John Small and Shane Walsh pictured ahead of the Allianz Football League Final.
Saturday March 31
Allianz Football League Division Two
Down v Tipperary, Pairc Esler, 3pm
Down must win and hope for a favorable result in Drogheda if relegation is to be avoided.
TIpperary were on the verge of securing a dramatic promotion before Cavan finished with a real flourish.
Despite that loss it has been a sound League campaign for TIpperary, who are extremely comfortable operating in Division Two.
That is where Eamonn Burns Down intend to stay.
TIPPERARY: Ciaran Kendrick; Colm O'Shaughnessy, Paddy Codd, Emmet Moloney; Kevin Fahey, Robbie Kiely, Jimmy Feehan; Jack Kennedy, Steven O'Brien; Jason Lonegran, Kevin O'Halloran, Brian Fox; Conor Sweeney, Michael Quinlivan, Liam Boland.
Louth v Meath, Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, 3pm
A raft of injuries destroyed Louth’s League, but they will still want to avoid a seventh straight loss.
Under no pressure Louth could deliver a display against Meath, who can guarantee survival by earning any sort of dividend.
Andy McEntee’s charges were primed for last Sunday’s crunch game against Down and they will want to build on that success by earning another triumph against neighbors Louth.
Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney.
Allianz Football League Division Three Final
Armagh v Fermanagh, Croke Park, 3pm
With promotion secured from a competitive Division Three, Armagh and Fermanagh now want to make a pre Ulster Championship statement.
When they met in the group stages it was tight and tactical with the spoils eventually decided.
Rory Gallagher has Fermanagh well organised and the Quigleys supply a potent threat in attack.
Armagh can move the ball direct inside to a physically imposing forward line that has impressed this spring.
Having reached the All Ireland Quarter-Finals in 2017 Armagh want to remain relevant.
Allianz Football League Division Four Final
Laois v Carlow, Croke Park, 3pm
It has been a satisfactory campaign for two teams eager to attain silverware at Croke Park.
Last Sunday’s collision at Netwatch Cullen Park was dour and defensive, but it is likely to be a more open affair at GAA headquarters.
Carlow’s rise under Turlough O’Brien remains a splendid success story, but Laois’ quietly effective Division Four campaign was noteworthy.
Colm Begley and John O’Loughlin are competent performers and Laois will feel that further progress can be made in the coming weeks, months, and years.
There is no doubt that Carlow share similar sentiments so this should be a decent indicator.
Conor Devaney, Roscommon, and Ciaran Brady, Cavan, pictured ahead of the Allianz Football League Division Two Final.
Sunday April 1
Allianz Football League Division One Final
Dublin v Galway, Croke Park, 4pm
A fortnight ago at Pearse Stadium even with Dublin and Galway understrength there was plenty of bite and bark.
Galway earned a point against the All Ireland champions, but they made one too. Kevin Walsh’s team were able for a physical battle and Dublin left the west aware that something was beginning to stir.
Can Galway replicate such drive and desire in a match of far greater consequence at the Jones Road venue? That question will be answered on Sunday.
Having gleaned 13 points from a possible 14, though, highlights how far Galway have travelled in a short space of time.
Dublin remain the acid test, the most accomplished and decorated collection of footballers in the land will want to re-affirm their superiority.
DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton; Philly McMahon, Michael Fitzsimons, David Byrne; James McCarthy, Jonny Cooper, John Small; Brian Fenton, Michael Darragh Macauley; Brian Howard, Kevin McManamon, Niall Scully; Dean Rock, Ciaran Kilkenny, Paddy Andrews.
GALWAY: Ruairi Lavelle; Declan Kyne, Sean Andy O Ceallaigh, Eoghan Kerin; Gareth Bradshaw, Cathal Sweeney, Johnny Heaney; Peter Cooke, Ciaran Duggan; Eamonn Brannigan, Paul Conroy, Sean Kelly; Barry McHugh, Damien Comer, Sean Armstrong.
Allianz Football League Division Two Final
Cavan v Roscommon, Croke Park, 2pm
Relegated at this time last year Cavan and Roscommon both did what was required in Division Two.
During the past few years they’ve been involved in some good tussles and another could be added to the list.
The 2017 Connacht Championship triumph finally saw Roscommon deliver on their vast underage potential.
Cavan recently stitched four Under 21 provincial titles together so there is no shortage of good talent.
Mattie McGleenan has found a nice blend, though, since January and Cavan’s storming finish against Tipperary suggests a lack of character isn’t an issue. There is increasing depth too, but Roscommon are a resourceful outfit also.
CAVAN: Raymond Galligan; Jason McLoughlin, Padraig Faulkner, Enda Flanagan; Martin Reilly, Ciaran Brady, Oisin Kiernan; Gearoid McKiernan, Killian Clarke; Dara McVeety, Bryan Magee, Cian Mackey; Caoimhin O'Reilly, Adrian Cole, Conor Bradley.
ROSCOMMON: James Featherston; David Murray, Peter Domican, Fergal Lennon; Conor Daly, Ultan Harney, Brian Stack; Tadhg O'Rourke, Cathal Compton; Ciarain Murtagh, Niall Kilroy, Conor Devaney; Donie Smith, Ciaran Lennon, Diarmuid Murtagh.
