Weekend GAA Previews Saturday 27th March & Sunday 28th March

Saturday 27 March

Allianz NHL Division 3a

Kerry v Armagh, Tralee, 2.30pm
Referee: David Copps

Kerry will finish top of Division 3a no matter what happens in Tralee having won all their four games so far but it took a power packed final quarter to see off London last week. The league leaders trailed by three points going into that stage of the game but they rattled off 2-6 in the closing stages to keep their 100% record intact.

With Mayo due to face London, there is no chance of Armagh being relegated and the two points gained last week against Ulster rivals Derry were enough to secure their safety.

Verdict: Kerry

Mayo v London, Castlebar, 2.30pm
Referee: Michael O Connor

There will be a relegation dogfight in Castlebar on Saturday with the losers of this game heading for Division 3b next year.

Having won promotion last year London would dearly love to avoid an immediate return to the division below but with home advantage on their side, you would have to fancy Mayo here.

Verdict: Mayo

Meath v Derry, Páirc Tailteann, 2.30pm
Referee: Jason O Mathony

Meath need a win on their home patch to ensure a second consecutive Division 3a final. Last year they lost out to Kildare in the decider despite topping the division and they will fancy their chances against a Derry team who have blown their hopes with last weeks surprise loss to Armagh.

Verdict: Meath

Allianz NFL Division 1

Derry v Cork, Celtic Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Marty Duffy

Time is running out for Derry if they are to get the points that will pull them away from the relegation zone and last weeks defeat to relegation rivals Monaghan will have hit them hard.

That was their fourth defeat on the bounce and Damien Cassidy will be anxious for his team to get a win in one of their final two games not only to stave off relegation but also to halt the losing streak before the championship.

However, they could hardly have wished for a tougher game than against the in-form Rebels. Last weeks win over Dublin showed that they are hungry for a league final place and was the perfect way to respond to the previous weeks shock loss to Tyrone.

Cork have conceded five goals in their last two games and that is a problem that Conor Counihan will be anxious to address but its hard to see them slipping up at Celtic Park.

Verdict: Cork

Dublin v Galway, Parnell Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Cormac Reilly

Pat Gilroys Dubs had been enjoying a perfect league campaign up until last weeks seven point defeat to Cork and suddenly the pressure is on if they are to clinch a place in the league final.

A win against a Galway team who are still looking over their shoulders at Derry and Tyrone below them would nicely set up Gilroys team going into the final round of games.

Joe Bergin was in fine form for the Tribesmen in last weeks vital win against Tyrone while Matthew Clancy scored 1-3 from play and Galway will need these kind of players to be at the top of their games if they are to get anything from their trip to the capital.

Verdict: Dublin

Tyrone v Kerry, Omagh, 7.30pm
Referee: Padraig Hughes

Although last weeks defeat to Galway was a crushing blow for Tyrone, the one bright spot was the substitute appearance of the magnificent Sean Cavanagh and he is line to take his place in the Tyrone starting team for the first time since last years All-Ireland quarter-final win over Kildare this weekend.

Cavanaghs return could hardly be better timed because his county badly need a win from somewhere but the fixture Gods havent exactly smiled on Tyrone and getting anything from their final two games against Kerry and Dublin will be tough. The good news of Cavanghs return is also balanced out by the loss of Justin McMahon through a hamstring injury.

Jack OConnors Kerry team have lost three times already in this league season and the manager has gone on record this week as saying his team need more one win to their ensure their safety.

However, Tyrones need is greater this weekend and that allied with the returning Cavanagh might be enough to tip this one in the Red Hands favour and drag the holders into an unlikely relegation scrap in the final round of games.

Verdict: Tyrone

Allianz NFL Division 2

Donegal v Meath, Ballybofey, 7.30pm
Referee: Martin Sludden

These two teams are locked in a four way battle alongside Kildare and Armagh for the last promotion spot behind Down and the winners in Ballybofey will feel that they have taken a giant leap towards Division 1 football next year.

John Joe Dohertys team were far from impressive in last weeks one point victory over Tipperary and it was only Michael Murphys accuracy that carried them through in front of a tiny crowd at Semple Stadium.

Meath were hardly much better when winning by the same margin against Laois and they head North still looking for their first win away from Páirc Tailteann in the league this year.

Eamon OBriens side have found scores hard to come by and their promotion hopes are likely to be scupperred by a negative scoring difference even if do record that first away win.

Verdict: Donegal

Laois v Kildare, Portlaoise, 7.30pm
Referee: Patrick Fox

Referee Patrick Fox is man with the most unenviable job in GAA this weekend.

