Preview: Weekend's Allianz Football League action

Allianz Football League Division One

Saturday February 14

Kerry v Galway, Austin Stack Park, 5pm, RTE

Both teams enter Saturday evening's Tralee tussle in a similar predicament with a victory and a loss from the opening couple of rounds.

Jack O'Connor and Padraic Joyce, two renowned competitors, will be aware of the implications of the upcoming encounter.

Despite Seán O'Shea's utter bravery and brilliance in Ballyshannon, Kerry, without some key performers, still suffered a loss.

Galway eked out a valuable victory in Armagh with Rob Finnerty's last gasp winning point illustrating the defiance the maroon outfit demonstrated.

After suffering against Mayo, Galway responded. Kerry will want to do something similar after the Donegal defeat. So, this will be worth monitoring.

Dublin v Monaghan, Croke Park, 7pm, TG4

A critical match beckons at GAA headquarters.

Dublin and Monaghan are both without a point in the standings so will be especially eager to produce a performance, and earn a positive result.

In the losses to Donegal and Mayo, Dublin did show glimpses of their ability with Luke Breathnach enjoying productive moments.

Considering the amount of retirements and injuries, it was always going to be an exacting start to the campaign for Monaghan.

Gabriel Bannigan acknowledged that aspect following the defeat to Roscommon. Micheal Bannigan and Louis Kelly have been prominent for Monaghan.

Can Ger Brennan's collection of emerging and established performers relaunch Dublin's league campaign ahead of Kerry's trip to the capital?

Sunday February 15

Donegal v Mayo, O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny, 1.45pm, TG4

The early league pace setters clash in Letterkenny.

With Finbarr Roarty and Daire Ó Baoill influential, Donegal were impressive winners against Kerry in Ballyshannon.

Jim McGuinness is satisfied that two victories have been registered with four points in the account.

Now, a pumped up Mayo outfit head north heartened, following stirring victories over Galway and Dublin.

Andy Moran's passion and purpose has reinvigorated Mayo people, who are delighted that a bit of momentum has been acquired.

Darragh Beirne is going well inside for Mayo, while Ryan O'Donoghue crafts opportunities from a deeper role.

Moran, though, will be fully aware that this is precisely the type of match and environment where valuable lessons are learned.

Roscommon v Armagh, King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, 2pm, TG4 Player

With Enda Smith delivering a dynamic display, Roscommon thundered into the contest against Monaghan, securing a critical victory.

Now, though, a tough test awaits on home turf against Armagh, who were beaten by Galway.

So impressive when overcoming Monaghan away, Armagh will want to recapture the dash demonstrated in Clones. There were plenty of good moments against Galway, but Armagh leaked three goals.

Jarly Óg Burns and Ross McQuillan have been hugely effective for Armagh, who will afford Roscommon the utmost respect.

These counties have participated in some exciting battles during the past decade. This is an important game at the Hyde.

Allianz Football League Division Two

Saturday February 14

Meath v Louth, Croke Park, 5pm

At the end of an absorbing Kingspan Breffni clash against Cavan, Meath manager Robbie Brennan punched the air in jubilation.

A chaotic match, that certainly went the distance, concluded with Meath defeating Cavan. Having already beaten Derry, this has been a good start to the campaign for the Royals.

That Jordan Morris has been so skilful and stylish adds another layer of satisfaction. Brennan, though, knows that Louth will be accompanied by a sense of mission at Croke Park.

Inevitably, some of the pre-match debate and talk will centre on Louth's remarkable Leinster SFC triumph at the venue in 2025. Meath suffered that day, but the progress being made under Brennan is undeniable.

Craig Lennon and Sam Mulroy, All-Stars in the past two years, will spearhead Louth's challenge. In a keenly contested Division Two, a critical 70 minutes awaits.

Kildare v Derry, Cedral St Conleth's Park, 6.30pm

Having drawn in Omagh, Kildare subsequently defeated Offaly with the minimum of fuss.

Brian Flanagan's clever and resourceful work continues to be reflected by a team that appears to be developing nicely.

In attack Brian McLoughlin and Alex Beirne have shown well for the Lilywhites, but Derry will be formidable opponents.

Derry needed to summon a victory against Tyrone and that is precisely what happened. Conor Doherty and Conor Glass continue to impress for Derry, who will relish this Newbridge text.

Sunday February 15

Offaly v Cork, Glenisk O'Connor Park, 2pm

Contrasting fortunes for these two counties, who meet in Tullamore.

Cork finished with a flourish to beat Cavan before overcoming Louth away.

Offaly have endured losses to Louth and Kildare. If relegation is to be avoided, points must be gleaned quickly.

Steven Sherlock, who has made a welcome return to the inter-county arena, demonstrated his clinical finishing in Cork's two victories thus far.

