Preview: Weekend’s Allianz Football League action:
Allianz Football League Division One
Saturday 22nd February
Armagh v Mayo in BOX-IT Athletic Grounds at 5pm
A high stakes game involving two counties eager to secure Allianz Football League points.
The margin for error is slim as All-Ireland champions Armagh host Mayo on Saturday evening.
With Frank Irwin prominent, Mayo registered a crucial win over Tyrone in Castlebar, but another tough task awaits.
Armagh have also suffered a couple of defeats with the Donegal reversal a setback in Ballybofey so Kieran McGeeney’s charges will want to respond quickly.
Darragh McMullan impressed for Armagh, who know the importance of the upcoming encounter.
Dublin v Derry in Croke Park at 7.30pm, BBC iPlayer
This should be an interesting game at GAA headquarters.
A repeat of last year’s thrilling Division One decider, plenty has happened to Derry and Dublin since.
Lachlan Murray’s introduction proved to be a key factor in Derry’s stirring comeback draw against Galway at Celtic Park.
A similarly dynamic display will be required in the capital because Dublin have enjoyed some productive moments in the league.
Seán Bugler remains influential, while Lorcan O’Dell and Luke Breathnach also notched vital scores in Dublin’s dramatic victory over Kerry.
Sunday 23rd February
Tyrone v Kerry in O’Neill’s Healy Park at 1.45pm, TG4 App
Another match involving teams, who want to generate momentum.
Kerry have been involved in some lively matches, but the fact that only one win has been registered is disappointing.
Dublin finished strongly in Tralee, but David Clifford made a welcome return in the second half for Jack O’Connor’s team.
The following afternoon Tyrone endured a defeat against Mayo, despite the promptings of goalkeeper Niall Morgan, who ventured forward at every available opportunity.
With four counties currently on two points, whoever loses this fixture will be worried entering the closing rounds.
Galway v Donegal in Pearse Stadium at 3.45pm, TG4
The meeting of the top two in Division One should be interesting in Salthill.
Michael Murphy capped his eagerly anticipated return to senior inter-county duty by kicking three points in Donegal’s Ballybofey success over Armagh.
Jim McGuinness’ charges have gleaned maximum points with Ryan McHugh, Ciaran Thompson, and the splendid Paddy McBrearty contributing handsomely.
John Maher was most effective for Galway, who divided the spoils with Derry at Celtic Park, while Shane Walsh is proving to be a sharp two point kicker.
Allianz Football League Division Two
Saturday 22nd February
Monaghan v Cork in Inniskeen at 2.30pm
A vital match in Division Two, Monaghan and Cork both believe that promotion can be secured.
Despite Micheal Bannigan’s excellence, Monaghan still suffered a defeat against Roscommon last week.
Chris Óg Jones’ exploits ensured Cork did enough to overcome Westmeath SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
In a competitive environment, Monaghan and Cork have already gleaned four points each, and the winner will be very much in the promotion race.
Sunday 23rd February
Westmeath v Cavan in TEG Cusack Park at 2pm
Westmeath have produced three gutsy displays, but remain without a point.
Manager Dermot McCabe, though, will know all about Cavan’s strengths and weaknesses so this promises to be lively in Mullingar.
Dara McVeety inspired Cavan to an important victory over Louth, while Westmeath will be hoping the McCartans continue to deliver.
Louth v Down in DEFY Páirc Mhuire at 2.30pm
Crucial matches are arriving thick and fast in Division Two.
This meeting of neighbours Louth and Down is a critical game with both teams intent on recovering following losses last weekend.
Ger Brennan and Conor Laverty will be adamant that progress can be made by their respective teams, but staying at this level and beyond is key for long term development.
Meath v Roscommon in Páirc Tailteann at 2.45pm
Eoghan Frayne and Jordan Morris continue to excel for Meath, who will be primed for a battle against Roscommon.
Davy Burke’s team have set a good standard in Division Two so far with the Murtagh brothers, Diarmuid and Ciaráin, still going strong.
Roscommon have six points collected, while Meath have taken four so Robbie Brennan’s Royals will want to produce a solid performance on home turf.
Allianz Football League Division Three
Saturday 22nd February
Antrim v Leitrim in Corrigan Park at 2.30pm
It has been a demanding start to the year for Leitrim, who have suffered three defeats on the spin.
This trip to Belfast is another tough task, especially considering Antrim need points too.
Antrim have won one game so far and will be hoping to demonstrate their ability in this important fixture.
Kildare v Laois in Cedral St Conleth’s Park at 7pm
A Newbridge battle between Kildare and Laois is imminent.
Brian Flanagan’s start to life as Kildare senior manager has been smooth with three solid wins earned with Darragh Kirwan a commanding presence.
Laois, though, will be hugely encouraged by the manner of the win over Sligo with Mark Barry, who scored 0-11, in brilliant form.
Sunday 23rd February
Sligo v Clare in Markievicz Park at 1.30pm
Considering the progress made in recent years, it has been a disappointing league so far for Sligo.
Having lost three in a row, Tony McEntee’s outfit know the relevance of this game against a Clare team, who have collected four points under Peter Keane.
Emmet McMahon was an influential figure in Clare’s win over Fermanagh and this is another vital game for the Banner.
Fermanagh v Offaly in Brewster Park at 2pm
Declan Kelly and Mickey Harte have steered Offaly to three Allianz Football League wins in a row.
There is a nice mix of youth and experience in the Offaly panel with Cormac Egan and John Furlong making a real impact.
Fermanagh have already lost two matches, though, so they will be especially eager to earn a home victory.
Allianz Football League Division Four
Saturday 22nd February
Tipperary v London in FBD Semple Stadium at 5pm
Seán O’Connor’s brilliance was evident last week as Tipperary overcame Waterford.
London, well organised by Michael Maher, will be striving to disturb the locals in Thurles.
Carlow v Limerick in Netwatch Cullen Park at 6pm
This is an important encounter for Carlow and Limerick, who both sit on three points.
Carlow’s panel is sprinkled with capable footballers, but Limerick will be emboldened by last week’s triumph.
Sunday 23rd February
Longford v Waterford in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park at 2pm
The meeting of the bottom two is crucial for these two counties.
Longford will be intent on making home advantage count against Waterford, who haven’t registered a point in 2025.
Wexford v Wicklow in Chadwicks Wexford Park at 2pm
John Hegarty’s calm and clever work with Wexford has been rewarded with three wins in a row.
This, though, is an awkward match against a Wicklow team beginning to acquire belief and momentum again under Oisín McConville’s stewardship.