title winning weekend. For that to happen both Wanderers and Corinthians need to lose. The objective is a win for the hosts and whatever else happens it could be a day of celebrating next weekend.
Rainey cannot make the play-off places anymore and with the Ulster side 10 clear of the drop zone it looks likely they are safe. A game really of little importance for them but against a provincial foe they will still want to win this.
Malahide v Galway Corinthians, Saturday March 23rd, Estuary Road, 2:30pm
Malahide are just on the verge of safety and need points this weekend against a side who still can stake a claim for the title in Corinthians.
The Dubliners are two points clear of the drop zone and following a strong win over Rainey last time out may have found their feet in these final weeks. With games against Skerries and Belfast Harlequins to come, a strong start this weekend could help them stay up.
Corinthians are ten adrift of Instonians and while they are assured a spot in the play-off’s, a straight route to 2A remains on the cards. They need a bonus point win here and hope Instonians lose ahead of their showdown in Galway next weekend, before they face Wanderers on the final day, plenty of drama in these final weeks potentially in store.
Wanderers v Sligo, Saturday March 23rd, Merrion Road, 2:30pm
The Chaps also have a shot at the title as they host already play-off bound Sligo in the capital, they need to keep this run going.
Four wins in their last five including a win away to Dungannon last time out does see Wanderers in good shape to keep on the tails of Instonians. Nine behind with fifteen left to play for, it will be a big task but one this side are able to claw back.
Sligo have had the fruitful last few weeks, assured a spot in the play-off’s after ending Instonians unbeaten run and securing the Connacht Senior Cup a week later. Attention for Sligo is very much on fighting for promotion but they will want to keep this momentum going.
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.