Games between these two local rivals are always feisty affairs but in the first meeting between the two since a 28 man brawl and seven red cards marred their January OByrne Cup clash, all eyes are sure to be on the Westmeath official.

Kildare will see this as an ideal opportunity to send their neighbours hurtling towards relegation but its hard to know what sort of performance Kieran McGeeneys inconsistent team will turn in. They followed up impressive wins over Tipperary and Donegal with a woeful display in Crossmaglen against Armagh and only a virtuoso display by skipper Johhny Doyle saw them through against Westmeath last week.

Sean Dempseys Laois team were perhaps unlucky to leave Páirc Tailteann with nothing last Saturday night and the likes of Billy Sheehan and Donie Kingston are sure to cause Kildares creaky full back line problems in OMoore Park.

Verdict: Kildare

Allianz NFL Division 3

Antrim v Louth, Casement Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Con Reynolds

The top two teams in Division 3 will both be looking to get their promotion challenges back on track after one point defeats last week.

Paddy Cunningham hit 1-6 for Antrim in this loss to Offaly but surely such a return wouldnt go unrewarded for a second week running.

That win for Offaly would have made Louths failure to overcome Roscommon harder to take for Peter Fitzpatick as his team could have joined the Northerners at the top of the table with a win against the team propping up the table.

Fitzpatrick could be left disappointed again this week.

Verdict: Antrim

Cavan v Offaly, Kingspan Breffni Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Paul Kneel

With the top two teams in this tight division playing against each other at the same time as this game, a win here for Offaly would be the perfect way to prepare for a final day clash against Louth.

The Faithful County stunned Antrim last week to put an end to their 100% record and it has breathed new life into their promotion hopes.

Tommy Carr will know that a loss here will leave his team facing into a relegation shoot out against Fermanagh on the final day but he might have to settle for second best against a revitalised Offaly.

Verdict: Offaly

Allianz NFL Division 4

Carlow v Leitrim Dr. Cullen Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Derek O Mahoney

Carlow were extremely unfortunate not to be the first team to take something off Clare this season when they lost out to an injury time point despite the second half dismissals of Brendan Murphy and Willie Minchin.

Leitrim also had to contend with a red card last week when Gary Reynolds was sent for an early shower during their facile 15 point win over London but this weeks assignment is sure to be a sterner test and it might be one that they fail.

Verdict: Carlow

Limerick v Kilkenny, Gaelic Grounds, 7.30pm
Referee: Jer Lynch

Kilkennys search for anything positive to take from this years league continues on Saturday night but they are unlikely to find it at the Gaelic Grounds against a Limerick team who still have an eye on promotion.

Verdict: Limerick


Sunday 28 March

Allianz NFL Division 1

Mayo v Monaghan, Castlebar, 2.30pm
Referee: Rory Hickey

A win here will leave John OMahony Mayo team with one foot in the league final but they may have to plan without ace forward Alan Dillon who limped out of last weeks two point win over reigning champions Kerry.

Conor Mortimer was in fine form during that win with four points from play but OMahonys mind will be pre-occupied with injuries this week and Ronan McGarrity, Aidan Kilcoyne and Barry Moran join Dillon as doubtful.

Mayo face a testing trip to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the final round of games so they will be especially keen to gather the two points here.

Monaghan managed a vital victory against Derry last week that could well be enough to preserve their Division 1 status next year but even the confidence gained from that is unlikely to save them in Castlebar.

Verdict: Mayo

Allianz NFL Division 2

Armagh v Tipperary, Crossmaglen, 2.30pm
Referee: Martin Higgins

Armagh were infuriatingly slow out of the blocks on Paddy ORourkes return to Down and that defeat has opened the door once again for the likes of Kildare, Donegal and Meath for promotion from Division 2.

The Orchard County looked a side full of scores in the previous weeks victory over Kildare but only three players made it onto the scoreboard in that defeat to Down.

Tipperary were desperately unlucky to beat Donegal last week and afterwards, manager John Evans hit out at the refereeing decisions that he feels have cost his team in recent weeks.

There is no doubt that defeat has left his team clinging onto their Division 2 by their fingertips and unless they can get something from this trip to Crossmaglen they will be staring at relegation.

Verdict: Armagh

Westmeath v Down, Cusack Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Gearoid O Conamha

Its top against bottom at Cusack Park and surely there is only one winner here.

A win for James McCartens team would seal a second successive promotion and it would be no more than they deserve after a highly impressive league season.

