Preview: Weekend's Allianz Football League Finals

Saturday March 28

Allianz Football League Division Three Final

Down v Wexford, Croke Park, 7.15pm, TG4

With the promotion mission already accomplished, attaining silverware is the next target.

Down set a decent standard in a highly competitive Division Three with the industrious work carried out by Conor Laverty's team reflected during a six match winning streak.

Having progressed from Division Four, Wexford are one of the stories of the league too, under the shrewd stewardship of John Hegarty.

Seán Ryan's remarkable, last gasp goal against Westmeath provided an injection of hope and confidence for a developing Wexford team.

Hegarty, though, will be fully aware of the potent threat carried by a smooth Down outfit, who enjoyed a convincing 1-29 to 1-19 triumph at Chadwicks Wexford Park last month.

Daniel Guinness remains an influential figure for Down, who also feature the splendid Odhran Murdock and Pat Havern.

Those players have been important contributors for Down with goalkeeper Ronan Burns another impressive performer.

Wexford custodian Darragh Brooks continues to deliver effective displays also and can land frees from range also.

Eoghan Nolan, Liam Coleman, and the excellent Seán Nolan are others enjoying a productive stint for Wexford.

Allianz Football League Division Four Final

Longford v Carlow, Croke Park, 5pm, TG4

This should be a lively battle between two teams, who finished the group phase strongly last Sunday.

Having suffered a couple of defeats, Carlow, making progress under Joe Murphy, produced a dynamic display on home turf against Leitrim.

Ross Dunphy and Lee Walker scored heavily, while Colm Hulton and Mikey Bambrick are influential players for Carlow.

It was a strange league campaign for Longford, who eked out crucial victories when the need was greatest.

Daniel Reynolds' ability was evident when it truly mattered against Wicklow, while Dylan Farrell also supplied seven points in that fixture.

The experienced Paddy Fox and Oran Kenny are important players for Mike Solan's well organised team.

Sunday March 29

Allianz Football League Division One Final

Kerry v Donegal, Croke Park, 4pm, TG4

A repeat of the 2025 All-Ireland SFC Final - this Croke Park encounter should be tasty.

There has been plenty to admire about the manner in which both these counties have performed throughout the league so far.

Donegal accumulated 11 points from seven matches, while Kerry registered 10, advancing to the decider instead of Mayo on the head to head rule.

Shea Malone's emergence has been one of the encouraging aspects for Donegal, perfectly captured in the 2-3 scored during last Sunday's high scoring win over Monaghan.

At the same time David Clifford and Dylan Geaney were impressing as Kerry eventually divided the spoils with Armagh.

That was the latest top class match involving Jack O'Connor's team, who are also delighted about Armin Heinrich's development.

With Daingean Uí Chúis and An Ghaeltacht players unavailable for the early rounds of the league, Kerry still enjoyed good results with Tadhg Morley and Joe O'Connor influential figures for the Kingdom.

Jim McGuinness' charges commenced the campaign with a Croke Park victory over Dublin, embarking on a four match winning run before drawing with Galway in Ballyshannon.

A defeat to Roscommon followed, but Donegal did what was required in Clones with Malone, Jason McGee, and Michael Langan prominent.

Tom O'Sullivan's recent return is a boost for Kerry, who were victorious when these teams collided in the 2025 All-Ireland at GAA headquarters.

Allianz Football League Division Two Final

Meath v Cork, Croke Park, 1.45pm, TG4

Having booked a return to the top tier of the Allianz Football League in 2027, Meath and Cork enter Croke Park heartened.

Now, though, there is a chance to lift a trophy ahead of the Championship, and that is a challenge to embrace.

Meath, prompted by the nifty Jordan Morris, have demonstrated real quality throughout the league, but did suffer a defeat to Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn last month.

Chris Óg Jones clipped 1-4 in that game, while Steven Sherlock, Mark Cronin, and Dara Sheedy also landed vital scores.

At the opposite end of the pitch, though, Meath will be looking to Morris, Jack O'Connor, and Eoghan Frayne for inspiration, while Jack Flynn has nailed some brilliant long range efforts in the campaign.

Meath's improvement under Robbie Brennan bodes well for the future, while John Cleary continues to serve the Cork footballing cause with trademark passion.