Football leagues reach climax this weekend

The Allianz GAA National Football Leagues reach their climax in Croke Park this weekend.

Croke Park hosts the Division 1 and 2 deciders on Sunday, before the serious summer business kicks off.

Kerry are missing many of the stars that helped them claim Sam last season, while some are suggesting that the meeting of Cork and Mayo for the second time in recent weeks could be a prelude to the battle between both counties projected for this summer.

Friendships and past glories will have to be set aside at 2pm this Sunday as Paddy O'Rourke and James McCartan don opposing Bainisteoir's bibs.

Cork are seeking the Division 1 title for the first time since 1999, which was also the last time they appeared in the final while Mayo are chasing their first title since 2001.

Both Ulster rivals in the Division 2 decider are already guaranteed promotion, but there’s still a lot at stake as the sides begin to tune up for the championship.

They met in the group games in Newry in March with Down winning easily (1-13 to 1-6). Benny Coulter scored 1-1 for Down while Steven McDonnell countered with 1-3 for Armagh.

However, Coulter’s colleagues were more productive than McDonnell’s as James McCartan’s men powered to victory over an Armagh team managed by his former All-Ireland winning colleague, Paddy O'Rourke.