There's a huge weekend of fixtures taking place in the Allianz National League this weekend. While there's a potential All-Ireland final preview on Saturday, there is also a lot at stake in Division 2 and 3 as sides look to strengthen their chances at making the All-Ireland Championship. We've picked five of the best fixtures to keep an eye on in a jam packed weekend of GAA.
5 Big Allianz National League fixtures this weekend
Kerry vs Mayo
The clash of the weekend, as the top two sides in Division 1 face off on Saturday at 19:30 in Killarney.
Both sides have seven points after three wins and one draw each, with Kerry ahead on points difference.
Kerry have been the team to beat so far this season, but the match should give a better insight into the form of Mayo and an idea of where they stand with an eye on the All-Ireland.
Kerry remain the bookies favourites for the GAA Championship, with Mayo third behind Dublin despite the Dubs lying last in the League with zero points.
The game will be shown live on RTÉ 2.
27 February 2022; David Clifford of Kerry during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Monaghan and Kerry at Inniskeen Grattans GAA Club in Monaghan. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Dublin vs Tyrone
Any game involving Dublin will inevitably draw many eyes, for many different reasons. Dubs fans desperately need them to show some form and give them hope for the Championship, while Tyrone supporters and neutral GAA fans will bask in their demise.
The game also has the added sub-plot of pitting the winners of the last two All-Irelands against each other.
Dublin may also be boosted with the return of James McCarthy and Cormac Costello, who both played for their clubs on the weekend.
Should Dublin win, they could potentially move off the bottom of the table, depending on Monaghan’s result against Donegal, and move to just one point behind Tyrone.
The game will take place at Tyrone's Healy Park in Omagh at 15:45, and will be shown live on TG4.
Down vs Offaly
While it’s not the weekend’s marquee fixture, it might be the one with the most on the line.
Both sides lie at the bottom of Division 2 with one point a piece, while Down are ahead in points difference by one.
The points for winning this game will go a long way to securing safety in the Division for the victor. Relegation to Division 3 means that unless a team can reach their provincial final, they must take their place in the GAA's inaugural Tailteann Cup and forego a shot at the All-Ireland.
There have been arguments however, that sides may prefer to be placed in the Tailteann Cup and have a shot at winning a trophy, rather than suffer an inevitable early exit in the main Championship.
Throw in for the game is at 17:00 in Down's Páirc Esler in Newry.
Cork vs Meath
Like Down’s clash with Offaly, this game is all about avoiding the drop to Division 3.
All that separates Cork with Down and Offaly is their superior points difference, and Meath are not too much better with only two points after four matches.
Victory for Cork would move them ahead of Meath, and closer to avoiding the drop and potentially missing out on All-Ireland football this season.
Home advantage could be crucial for the Rebel County, as well as the news that Meath will be without captain Shane McEntee for the rest of the 2022 season. It was announced today that he will be leaving for Mali on peacekeeping tour with the Irish Defence Forces.
Throw in is at 14:00, and will be played at Meath’s Páirc Tailteann.
Limerick vs Westmeath
As Division 2 teams in the GAA's National Leagues battle to stay up, Division 3 sees an intriguing battle for promotion which would ensure a shot at Sam Maguire.
Limerick are currently first, while Westmeath lie in fourth. However, a win for Westmeath would put them level on points with Limerick and firmly back in the promotion race.
Throw in is on Saturday at 19:00 in Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds.
See Also: Can You Get 11/11 In Our Quiz Of The GAA Games Weekend?
