The Final Weekend of The League in Full Swing: Key Contenders and Match-Ups

The Drama of Division 1

The final weekend of the league is always high on drama, with plenty on the line, even if some teams near the top of Division 1 regard a league final as more hassle than it’s worth. Aside from Derry, everyone in the top tier has something to play for, and two teams – Mayo and Kerry – could conceivably wind up in a league decider or be relegated to Division 2.

The number crunchers have assured us that Mayo’s chances of being relegated on seven points – it would be a very rare event – are hovering at 1.5%. With Donegal likely to rotate the squad as they did last weekend, there’s a fair prospect that Kevin McStay’s side could wind up on nine points. It’d mark an impressive showing given that they were initially touted for relegation after the first two rounds.

Rematch of the 2022 All-Ireland Final in Salthill

The most enticing clash in the final weekend of games is in Salthill, where we’ve a rematch of the 2022 All-Ireland final, involving two of the most stacked and exciting attacking units in the game. This game has a particular significance for Kerry, and not just because their safety isn’t assured yet.

Division 2 is where most of the jeopardy lies. We could be on course for a humdinger of a finale with various teams vying for their last-minute glory.

Promotion Challenges and Surprises

Cavan-Cork feels like the game with most riding on it. Whenever the threat of the Tailteann Cup hangs in the air, it seems to be the cue for Cork to put a spurt on. Sure enough, they were reborn at the weekend and devoured Louth in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Relegation and Division 3

In the third tier, relegation is likely settled. Sligo’s away win in Antrim looks to have guaranteed their safety, a deserved outcome after some poor luck earlier in the campaign. They should make light work of Leitrim in the final round, provided they’re asked to play the game at all.

At the other side, it was a landmark win for Offaly. The positivity is night and day from last season. It’s a major setback for Kildare, who looked like certainties to run amok in the division at the outset. Now, they’ve lost to their two promotion rivals. Fortunately for them, their score advantage over Clare looks far too big to reel in, don’t you think?

Final remarks