Last weeks game against local rivals Armagh could have proved to be a tricky encounter but a first minute Benny McCoulter goal set them on their way and apart from a sticky patch at the end of the first half, they never looked back.

Not only would a win be enough to promote Down but it would also be enough to relegate Westmeath who surely threw away their last chance of survival last week when losing to Kildare despite leading by 2-1 to no score after 12 minutes. Expect Down to put the final nail in their coffin this weekend.

Verdict: Down

Allianz NFL Division 3

Fermanagh v Sligo, Brewster Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Ciaran Branagan

Fermanagh have won only one game so far this year and things are unlikely to get any better for them against a Sligo team who have won three of their previous four games.

A Sligo win would consign Fermanagh to the basement division next year if Cavan overcome Offaly on Saturday night.

Verdict: Sligo

Roscommon v Wexford, Dr. Hyde Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Michael Duffy

Eric Bradleys goal decided a closely fought encounter against Fermanagh last week in Wexfords favour and suddenly their thoughts can turn to promotion once more.

Roscommon looked dead and buried until last weeks shock win over Louth and they will be looking for a similar win in front of their home supporters.

Verdict: Roscommon

Allianz NFL Division 4

Longford v Clare, Pearse Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Paul Finnegan

Clare needed an injury time point from Michael OShea last week against Carlow to preserve the only remaining 100% record in the league but they should be too strong for Longford in Pearse Park.

David Tubridy scored 1-11 in that win and another victory for Michael McDermotts men would keep them nicely on track for promotion.

Verdict: Clare

Waterford v Wicklow, Fraher Field, 2.30pm
Referee: Tom Lynch

A very important game in the race to join Division 4 champions elect Clare in Division 3 next year.

Wicklow were perhaps surprisingly held to a draw by Limerick at home last week to end a run of four consecutive wins and maybe Waterfords fresher legs will make the difference here after they enjoyed a week off last weekend.

Verdict: Waterford.

Allianz NHL Division 1

Dublin v Cork, Parnell Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Brian Gavin

Dublin manager Anthony Daly spoke this week of his desire to ensure Dublin remain in hurlings top flight but his team need to stand up on the pitch pretty quickly if they are to do that.

They only have that impressive win over league champions Tipperary to show for their efforts in their four games so and although they have it tough against the league leaders Cork, they need to pick up a win from somewhere.

The Dubs amassed a more than respectable tally of 0-23 in their defeat to Kilkenny last week while Cork took a share of the spoils following a draw in that classic match against Waterford.

That result extended Corks unbeaten run this season and its hard to see it being ended at Parnell Park on Sunday.

Verdict: Cork

Kilkenny v Galway, Nowlan Park, 2.30pm
Referee: James Owens

Richie Power managed a tally of 2-7 as Kilkenny returned to winning ways against Dublin last week but even if they were to win their remaining three games, starting with Sundays tie against Galway, they are unlikely to force their way into the league final.

A two game losing streak would not be the end of the world for most counties but Kilkenny are a different breed of animal and Brian Cody will have been glad to see them back in the winners enclosure.

Galway manager John McIntyre will be hoping that Iarla Tannian, the Tribesmens top scorer from play in this years NHL, can overcome a hand injury that originally looked set to rule him out for the rest of the campaign in time for Sundays game.

Aidan Harte found the back of the net as Galway beat Offaly last week and a win would be a great boost to their chances of gaining a place in the league final but expect the Cats to be too strong here.

Verdict: Kilkenny

Offaly v Limerick, Tullamore, 2.30pm
Referee: Michael Haverty

After a tumultuous week for Justin McCarthy, he will be glad to be getting back to business on the pitch on Sunday.

The good news for McCarthy was the overwhelming vote in his favour by Limerick clubs during the week but the bad news is that he must get his teams focus back on hurling matters in time for this vital clash near the bottom of Division 1.

Offalys win over Dublin in Round 3 is the only positive result that either of these teams have to show for their efforts this year and unless Limerick can win here there seems little chance of them escaping the drop.

The Limerick clubs spoke this week and gave their backing to manager McCarthy, their hurlers have the chance to do the same on the pitch on Sunday but they will find Offaly a tough nut to crack.

Verdict: Offaly

Tipperary v Waterford, Thurles, 2.30pm
Referee: Cathal Mc Allister

How do you follow scoring a tally of 1-17?

