The final weekend of the Allianz Football League has a lot of stuff to sort out. Here’s what to keep an eye on.
With nothing decided bar Westmeath’s promotion to the top flight next season and Longford’s drop to Div 3, there’s a huge amount at stake in all four divisions of the Allianz Football League this weekend.
In Division 4 Clare, Offaly, Tipp and Limerick are all battling for two promotion spots and they, conveniently, will play each other this weekend.
In Division 3 the big one is table-toppers Fermanagh playing Meath as the Royals try to bounce back to Division 2.
In Division 2, Wexford, Louth and Armagh are battling to save themselves from joining Longford, while Derry, Laois and Galway could all yet go up with Westmeath.
So, as you can see, there’s more than enough going on before you even get to the top division but that’s what we will focus on today.
Staying in the top flight is vital for teams these days. As Mickey Harte said, winning the All-Ireland from outside Division 1 is all but impossible and with the eight best teams in the country in the Division right now the winner of Sam in 2013 is sure to come from the top tier again.
That means dropping out is a disaster. Down are not yet out but they need a miracle on Sunday against Kildare. Not only do they need to win in Newry, which is possible, but they need two of Kerry, Donegal and Mayo to lose. It’s a long shot to say the least. Kildare are already in the semi-finals but no Kieran McGeeney team will take a game off. Following on from their Under 21 win this week, we expect the Lilywhites to do the job and send Down to Division 2.
With one trap door slot filled, the question is who will join them? The thoughts of the biggest of big guns being outside the top deck is hard to fathom but if Kerry fail to beat Tyrone they are probably doomed.
Even if they do win in Omagh, and recent form suggests they just might, they will still need a bit of help from All-Ireland finalists Donegal or Mayo.
The Kerry panel spent Easter in Portugal and we expect them to return renewed and revived and in the mood to keep their recent upturn going. Tyrone are safely in the top four and while they won’t lie down for the visit of their great rivals the Kingdom should come through here.
The situation then for Donegal and Mayo is not so clear. A big win can get either side into the semis. The wrong combo of results will see them beaten.
Donegal host Dublin and the mix of home advantage and the fact Dublin are already home and hosed means we expect Jim McGuinness’ side to do enough.
The other match sees Mayo travel to Cork and we fear for James Horan’s side. Barry Moran and the Freemans, Cathal and Keith, are out and the chance to make the top four and have at least one more competitive game is a big incentive for Cork.
With the addition of classy Antrim half-back James Loughrey to the panel, plus the likely return of Graham Canty to the team, tips the balance in favour of the Rebels.
The calculator will be out on Sunday no matter what happens but we think when it is all said and done it will be the Connacht champs who slip out of the top flight.
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