GAA League Preview: Round Four

The football season is well and truly underway, and we have passed the halfway mark of the group stages, with teams and positions taking shape. The penultimate round won’t be long approaching, and many teams are desperate to put points on the board. There are some tight games again this weekend, and we look at the main four clashes.

Mayo v Tyrone
Saturday 25th, 11pm
Venue: Castlebar

It seems like every game Mayo have been involved in has been a ferocious battle, and they look to be coming together nicely even though they are still without marquee forward Tommy Conroy, while we’ve only seen glimpses of Cillian O Connor. McHale Park has proven to be a fortress of somewhat in recent years, and I don’t think Tyrone are going to trouble that record in round four. Tyrone have had a mixed start to 2023 and are building towards a competitive Ulster. Be under no illusions; with only two points on the board, they won’t come down rolling over for the Westerners, but I see Mayo edging them out by the narrowest of margins.

Verdict: Mayo

Kerry v Armagh
Saturday 25th, 9pm
Venue: Tralee

Saturday night lights in Tralee is as good a venue as there is on a wintery February evening. The Kieran Donaghy factor and both teams hungry for points will make for a mouthwatering clash. The return of Sean O’Shea and David Clifford will ignite another spark for Kerry, along with the home crowd behind them. It is still early days for Kerry, but the doggedness of Armagh and their kicking game will cause problems. The use of Rian O’Neill, who All-Star Jason Foley will mark, will be a pivotal battle throughout the game and will be decisive in the outcome. The two mid-table teams will both think they can win this game and look towards a spot in the league final, but Kerry should pull through at home under lights.

Verdict: Kerry

Dublin v Clare
Saturday 25th, 11pm
Venue: Croke Park

The Munster outfit are hovering above the drop zone, and a daunting trip to the capital awaits them in round four. Although Dublin haven’t been able to blow teams away like in the recent past, they still lie three from three and sit comfortably at the top of the table. Clare will go up to Croker and demonstrate their usual footballing style and have nothing to lose a well-fancied side again. I feel Dublin have too much for the Munster men, but recent performances in Croke Park will give them a glimmer of hope to hold onto.

Verdict: Dublin

Cork v Limerick
Sunday 26th, 7.45pm
Venue: Pairc Ui Chaoimh

An all-Munster affair in cork this Sunday, with The Rebels on an upward curve, though this isn’t represented fully on the table. On the other hand, their opponents Limerick are struggling to find points. Cork gave a great display against The Dubs last week and will be looking to build on that against their neighbours. Brian Hurley is leading the line with a relatively young inexperienced team and is in great form. These games are generally tight affairs, but this one is Corks to lose, and they will be looking to climb the ladder of Division 2 with a victory.

Verdict: Cork