That is the problem facing Waterfords Eoin Kelly after last weeks masterclass in his countys draw against Cork. The Passage clubman showed his modesty in the aftermath of that game when he diverted the praise to his team mates but his explosive form ahead of this game sets up the possibility of this game being another classic.

Davy Fitzgerald was further boosted during the week by the news that Tony Browne has returned to training but they will know to expect nothing easy against a Tipperary side who desperately want to retain their league crown.

They had an easy win over Limerick last week but this is sure to be a much closer affair with Fitzgeralds team possibly taking a giant leap towards a league final.

Verdict: Waterford

Allianz NHL Division 2

Carlow v Clare, Dr. Cullen Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Sean Whelan

Carlow recorded perhaps the surprise of Round 4 when they earned their first ever competitive win over Wexford but they will have to go even one better if they are they are to get the better of unbeaten Clare.

14 man Clare struggled to beat Antrim after the sending off of Fergal Lynch last week and know that they need a win from this potentially difficult away assignment if they are to hold off the challenge of their hosts, Laois and Wexford at the top of the division.

Verdict: Clare

Down v Laois, Portaferry, 2.30pm
Referee: Tony Carroll

Laois kept alive their hopes of promotion with last weeks trouncing of Westmeath and they will travel North in high spirits following three straight wins.

Willie Hyland caught the eye for Laois but Down were perhaps more impressive in beating Kildare in Newbridge.

That was a game that many had down for a win for Andy Comerfords men but Down ground out a deserved win although they are unlikely to repeat that feat this weekend.

Verdict: Laois

Westmeath v Antrim, Cusack Park, 12.45pm
Referee: Eamonn Hassen

The first part of a Sunday double header at Cusack Park with Westmeath supporters still desperate to see one of their county teams win a league game in 2010.

Although they have lost all four of their games so far, their situation isnt as bleak as it might seem and Kevin Martin will remain confident that his team can catch either Kildare or Down.

However, Antrim pushed table toppers Clare all the way last week and its hard to see winless Westmeath causing them too many problems. There could be a double dose of disaster awaiting those hardy Westmeath souls who make the journey to Cusack Park.

Verdict: Antrim

Wexford v Kildare, Wexford Park, 2.30pm
Referee: John Sexton

Kildares hopes of avoiding an immediate return to Division 3a took a heavy blow last weekend when they were beaten in their own back garden by fellow strugglers Down and suddenly the rest of the season looks daunting for Andy Comerfords team.

The defeat to Carlow should act as a wake up call for Wexford and there should be only one winner here.

Verdict: Wexford

Allianz NHL Division 3b

Fingal v Tyrone, Swords, 2.30pm
Referee: Dickie Murphy

Tyrone have lost all three games so far and their sights are solely set on what will more than likely be a relegation play off against Sligo in the last round of games and Fingal should remain on the fringes of promotion with their third win of the campaign here. A lot depends on the form of star forward Martin Ormonde who seems to be the a big addition to the squad this season.

Verdict: Fingal

Sligo v Donegal, Markievicz Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Alan Kelly

Its a similar story for Sligo as they are in the same boat as Tyrone having lost all three of their games so far. They are up against a Donegal team who were on the wrong end of a hammering on their own pitch last week against Wicklow and the Sligomen may fancy their chances of getting their first set of points on the board here.

Verdict: Sligo

Wicklow v Roscommon, Arklow, 2.30pm
Referee: Pat Casey

Wicklow are in fine form at the moment and lead the league with a 100% record. They go into this game on the back of handing out that heavy defeat to Tyrone and they should make it four wins out of four.

Verdict: Wicklow

Allianz NHL Division 4

Leitrim v Monaghan, Ballinamore, 2.30pm
Referee: Anthony Stapleton

Its top against bottom in Division 4 when Leitrim host Monaghan who have won all four of their games so far. Michael McHugh hit ten points in last weeks win against Cavan and Monaghan will expect to have too much in their locker for a Leitrim side who have one win from their four games.

Verdict: Monaghan

Fermanagh v Longford, Irvinestown, 2.30pm
Referee: Garrett Duffy

A match between the two teams who are mostly likely to join Monaghan in the League final. Longford enjoyed a comfortable win against Leitrim last week at the same time as Fermanagh were suffering a slightly disappointing loss to South Down. If Longford can carry the momentum gained from the win into this game, they should be able to make a serious claim for second spot in the table.

Verdict: Longford

South Down v Cavan, Ballela, 2.30pm
Referee: Owen Elliot

These two teams have one win apiece with South Downs first win of the year coming last week when they came from six points behind to beat Fermanagh.

Verdict: South Down