Donegal’s last chance of redemption

By Michael McMullan

AFTER seven seasons in the top flight, Donegal’s hopes to staying in Division One rest on the visit of Mayo on Sunday.

Maxi Curran’s charges have yet to record a win and sit bottom of the table, but victory this weekend would see them level with Mayo and beat the drop by virtue of head-to-head.

Mayo’s only win came over All-Ireland champions Meath but come into this weekend in better form, with Donegal on the wrong end of heavy defeats to Cork and Dublin.

The vital game comes on the back of the news of Niamh McLaughlin signing for AFLW side Gold Coast Suns.

Donegal have been missing many key players from last season’s run to the All-Ireland semi-final and go into the game needing a performance for the ages to stay afloat.

Armagh head into this weekend’s final game with Tipperary in Fethard with their spot in the Division Two final already secured.

The Orchard County have a 100 per cent record, and it may yet end up being the Premier County they face at Croke Park.

At the bottom of Division Two, Monaghan have a vital trip to Athlone needing at least a point against an already safe Westmeath to avoid relegation.

Roscommon – who drew 0-13 each with the Farney County last week – are bottom the table, but should they turnover last year’s Intermediate champions Laois, the Rossies would still send
Monaghan down on score difference.

There is nothing at stake in the all-Ulster clash of Tyrone and Cavan, with the Breffni side making the headlines off the pitch this week.

In an interview on the We Are Cavan podcast, members of the team were speaking out about a lack of support from the Cavan Ladies County Board over expenses and not being granted permission to conduct their own fundraising.

In Division Four, All-Ireland junior champions Antrim make the journey to Kinnegad to take on Limerick in the semi-final.

The Saffrons opened their campaign with a home win over Ulster rivals Fermanagh, 1-13 to 1-6, thanks to 0-8 for star attacker Orlaith Prenter.

Emma Kelly’s side followed it up with facile wins over London (9-19 to 1-7) and Carlow (6-16 to 2-7).

Limerick finished second to Leitrim in their section on score difference after both sides ended level (4-9 to 1-18).

On the other side of the draw, Fermanagh take on Leitrim at Templeport in a showdown for a final berth.