With promotion and relegation places not yet decided, and places in the divisional finals still up for grabs, it promises to be a Super Sunday in the National Football League.
By Ciaran Brennan
If you know someone who’s of the belief that the League is of no consequence, a mere side show to the real business of the Championship, try to persuade them to go along to a county ground on Sunday.
Because with so many teams right across the country still involved in promotion and relegation battles, not to mention those games that will decide which teams will reach a divisional final, you’re almost certain to pick a game surrounded in passion, drama and entertainment.
Division One
Take Division One for example. Dublin, with a six from six win ratio, are already through to the final. But three teams – Kerry, Cork and Down, are in with a shout of joining them there. And just by way of spicing things up a little, two of those teams, Kerry and Down, meet in Killarney.
This fixture would draw a crowd as a St Stephen’s day charity game. Throw in the possibility of the winners reaching a final, and the “House Full” signs could be up at sunny FitzGerald Stadium from early on Sunday afternoon.
When you add to the mix an exciting bunch of forwards, there is a quiet air of anticipation about this team down Mayo way.
Respective managers Jack O’Connor and James McCartan would like nothing more than a win, but they’ll also be listening out nervously for developments at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where Cork host Armagh.
Because, unfortunately for them, if Cork do the business here, no matter what the result in Killarney, the Rebels will advance to the final. Now a Cork win is probably the most likely result, but you never know, look at what happened last weekend, (Armagh v Galway and Mayo v Cork).
Survival a big ask for the Tribesmen
Another feisty encounter is bound to ensue at Pearse Stadium Galway, where Dublin are the visitors. The Dubs are unlikely to relinquish that one hundred per cent record too easily while Galway, with Padraic Joyce in stunning form, pulled off a great win on the road in Armagh last weekend.
The Tribesmen know that if they can manage a win, a serious ask in itself, there is every possibility that the other results required for their survival, i.e. Armagh to be beaten by Cork, and Monaghan to go down to their visitors, Mayo, will come about.
The westerners, under the tutelage of new boss James Horan, are showing signs of finding a steely consistency not often associated with them and when you add to the mix an exciting bunch of forwards, there is a quiet air of anticipation about this team down Mayo way.
However, this optimism will be put to the test in Inniskeen where Monaghan are a tough nut to crack, and just as in the case of both Armagh and Galway, they’ll be fighting for their divisional survival. Mayo on the other hand, are the only team of the eight who, no matter what the results, have either no possibility of reaching the final or, thankfully for them, cannot be relegated.
And so for the prediction…..it’s Dublin for the final, sorry, just kidding… Cork to join the Dubs in the final and Monaghan and Galway for the drop to Division Two.
Division Two
What about events in Division Two then?
Laois and Donegal should be a tasty top of the table clash and with Justin McNulty’s men having home advantage, they should just be given the nod to join their opponents in the divisional final.
Kildare will give it everything to reach that final, but even the expected win over Sligo will probably see them fall short. Can Banty’s Meath discard the form book and surprise Tyrone?
The Royals have a penchant for the last ditch and they might just manage another come Sunday. And Derry, despite a probable win away to neighbours Antrim, will finish below the top two.
Donegal and Laois for the final, Antrim and Sligo to go down.
Divisions Three and Four
In Division three, Cavan should survive with a win over Tipperary; Limerick to do likewise with victory over table toppers Wexford, Louth will find it very difficult on the road versus Waterford and expect Offaly to do just enough to join Wexford in the final.
In Division Four, wins for Roscommon over Leitrim and Longford over Carlow will confirm their promotion, while a Wicklow win versus Clare will leave the Garden county just shy.
If your friend the doubter isn’t converted after all that, he’s never going to be.
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