Sunday April 2

Allianz Football League Division One Final

Mayo v Galway, Croke Park, 4pm, TG4

It has been an Allianz Football League campaign brimful of positives for Mayo and Galway.

Earnest from the opening night in Castlebar, Mayo and Galway can reflect with real satisfaction on how different challenges have been embraced during the past couple of months.

Matches have arrived thick and fast, but the depth of both panels is increasing. That is precisely what both managements wanted to achieve.

Injuries and club commitments ensured Galway had to adapt to various situations, but the minutes Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Cian Hernon, Daniel O'Flaherty, John Maher, and Cathal Sweeney have accumulated is significant.

Peter Cooke's return to the fold is another significant boost for Galway, who will be fully aware of the threat Mayo pose.

Kevin McStay assembled a high profile and well respected backroom team. The early indications suggest Mayo are moving briskly in the right direction.

Inevitably Lee Keegan, such a totemic figure for the past decade, retired, and Oisín Mullin's move to Australia, were blows McStay had to deal with.

Even in the Connacht FBD League it was apparent that Mayo were eager to make an impact early in the year. Jordan Flynn and Mattie Ruane were prominent in that competition and have remained hugely relevant.

Diarmuid O'Connor has been typically industrious for Mayo, who have also carried out a number of auditions.

Jack Carney has had productive moments in the league, Aidan O'Shea provides leadership and a focal point inside, while Ryan O'Donoghue still craves involvement.

A few spins for Tommy Conroy following a severe knee injury means Mayo have taken plenty of positives so far in 2023.

Undoubtedly the April 9 Connacht Championship tussle against Roscommon is on the mind, but the opportunity to earn national silverware at Croke Park will interest the green and red.

That will certainly be the case considering neighbours Galway provide the opposition. Galway, though, are relevant again on the national stage so Pádraic Joyce will have the maroon outfit primed.

It could go the distance.

Sunday April 2

Allianz Football League Division Two Final

Dublin v Derry, Croke Park, 1.45pm, TG4

Another revealing encounter looms at Croke Park on Sunday.

The group match involving these two teams at Celtic Park provided plenty of drama and talking points.

Ultimately, a Brendan Rogers inspired second half comeback ensured Derry gleaned a valuable victory.

The Dublin scalp is always prized so Derry will now want to produce a similarly determined display in the capital.

Since that game Dublin have been further bolstered by Stephen Cluxton's return to the panel. Paul Mannion mined a point in the victory over Louth last Sunday so Dublin's options are increasing by the day.

Derry, though, are a well organised and coached team, who have developed under Rory Gallagher's guidance.

Last year's Ulster Championship adventure ensured Derry are a serious and respected force once again. Any team containing Chrissy McKaigue and Shane McGuigan at either end of the field has craft.

Ethan Doherty remains a bright and busy figure for Derry, who will relish this assignment at the Jones Road venue.

Dessie Farrell's Dublin showed glimpses of class in the league, simply doing enough to earn an instant return to the top tier.

Decorated footballers are sprinkled across the panel with Brian Fenton and James McCarthy occupying crucial roles.

This should be a lively affair ahead of the Championship.

Saturday April 1

Allianz Football League Division Three Final

Cavan v Fermanagh, Croke Park, 7.15pm, TG4

Ultan Kelm's blistering contribution ensured Fermanagh overcame Cavan last weekend to secure promotion.

Now the teams collide again on the Croke Park stage with silverware and a national title the coveted prize for the victors.

Cavan's league form has fluctuated in recent years drifting from Division One to Four, but they will operate back in Two next year.

Fermanagh will be satisfied to be back at that level themselves with Kieran Donnelly carrying out impressive work.

Ryan Jones and Darragh McGurn have been excellent during the league, while the Cullen brothers are solid performers for Fermanagh.

The Fermanagh defence will know that Cavan have plenty of options in attack too.

Mickey Graham has enjoyed success with Cavan, who have several experienced operators including Ray Galligan, Pádraig Faulkner, Killian Clare, and Gearóid McKiernan, who are well versed in these types of fixtures.

Saturday April 1

Allianz Football League Division Four Final

Wicklow v Sligo, Croke Park, 5pm, TG4

It went down to the wire in the group phase. Entering the final weekend in Division Four, five out of eight teams had a chance of securing promotion.

In the end it was the Crossmaglen Rangers duo, Oisín McConville and Tony McEntee, who helped to carry Wicklow and Sligo over the line.

Now the club colleagues have one more game in the league ahead of the championship at Croke Park.

Wicklow finished the group stages with a flourish, the victory over Laois a key moment in their campaign.

Sligo edged out Leitrim with Seán Carrabine continuing to impress for McEntee's team.

Goalkeeper Mark Jackson and Dean Healy have made brilliant contributions in the league for Wicklow, who are beginning to generate momentum.

Luke Towey, Patrick O'Connor, and Carrabine have been key figures for McEntee's free scoring Sligo.

Both counties are in championship action next weekend too, but a lively encounter is anticipated.