Offaly will be looking to Keith O'Neill and Harry Plunkett for attacking inspiration following decent performances against Kildare.

Tyrone v Cavan, O'Neill's Healy Park, 3.45pm, TG4

Cavan have been involved in two high octane and exciting fixtures, but defeats were suffered against Cork and Meath.

Tyrone's home draw with Kildare was followed by defeat to Derry.

So, this provides both counties with an opportunity to reset and earn a vital victory.

Dara McVeety and Gearoid McKiernan are still going strong for Cavan, who're unfortunate not to have anything tangible to show following encouraging efforts.

Ethan Jordan, Darragh Canavan, and Eoin McElholm have the ability to examine Cavan's defensive credentials.

Allianz Football League Division Three

Saturday February 14

Down v Westmeath, Páirc Esler, 6pm

Two of the three counties with maximum points in this Division meet in Newry on Saturday evening.

Conor Laverty's innovative work with Down has been illustrated, but earning promotion is a key objective in 2026.

Daniel Guinness and Ceilum Doherty remain influential figures for Down, who will know about Westmeath's considerable potential.

Sam McCartan's running and scoring prowess is well documented, while Ronan Wallace and Matthew Whittaker are two other in form players for the midlanders.

Laois v Sligo, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 6pm

Things can change dramatically and suddenly in Division Three.

These two teams are hopeful about making an impact in 2026, so this fixture is relevant.

Beaten by Westmeath, Sligo subsequently overcame Fermanagh with Niall Murphy and Cian Lally industrious.

Laois were soundly beaten by Wexford, but Justin McNulty will hope that Rioghan Murphy and Evan O'Carroll can continue to show their class in the coming weeks and months.

Sunday February 15

Fermanagh v Clare, Brewster Park, 1pm

Following two defeats each, there is a significant battle ahead in Enniskillen.

Brian McNamara, so effective for UL, and Mark McInerney, impressive in University of Galway colours, are accomplished Clare footballers, alongside the accurate Aaron Griffin.

Paul Madden carried out excellent work with Éire Óg and wants to deliver at inter-county level now.

Fermanagh, managed by Declan Bonner, have endured disappointing defeats, but feature talented performers such as Josh Larg Ellis and Garvan Jones.

Limerick v Wexford, Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale, 2pm

Two counties who have made admirable progress in recent years collide in Rathkeale.

Promoted from Division Four, Limerick won an exciting Croke Park decider against Wexford, 3-11 to 0-18.

Limerick were unlucky to lose against Down, but Eliah O'Riordan, James Naughton, and Danny Neville had good moments.

Darragh Brooks' excellent kicking is a feature of Wexford's play, while Seán Nolan's prolific attacking is now evident at Division Three level.

Jimmy Lee and John Hegarty's work with Limerick and Wexford deserves to be saluted.

Allianz Football League Division Four

Saturday February 14

Waterford v Wicklow, Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, 6pm

Despite losses to Leitrim and Longford, there has been nothing wrong with Waterford's application.

Liam Mulligan has shown a real eye for goal in the opening rounds, but Waterford will be preparing for a tough task.

Wicklow were beaten by Carlow which was a blow, but Oisín McConville's team will still be eager to secure a top two finish.

With Mark Jackson, Darragh Fee, and Padraig O'Toole involved, Wicklow have plenty of capable players.

Sunday February 15

London v Leitrim, McGovern Park, 1pm

It has been a rewarding start to 2026 for London, who've collected three points from two games.

Michael Maher's approach and diligence ensures London are respected at this level and they've clearly benefited from being involved in the Connacht FBD League.

Daniel Clarke, Kristian Healy, and Ciaran Diver supplied important scores when London overcame Longford.

Ryan O'Rourke and Jack Kelly starred in Leitrim's triumph over Waterford. Similar efficiency must be displayed in Ruislip.

Antrim v Longford, Roger Casements, Portglenone, 2pm

Daniel Reynolds' last gasp goal ensured Longford left Dungaravan armed with the full complement of spoils.

Waterford were determined throughout, but Longford found a way to survive and thrive in the closing stages.

It was crucial for Mike Solan's charges because they'd been beaten by London the previous week.

Antrim know that significant improvement is needed following two bitterly disappointing defeats. Inevitably, Antrim will be looking to Dominic McEnhill for scores.

Tipperary v Carlow, FBD Semple Stadium, 2pm

These are encouraging times for Carlow, who're beginning to stir under Joe Murphy again.

Chris Blake and Colm Hulton inspired Carlow to a notable success against Wicklow.

Next on the agenda, though, is a game against a Tipperary side, who left London with a draw before beating Antrim.

Seán O'Connor continues to demonstrate his ability on the inter-county stage, while Daithí Hogan notched 1-3 against Antrim.