GAA preview: Football league reaches final weekend, semi-finals in hurling league
The Allianz Football league reaches its final round of fixtures this weekend, with promotion, relegation and final places all still to play for.
In Division One, Derry are likely to be in the final as they are top of the table on 10 points. They host Roscommon on Sunday, who need a win to have any chance of avoiding relegation.
Likely to join Derry in the final is Dublin, who host Tyrone in Croke Park. Kerry have a chance of reaching the final, but would need a big win against Galway, and would require Dublin to suffer a heavy defeat.
In the Division’s other game, already relegated Monaghan host Mayo.
In Division Two, Donegal and Armagh have already secured promotion and will meet in the final next weekend.
At the other end of the table, Kildare are relegated with zero points from six games, as they host Louth, who need a win to stay up. This also means Kildare have to make the Leinster final to reach the All-Ireland.
Currently, joining Kildare in the relegation zone, is Fermanagh, who are away to Cavan. Fermanagh must win and hope Louth lose to Kildare.
In Division Three, Down, Westmeath and Clare are all still in the race for promotion.
Down and Westmeath are level on 11 points, with Clare one point behind in third. Down host Clare, with the banner needing a win to secure promotion.
A draw and a Westmeath win away to Sligo will see Down and Westmeath promoted and in next weekend’s final.
Limerick are already relegated with zero points, and will be joined by one of Antrim, Wicklow or Offaly.
Antrim are at home to Wicklow, with Wicklow needing a win to stay up, while Offaly’s point difference may be key when they face Limerick.
In Division Four, half of the league could be promoted heading into the final round of games.
Laois are top of the league on 10 points, with Wexford, Longford and Leitrim all on eight points. Wexford are currently in second due to their points difference, and should themselves and Laois win, they will be promoted.
In hurling, it is the semi-final stage of the league, with a repeat of the All-Ireland final as Kilkenny take on Limerick.
Kilkenny will be aiming to put down an early season marker over the All-Ireland champions, who have defeated Kilkenny in the last two All-Ireland finals.
On Sunday, the other semi-final will see Tipperary take on Clare. Both teams will be keen to make the final, and make a statement ahead of the Munster championship.
In Ladies football, there is also a lot to be decided in the final weekend of the National Football League.
Armagh are top of the table and have qualified for the final six wins, as they host Dublin on Saturday. The All-Ireland champions must win, and hope Kerry do not win at home to Galway.
At the bottom of Division One, Galway, Cork and Waterford are all on three points, with Galway in the best position to stay up due to their points difference.
Meath are at home to Cork, with Mayo hosting Waterford.
Here is all the information you need ahead of this weekend’s GAA action:
Saturday, March 23rd
Allianz Football League Division Two
Cavan v Fermanagh, Breffni Park, GAAGO and BBCiPlayer, 7pm.
Donegal v Meath, MacCumhail Park, 7pm.
Kildare v Louth, Dr Cullen Park, TG4, 7pm.
Cork v Armagh, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7pm.
Allianz Hurling League Division One semi-final
Limerick v Kilkenny, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4.30pm.
Sunday, March 24th
Allianz Football League Division One
Derry v Roscommon, Celtic Park, 1.45pm.
Kerry v Gakway, Fitzgerald Stadium, TG4, 1.45pm.
Dublin v Tyrone, Croke Park, 1.45pm.
Monaghan v Mayo, St Tiernach’s Park, 1.45pm.
Allianz Football League Division Three
Sligo v Westmeath, Markievicz Park, 2pm.
Down v Clare, Páirc Esler, 2pm.
Antrim v Wicklow, Corrigan Park, 2pm.
Offaly v Limerick, O’Connor Park, 2pm.
Allianz League Division Four
Carlow v London, Dr Cullen Park, 1pm.
Leitrim v Tipperary, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 1pm.
Wexford v Longford, Wexford Park, 1pm.
Waterford v Laois, Fraher Field, 1pm.
Allianz Hurling League Division One semi-final
Clare v Tipperary, O’Moore Park, TG4, 4pm.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie