A weekend of mixed importance for Ulster sides

By Shaun Casey

DIVISION Four table-toppers Antrim are one win away from reaching the league final as they take on the reigning All-Ireland Intermediate champions Leitrim this Sunday in the semi-finals.
The Saffrons have been in flying form throughout the campaign, winning all seven of their encounters. That includes a round-four triumph over this weekend’s opponents when Antrim saw out a four-point victory.
Antrim, managed by Chris Scullion and Michael Devlin, have been scintillating in front of the posts and have bagged an incredible 33 goals in their seven games. They’ll be keen to carry that scoring threat into the semis.
On the other side, Fermanagh are also vying for a spot in the decider as they clash with Sligo. CJ McGourty’s side have only lost once, against Antrim, and they’ll have their eyes on revenge if that final meeting comes to pass.
There’s nothing to play for in Division Two with Cork and Galway confirmed as the two teams that will compete in the topflight next season, so Donegal and Monaghan will turn their eyes towards the championship.
Donegal put their relegation fears to bed with a win over Tipperary last weekend and they end their campaign with a home clash against league leaders Cork. Monaghan, on the other hand, are on the road as they take on Westmeath.
Cavan secured promotion to Division Two last week when they defeated Laois by 11 points, with Aisling Gilsenan and Ellie Brady raising green flags for the Breffni Blues in their 2-16 to 0-11 victory.
Emmet Daly’s team have tasted defeat just once throughout the season, a two-point loss to Wexford in round four, and they finish off their league series with a home tie against Limerick ahead of the upcoming league final.
Down are also in action on Sunday as they face Carlow in the final round of the league. They have suffered two defeats so far this season, to Cavan and Laois, but Colm Donnelly’s girls will hope to finish the campaign on a high.
In Division One, Tyrone will be fighting for their lives when they meet Kildare. The winner of this clash has a strong chanceof survival.
Armagh remain at the top of the table despite suffering their first defeat of 2025 last week. They face Meath in a dead rubber contest on Saturday and their focus will be on a league final meeting with Kerry.