Preview: Sundays Allianz Football League action:
Sunday 2nd February
Allianz Football League Division One
Derry v Kerry in Celtic Park at 12.30pm, TG4
It was a disappointing start for Derry away to Tyrone and another tough test awaits on home turf.
Still, Paddy Tally’s panel is sprinkled with class as Brendan Rogers, Conor Glass, Ethan Doherty, and Shane McGuigan remain key performers.
Kerry didn’t get a spin out last week so the emerging players in Jack O’Connor’s panel face a daunting task in Celtic Park.
O’Connor will monitor how they cope alongside the experienced campaigners such as Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley, Seán O’Shea, and Paudie Clifford.
Mayo v Galway in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park at 2.30pm, TG4
There is never any shortage of intrigue when these two old foes collide in Castlebar.
Mayo enjoyed some productive moments against Dublin with goalkeeper Colm Reape prominent, but Kevin McStay’s charges will want to avoid a second league defeat in a row.
Galway, boosted by three two pointers on the spin midway through the second half, did enough to overcome Armagh with Johnny McGrath and Daniel O’Flaherty effective for Pádraic Joyce’s outfit.
Paul Towey and Frank Irwin contributed some neat scores at Croke Park and the locals will hope that they can be similarly industrious for Galway’s visit.
Allianz Football League Division Two
Down v Cork in Páirc Esler at 1pm
Chris Óg Jones starred in Cork’s efficient opening round triumph over Meath at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
That was an encouraging result and performance for John Cleary’s developing team.
Down were involved in a high octane clash against Roscommon, who finished strongly to secure the spoils.
Conor Laverty’s panel, though, features plenty of talented performers like Danny Magill, Odhran Murdock, and Pat Havern.
Louth v Roscommon in Integral GAA Grounds at 2pm
A gritty away win over Westmeath illustrated Louth’s battling qualities.
The defiance shown in a high scoring match will have pleased Ger Brennan with Seán Reynolds late goal decisive.
Peter Lynch and Ciarán Downey were other prominent figures for Louth, who now face Roscommon.
Davy Burke’s team enjoyed some splendid passages against Down with the Smith and Murtagh brothers still key performers.
Meath v Cavan in Páirc Tailteann at 2pm
Both of these counties were involved in high scoring and open first round fixtures.
Meath weren’t sufficiently clinical against Cork, but the form of Mathew Costello and Jordan Morris is a real plus for new manager Robbie Brennan.
Cavan started brightly against Monaghan, but were eventually defeated.
Dara McVeety, Killian Clarke, and Oisín Kiernan were effective for Raymond Galligan’s team.
Monaghan v Westmeath in St Tiernach’s Park at 2pm
Following a stirring triumph last week, Monaghan host Westmeath in Clones.
Rory Beggan, Conor McCarthy, and David Garland starred in Monaghan’s victory over neighbours Cavan.
Westmeath played plenty of decent football against Louth, but were defeated by a last gasp goal.
Despite the reversal, Luke Loughlin, who supplied 12 points, and Ronan Wallace were excellent for the midlanders’.
Allianz Football League Division Three
Clare v Leitrim in Cusack Park at 2pm
Clare, who lost to Antrim last week in difficult weather conditions, will be hoping to respond in a positive fashion in Ennis.
Ciaran Downes and Emmett McMahon remain influential figures for the Banner.
Steven Poacher will be hoping to mark his first competitive game in charge of Leitrim with a win.
Sligo v Kildare in Markievicz Park at 2pm
Darragh Kirwan inspired Kildare to a convincing victory over Fermanagh.
That was an encouraging victory for Brian Flanagan’s outfit, who travel to the north west for a vital fixture.
Sligo will be looking to Paddy O’Connor and the prolific Niall Murphy for inspiration following a heavy loss to Offaly.
Fermanagh v Antrim in Ederney at 2.30pm
Conor Stewart and Conor Hand were effective in Antrim’s hard earned success over Clare.
Andy McEntee praised the character Antrim demonstrated when securing two points from that battle.
Declan McCusker and Garvan Jones remain important figures in the Fermanagh panel.
Laois v Offaly in Laois Hire O’Moore Park at 4pm
Declan Kelly and Mickey Harte’s team enjoyed a productive opening weekend.
Cormac Egan and Keith O’Neill were lively in a splendid victory over Sligo in Tullamore.
Laois’ fixture against Leitrim was postponed, but they will want to make a real impact on their return to Division Three.
Allianz Football League Division Four
London v Wicklow in McGovern Park at 12.30pm
Traditionally London endure some difficulties in the opening weeks of the league.
A determined Wexford proved far too strong last week, but London will be hoping for a better display on home turf.
Wicklow’s fixture with Waterford was postponed, but Oisín McConville’s panel will believe that promotion can be attained.
Limerick v Wexford in Rathkeale at 2pm
Emmet Rigter’s emergence as an impressive inter-county player continued in Limerick’s draw against Longford.
Wexford, though, appear to be ready, willing, and able to compete seriously at this level.
The manner of Wexford’s triumph over London suggests John Hegarty’s outfit are intent on stitching a winning sequence together.