Saturday
Allianz Football League
Division One
Kerry v Donegal, Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, 2.30pm – The storm-forced refixing of this match meant that both sides went into last weekend with no match practice but they belied the disadvantage with wins over last year’s two league finalists. Donegal’s was more straightforward, a front-running victory over Dublin, the first half locked away by Daire Ó Baoill’s marksmanship in a man-of-the-match display and the second kept out of Dublin’s reach by Oisín Gallen and the later appearance of Patrick McBrearty. Jim McGuinness was expected to make a big attempt at this fixture on opening day and a fortnight later, has hardly changed his mind.
Kerry were lucky certainly in that their late, late two-goal deliverance came from chances coughed up by Derry but they had created other goal chances – veteran Paul Geaney was very sharp for his first of two goals off the bench and his cousin Conor had 2-2 from play. Diarmuid O’Connor and Barry Dan O’Sullivan worked an impressive shift against Conor Glass and Anton Tohill at centrefield and Paudie Clifford looked sharp directing attacks. Donegal have good scoring options and although near-rookie Damien Bourke was very competitive, the defence in general had a tough time from Derry. The visitors will also be a tighter proposition at the back, which can swing it. Verdict: Kerry
Division Three
Leitrim v Laois, Páirc Seán Uí Eslín, Ballinamore, 2.30pm – Unlike in Division One, teams without a match in the lower half of the league suffered. Laois weren’t disgraced by their neighbours but were clearly less up to speed than Offaly. Leitrim were well beaten by Clare and have it all to do, even at home. Verdict: Laois
Division Four
Wicklow v Waterford, Echelon Park, Aughrim, 2.30pm – Oisín McConville lamented after the surprise defeat in London that having targeted four points by this stage, Wicklow in fact had none. This refixture should have been the first and although Waterford were decent for most of the Carlow match, they fell away by the end. Verdict: Wicklow
Allianz Hurling League
Division 1A
Wexford v Kilkenny, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5.30pm (Live, RTÉ 2) – A pairing that has proved box office in recent years is now looking a bit wan. Wexford, decimated by injury, and a struggling Kilkenny have one win between them from four matches. The visitors have rung the changes this time, strengthening the slightly experimental line-up from last week. Killian Doyle, Stephen Donnelly and Harry Shine all make their season’s first starts. Martin Keoghan has been carrying the attacking effort with 0-12 from play in the two matches to date.
Keith Rossiter will be relieved to be able to field a stronger selection. Rory O’Connor’s suspension is up and his brother Jack is fresh from his 100th appearance last week in Semple Stadium. Kilkenny’s regular tormentor Lee Chin is back training but considered unlikely to feature this weekend. Wexford’s display last week was an improvement albeit an unavailing one but they were competitive until Tipp pulled away in the final quarter. They still competed until the end. Verdict: Kilkenny
Galway v Clare, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, 7.30pm (Live, TG4) – Galway clicked back into shape in Nowlan Park, showing aptitude for the fray in a decisive finale – admittedly after Micheál Donoghue had made 10 changes from the opening day calamity. Although stiffened up compared to the experimental line-up that Tipp ate, there were also some excellent displays from younger players – Gavin Lee was named GAA Player of the Week for his fine performance, scoring 0-3 in the half backs along with Pádraic Mannion.
Clare had a heartening outing at home to Kilkenny with a shadow team. Brian Lohan expects to have a few of his first team back for this trip across the border. The visitors started their only match in a blaze but got caught in the end, having been well-positioned to get something from the contest. They’ll be anxious to make amends just as Galway won’t want to be humiliated in front of their own crowd for a second weekend. Verdict: Galway
Division 4
Warwickshire v Louth, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, 2pm; Longford v Leitrim, Pearse Park, 2pm.
Sunday
Allianz Hurling League
Division 1A
Limerick v Tipperary, TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick 3.45pm (Live, TG4) – A fixture that Tipperary have found generally unforgiving in the past few years' league and championship will give Liam Cahill a read on where his evolving team are at present. Two from two, a romp against Galway and a more laboured but equally, comfortable verdict over Wexford brings Tipp to Limerick on full points. Typical of a Cahill team, they have hit the ground running, a combination of established players like Jake Morris and rising performers, like Darragh McCarthy up front. Eoghan Connolly has been very good at full back but this will be a step up for all concerned. Barry Murphy may pick up McCarthy having kept Alan Connolly scoreless from play last weekend when Limerick were unlucky not to take both points in Cork with a nice blend of younger and more experienced hurlers. Verdict: Limerick
Division 1B
Offaly v Antrim, Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 1.45pm (Live, TG4) – An interesting tussle to see where Antrim are after two matches. Offaly impressed against Laois and their failure to beat Carlow was put in context by the latter’s defeat of Waterford and look to have the firepower here. Verdict: Offaly
Waterford v Laois, Walsh Park, Waterford, 2pm (TG4 Player and deferred) – Waterford came a cropper in the face of Chris Nolan’s predatory goals against Carlow, a demoralising start for quite an experienced team. Laois were also turned over, by a slicker Offaly. Afterwards, manager Tommy Fitzgerald expressed realistic concern about a relegation battle and a fired-up Waterford aren’t ideal opposition. Verdict: Waterford
Westmeath v Dublin, TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, 2pm – Judged on a form-line through Antrim, this looks like a big win for Dublin, who trimmed the Ulstermen a week before they in turn beat Westmeath by nine. The home team are still missing some of their best-known players, not ideal for the visit of Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s lively charges. Verdict: Dublin
Division 2
Kerry v Derry, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 1pm; Down v Donegal, McKenna Park, Ballycran, 2pm; Tyrone v Meath, Garvaghey, 2pm.
Division 3
London v Cavan, McGovern Park, Ruislip 1pm; Armagh v Wicklow, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 2pm; Sligo v Mayo, Enniscrone, 2pm.
Division 4
Fermanagh v Monaghan, Brewster Park, Enniskillen, 2pm.
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