We reach the business end of the season where the title, promotion and relegation are all still up for debate in these final weeks. Some massive games around the Division this weekend.
Ballina v Enniscorthy, Saturday March 23rd, Heffernan Park, 2:30pm
With just three games left in the season, Ballina need a win over Enniscorthy if they are to remain an AIL side next season.
The Mayo men are four adrift of safety and with a negative score difference also in play, they will need to turn that around in these coming weeks as they risk moving out of the AIL Divisions.
Scorthy meanwhile are sitting where they want to be inside the play-off places looking to move back to 2B next year. Eight points separates them from fifth place, if they can beat the basement side then they can further their hopes of a play-off spot, a win may just be enough.
Bangor v Bruff, Saturday March 23rd, Upritchard Park, 2:30pm
Bruff occupy the final play-off spot and will look to have another shot at the play-offs if they can build a winning run, Bangor on the other hand need a win here to stay up.
The Ulstermen need a win here as like Ballina they are four adrift of the safety zone and also have a negative score difference that could come back to haunt them. Bangor have lost their last four games and are a side in poor form of late and need to change that around to stay up.
A return to winning ways was needed from Bruff in Round 15 as they overcame Galwegians in a dramatic meeting in Kilballyowen Park. That win could be the difference for Bruff to make the play-offs, Tullamore are just six behind so they will have to keep one eye over their shoulders.
Clogher Valley v Midleton, Saturday March 23rd, The Cran, 2:30pm
Clogher Valley are getting closer to a Cinderella story of seasons if they can overcome Midleton on home soil, they are one final step away from lifting the 2C title.
But could it arrive sooner than expected? If they can claim a win here and Galwegians fail to defeat Clonmel then the trophy would arrive for the Cran faithful. A bonus point win combined with Galwegians taking four points from their game would see the lead be 10 at the summit.
Midleton meanwhile are 11 adrift of Bruff in pursuit of the play-offs, mathematically its still possible but they have to end the hosts impressive winning streak to do so. Having won their last two games Midleton will look to keep that going as they can be a tough test for any team this year.
Galwegians v Clonmel, Saturday March 23rd, Crowley Park, 2:30pm
With the title race going down to the wire, Galwegians must win this game to stay in the race, Clonmel have little to play for as they look safe this year but will be out to guarantee that this weekend.
Wegians have to win, no if’s or buts, if they want automatic promotion back to 2B then this points haul is crucial. While they have played some sparkling stuff this year they have left points after them and will rue those mistakes if they fail to stay in the title hunt.
Clonmel are 11 clear of Omagh in eight and 15 from the drop zone, not exactly safe just yet so say the maths but a result here can go a long way for that. They are not in too much worry right now but it could be something to be cautious off going into this fixture.
Omagh Academicals v Tullamore, Saturday March 23rd, Thomas Mellon Playing Fields, 2:30pm
A meeting of sides with different fortunes in 2C, Tullamore looking to make a play-off while Omagh are looking to avoid the drop.
Four clear of the sides below, every point now is crucial for Accies survival. Losing their last three games, the Tyrone club are not in the best of form and face a tough challenge in the inform Tullamore.
The Midlanders have been on course for the play-offs over the last number of weeks and still can get there but need to keep a run of positive results going. Three wins from their last five games, Tullamore are playing some good stuff and have the chance to test Bruff right till the final day.
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.