Football league: Kerry ripe for picking by Donegal, Galway can keep tribe believing

Cork are a doughtier outfit now than when Meath beat at Páirc Uí Chaoimh two years ago.

Fri, 24 Jan, 2025 - 18:30

John Fogarty

SATURDAY

Allianz Football League, Round 1.

Division 1.

Galway v Armagh, Pearse Stadium, 5.15pm (C. Lane, Cork) Live RTÉ.

Not since the temporary lamps were put for the International Rules game in 2006 has a game been played with the aid of lights at Pearse Stadium. A repeat of last year’s final is a great way to debut them although there have been some concerns about the state of the pitch. Galway won’t right any wrongs in Salthill but they can keep people believing.

Verdict: Galway.

Tyrone v Derry, O’Neills Healy Park, 6pm (D. Coldrick, Meath) Live BBC iPlayer.

Down the Errigal Ciarán contingent, Tyrone will be under strength and it’s not as if Omagh is any sort of a fortress for them. The blood will be stirred by the visit of the neighbours, though. Their absentees and Paddy Tally’s last start as manager may balance themselves out.

Verdict: Draw.

Dublin v Mayo, Croke Park, 7.30pm (P. Faloon, Down) Live TG4.

A case of the have-nots rather than the haves as each manager counts up how many they are missing for this game. Mayo are down about a dozen of last year’s squad for this opener and Dublin are not too far off it themselves. The faith in each county’s following is being tested. Dublin may have a little more to cheer here.

Verdict: Dublin.

Division 2.

Cork v Meath, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 5pm (D. O’Mahoney, Tipperary).

All the noises coming out of Meath have been encouraging although they would be advised not to read too much into Cork’s length injury/unavailable list. It’s going to be a process for Robbie Brennan and while some were on the winning side here two years ago Cork are a doughtier outfit now.

Verdict: Cork.

Cavan v Monaghan, Kingspan Breffni, 6pm (L. Devenney, Mayo).

This derby doesn’t appear to have captured people’s attention as much as it would have used to. Monaghan are in transition, their team is going to be seasoned with a lot of youth and Cavan can capitalise.

Verdict: Cavan.

Division 3

Leitrim v Laois, Páirc Seán Uí Eslín, Ballinamore, 2.30pm (F. Kelly, Longford).

Laois are down a host of players but then Leitrim are without a couple of key men too and Justin McNulty isn’t feeling his way into the job like Steven Poacher.

Verdict: Laois.

Kildare v Fermanagh, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 5pm (B Judge, Sligo).

Starting here, Kildare will grow an appreciation that Division 3 is not the easiest to Division 4. Led by Kevin Feely, they can be prominent in the promotion race but this is a sticky first round fixture.

Verdict: Kildare.

Division 4

Carlow v Tipperary, Netwatch Cullen Park 6pm (E. Morrissey, Waterford).

Both under new managers, there is more uncertainty around this game than any of the other three in the division. Shane Curran’s feelgood vibe could produce an early boost.

Verdict: Carlow.

Wexford v London, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 7pm (D. Hickey, Carlow).

The Exiles are usually good for one or two surprises in the bottom division but Wexford look a settled group with a chance of going up.

Verdict: Wexford.

AIB All-Ireland JFC Club final.

An Cheathrú Rua (Galway) v Naomh Pádraig, Muff (Donegal), Croke Park, 3.10pm (J. Hayes, Limerick) Live TG4.

The edge appears to be with the Connacht champions but having already won in Dublin this year where they overcame a good Kilmurry side after penalties we’re pluming for the Donegal men.

Verdict: Naomh Pádraig, Muff.

SUNDAY

Allianz Football League.

Round 1 Division 1.

Kerry v Donegal, Fitzgerald Stadium, 1.45pm (B. Cawley, Kildare) Live TG4.

With so few of their frontliners and the Cliffords not expected to be available, it feels like Kerry are ripe for the picking here. Donegal have been preparing abroad as they did last year before they marched their way back to Division 1. The benefits of that strong preseason should exhibit itself in Killarney not to mention how the rules seem to suit them better than so many teams.

Verdict: Donegal.

Division 2.

Roscommon v Down, King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, 2pm (N. Cullen, Fermanagh).

One if not two of these teams should be a Division 1 team next year. Roscommon are the great yo-yos and look the better bet but Down are in year three of Conor Laverty and are polished enough to push them.

Verdict: Roscommon.

Westmeath v Louth, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm (B. Tiernan, Dublin).

Louth have been the closest to Dublin these past couple of seasons and they would have to be blind not to see there’s some blood in the water. Dismissing a weakened Westmeath side should be something they can take in their stride.

Verdict: Louth.

Division 3.

Antrim v Clare, Corrigan Park, 1pm (K. Faloon, Armagh).

Like the hurlers, Antrim are a better side in Belfast but personnel-wise Clare are replenished and they were only a dubious referee’s call away from going up last season. Peter Keane will have ideas too.

Verdict: Clare.

Offaly v Sligo, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 2pm (C. Maguire, Clare).

The third coming of Mickey Harte commences in earnest but it might have to be a day of lessons, not points as Tony McEntee’s feet are well and truly under the table in Sligo.

Verdict: Sligo.

Division 4.

Wicklow v Waterford, Echelon Park 2pm (D. Boylan, Monaghan).

Waterford have suffered due to the lack of exposure to higher division teams in the McGrath Cup. Wicklow should be readier.

Verdict: Wicklow.

Longford v Limerick, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm (M. Dorrian, Donegal).

Limerick finished 2024 much stronger than they started it. Jimmy Lee’s side can hit the ground running.

Verdict: Limerick.

AIB All-Ireland Club IFC final:

Ballinderry (Derry) v Crossmolina Deel Rovers (Mayo), Croke Park, 1.30pm (S. Lonergan, Tipperary) Spórt TG4.

It’s bound to be an emotional day for Crossmolina following the tragic loss of Conor Loftus’ fiancée Róisín Cryan earlier this month. This game has well and truly been put in perspective. Verdict: Ballinderry.