Armagh and Tyrone set for big crowd double-headers

By Shaun Casey

AFTER winning their opening three league encounters, Armagh will be keen to extend that record when they take on Mayo in the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds this weekend, in a double-header as the men face the same opposition beforehand.

The Orchard County have got the better of Kerry, Tyrone and Dublin so far and have kick-started their Division One title defence brilliantly.

They remain without a number of key players, although Grace Ferguson and Eve Lavery made substitute appearances the last day out.

In the absence of Aimee Mackin, Niamh Reel has really stepped up for Darnell Parkinson and Joe Feeney’s side. She has contributed 0-17 so far across the season and is their go-to forward at the minute.

Mayo are hoping to bounce back this weekend having lost to Tyrone in their most recent outing, a third defeat on the trot. Another loss on Saturday evening could see Liam McHale’s side drop out of the top tier.

Tyrone’s win over the Westerners significantly boosted their pursuit of safety. The Red Hands were promoted to the top tier from Division Two last season and will want to fend off an immediate return.

They host Kerry on Sunday morning and will be the curtain-raiser for the men’s game, with the same two counties locking horns. It’s only their second home game of the season and Darren McCann’s side will hope they can make that advantage count.

In Division Two, Monaghan are still in the promotion shake up despite losing to Donegal in round three. They will welcome Cork to Castleblayney on Saturday and will be up against it.

These two sides have a rich history together having faced off in the All-Ireland finals of 2008, 2011 and 2013, with the Rebels coming out on top on each occasion. Monaghan will hope they can get one over their old foes this weekend.

Donegal are still unbeaten in Division Two and they meet Roscommon in round four. They drew their opening two games against Clare and Westmeath and a late goal from captain Roisin Rogers saw them beat Monaghan two weeks ago.

Cavan are top of the pile in Division Three and they’ll look to extend their fine start to the season when they take on Wexford. The Breffni Blues have been in brilliant form in front of the posts having struck nine goals in three games.

Aisling Gilsenan (two), Lauren McVeety, Kerri McCormack and substitute Rebecca McLoughlin all raised green flags as Cavan hammered Carlow the last day out. A win on Sunday would see them take another huge leap towards promotion.

Down are just above the relegation zone at the minute and head into round four off the back of a 4-3 to 2-11 defeat to Laois.

They’ll aim to get back to winning ways when they meet Louth this weekend.

In Division Four, high-flyers Antrim are hoping to make it five wins on the trot when they host Leitrim. Fermanagh are right on their tail at the top of the table but have an off week while Derry take on Sligo.