Preview: Allianz Football League Division Two
Clare's Gary Brennan and Cork's Nathan Walsh during the McGrath Cup Final last month.
Saturday February 9
Allianz Football League Division Two
Fermanagh v Kildare, Brewster Park, 7pm
Division Two is highly competitive once more so this Brewster Park encounter will be monitored with interest.
Kildare are encouraged to have three points collected, while Fermanagh's two draws with Cork and Tipperary confirm that Rory Gallagher's outfit remain durable opponents.
The Lilywhites are keen to launch a promotion bid so this match offers another vital test for Kildare, who gleaned the full complement of spoils at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
That was chiefly due to Kevin Feely's goal and Neil Flynn's three points when introduced as Kildare survived in the closing stages to secure a fine away triumph.
KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Mick O'Grady, David Hyland; James Murray, Eoin Doyle, Keith Cribbin; Kevin Feely, Aaron Masterson; David Slattery, Fergal Conway, Conor Hartley; Adam Tyrrell, Ben McCormack, Neil Flynn.
Sunday February 10
Clare v Cork, Cusack Park, 2pm
David Tubridy's late heroics rescued a point for Clare against Armagh, but this impending match has significant implications.
Cork drew in Fermanagh before suffering a setback at Pairc Ui Chaoimh when Kildare triumphed so they need to demonstrate their ability in Ennis.
Ronan McCarthy has shown a willingness to introduce young players to McGrath Cup and League action, but Cork know all about Clare's grit.
The Banner examined Donegal's resilience and resources on the first weekend and Clare will be similarly energetic once more.
CORK: Mark White; Kevin O'Donovan, Kevin Flahive, Conor Dennehy; Liam O'Donovan, Thomas Clancy, James Loughrey; Ian Maguire, Ronan O'Toole; Tomas Clancy, Mark Collins, Mattie Taylor; Michael Hurley, Ruairi Deane, Luke Connolly.
Mark Shields, Armagh, and Graham Reilly, Meath, pictured ahead of Sunday's Allianz League Division Two encounter at Pairc Tailteann.
Meath v Armagh, Pairc Tailteann, 2pm
Andy McEntee has frequently spoken about Meath's need to push for promotion so this fixture falls into the vital category.
Meath moved into a decent position in Ballybofey before losing out to Donegal.
That was a blow, while Armagh feel that victories should have been attained against Kildare and Clare.
Kieran McGeeney's outfit drew those two encounters and have potential, but this game in Navan is key for both counties.
ARMAGH: Blaine Hughes; Mark Shields, Aaron McKay, James Morgan; Aidan Forker, Greg McCabe, Connaire Mackin; Stephen Sheridan, Niall Grimley; Jemar Hall, Rory Grugan, Ryan McShane; Stefan Campbell, Rian O'Neill, Charlie Vernon.
Tipperary v Donegal, Semple Stadium, 2pm
Donegal are the only team in Division Two with maximum points illustrating how hard fought this competition can be.
That Declan Bonner's outfit are earning results without a string of injured and club tied players adds to the sense of encouragement.
Tipperary drew with Fermanagh after losing to Meath, but they have sufficient craft to cause the visitors problems despite some fitness concerns of their own.
TIPPERARY: Michael O'Reilly; Alan Campbell, John Meagher, Emmett Moloney; Kevin Fahey, Daire Brennan, Jimmy Feehan; Steven O'Brien, Jack Kennedy; Philip Austin, Liam Casey, Brian Fox; Kevin O'Halloran, Conor Sweeney, Liam McGrath.
