The final of the Allianz Football League Division Two is set to happen at Croke Park on Sunday, with Armagh facing Donegal at 1.45pm. The match will be telecast live on TG4. Success in the Football League remains a challenging task for most managers but Jim McGuinness, the head coach for Donegal, seems to have already achieved much of what he desired. He efficiently led his team to Division One even before their final match, courtesy of a victory against Kildare in the second last round.
McGuinness labelled this promotion as a major accomplishment, marking the first milestone in his second stint as Donegal’s manager. However, he also pointed out the demanding schedule of the final, considering Donegal’s participation in the Ulster Championships against Derry just three weeks later.
After leading the group with no defeats, Donegal has clearly been on a high. Nine of its players scored in their six-point win over Kildare. Despite the potential absence of Ryan McHugh and Paddy McBrearty due to injuries, the team is well-equipped with alternatives like Peadar Mogan, Oisín Gallen and Daire O’Baoill.
Their recent encounter against Kildare saw Michael Langan scoring three points from midfield and Mogan bagging five from half back. However, similar freedom may not be expected against Armagh. In their last face-off, Rian O’Neill’s contribution almost resulted in a win for Armagh, but the match ended in a draw thanks to Shane O’Donnell’s levelling score.
Kieran McGeeney, who became the Armagh manager in 2014, is keenly awaiting a large-scale victory, whether in leagues or championships. Armagh’s recent performance in Croke Park could be advantageous, and like Donegal, they have a variety of consistent scorers including Andrew Murnin, Conor O’Neill, Rory Grugan, Aidan Forker and Jarly Óg Burns.
On the final day of the match, the lead was constantly changing hands with the largest differential being four points that lasted for roughly a minute. Armagh demonstrated greater skill in front of the goal, an advantage that Croke Park will likely magnify.
At the conclusion of the recent match, McGeeney and McGuinness exchanged cheerful handshake and playful grins, cognizant of the looming big games. Armagh’s superior goal threat and perhaps, their stronger will to win might aid McGeeney’s side to clinch the coveted silverware. Judgement: Armagh
The Allianz Football League Division Three final exhibits Down v Westmeath at Croke Park, Saturday, 5pm, live on TG4.
It’s indeed hard not to empathise with both sides. Despite striving hard to get to Division Two with the hope of competing in the Sam Maguire round-robin, and not the Tailteann Cup in the summer, their future seems uncertain.
Even with a win, there’s no certainty of securing a spot in the top 16. This is because Clare, who finished third, seems to have a smooth journey to the Munster football final (securing their spot rather than competing in the Tailteann Cup, notwithstanding their loss to Down in the final normal round).
Down, led by Conor Laverty, has shown remarkable consistency with six victories and a draw, evidencing their development as a team. The offer of the Tailteann Cup is insignificant in return for their performance. Although Connacht Council’s CEO, John Prenty, suggested that future Division Three winners should be guaranteed entry into Sam Maguire, this doesn’t apply to the current year.
Another match at Croke Park isn’t ideal for Westmeath and Dessie Dolan since they face Wicklow in the Leinster Championships a week later. Though both teams might seem equally determined, Down appears slightly better prepared to secure the win. Judgement: Down
Regarding the Allianz Football League Division Four final, it’s Laois v Leitrim at Croke Park, Saturday 5pm, live on TG4.
These teams have provided the most thrilling conclusion in the league as they fought their way out of the division.
Andy Moran’s squad has had an impressive run, even outplaying their weekend adversaries for the second consecutive year. It’s been half a decade since Leitrim last climbed the ranks. On the other hand, Laois managed to secure their promotion this season, despite suffering a defeat at the hands of their Saturday competitors a fortnight ago.
The last match was nail-bitingly close, with Laois leading until the overtime period when Leitrim scored two points and upset the odds. The force behind this success was Ryan O’Rourke, scoring 0-6 from play, but it was Barry McNulty who tipped the scales with the match-winning point, contributing to Leitrim’s final seven points.
Laois, however, are not a team to be taken lightly. Led by Evan O’Carroll and ably supported by Paul Kingston and key player Killian Roche, their goalkeeper, who has been impeccable for Justin McNulty’s squad during this campaign.
Despite valid reasoning behind Leitrim’s optimism, they faced a challenging game in Portlaoise and the apprehension noticed against Tipp may rise again to trouble them. Conversely, Laois will be prepared. Projected winner: Laois.