Following a weekend of new rules, new players and new management teams, the second round of games are fast approaching.
The GAA Pulse team take a look at this weekend’s fixtures:
Armagh v Tyrone
Armagh take on Tyrone this weekend at the Athletic Grounds as they hope to claim their first win of this year’s league. Tyrone trounced Derry in Omagh last week but will likely remain without their Errigal Ciarán comrades. Armagh on the other hand, will be without Niall Grimley (suspension) and talisman Rian O’Neill, following Kieran McGeeney’s announcement that he is taking some time for himself.
McGeeney’s side will be desperate to kickstart their season with a win following a six point defeat to Galway in what was a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final. McGeeney himself seemed to be confused with the new rules, Referring to the fact that a breach of the 3v3 rule in one’s half could not be taken outside the 40m arc:
“This has changed three times this week” The All Ireland winning manager continued “but then we we asked for clarification during the week and we were sent it last night. I showed it to the ref (Conor Lane), and he showed me his (rule instructions) and they’re completely different.”
Malachy O’Rourke will be hoping to remain unbeaten with the Red Hands. Coalisland clubman Pádraig Hampsey remains sidelined. Youngsters Shea O’Hare and Ronan Cassidy will be keen to build on their strong showing against Derry last week. I expect Tyrone to triumph against their Ulster rivals on this occasion
Donegal v Dublin
Following the postponement of Kerry vs Donegal due to poor weather conditions, Jim McGuinness’ men now open their league campaign against Dessie Farrell’s Dublin at MacCumhaill Park.
The Dub’s, on the back of a stern test against Mayo, will be hoping to claim their second win of the season when they travel to Ballybofey. James Madden, Brian O’Leary and Kevin Lahiff were some of the debutants who impressed on their maiden outing for Dublin last weekend.
Donegal will be favourites for this encounter, with the return of Michael Murphy likely to be a major talking point. A member of the FRC committee, responsible for implementing the new rules, the 2012 All-Ireland winner has been rumoured to be the new Donegal shot stopper!
Donegal have also been boosted by the return of Odhran Mcfadden-Ferry and Eoghan McHugh while the decimated Dub’s will be without Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion for 2025. This one will go down to the wire, but I expect a high-scoring affair in Ballybofey, with Donegal to emerge victorious by a narrow margin.
Derry v Kerry
Kerry make the long journey to Celtic Park on Sunday for their first competitive game of 2025, following the postponement of their encounter with Donegal last weekend. Derry meanwhile, succumbed to defeat to Tyrone. Will Derry’s competitive encounter against Tyrone, under the new rules, serve an advantage for the home side?
Derry will be optimistic coming into this one, following a lacklustre performance last week, Paddy Tally will be hoping his troops can kickstart their season against the Kingdom. The 2024 Allianz League champions will be vying to retain their crown under new management.
David Clifford will miss this fixture, as confirmed by Jack O’Connor. With two debutants named to face Donegal last week in Cathal O Beaglaioch and Eddie Healy, it remains to be seen if O’Connor will put his faith in youth against a physical Derry side.
I think the home advantage and last week’s test for Derry will serve as a huge advantage for the Oak Leaf county. Conor Glass and Shane McGuigan were in top form in Omagh, Derry to triumph on this occasion.
Mayo V Galway
Kevin McStay’s Mayo will be hoping to get their first victory of 2025 when Paraic Joyce’s Galway visit Castlebar for the final game of second week fixtures.
Mayo will feel hard done by following their narrow defeat to Dublin last weekend, some poor decision making and a resolute Dublin defence contributed to their two point defeat. In a repeat of last year’s Connacht final, under the new rules, Galway may come into this more confident following their victory over the Orchard County last weekend.
Galway kicked three two-pointers last weekend from the boot of Cillian Ó Curraoin, Shane Walsh and Paul Conroy, compared to Mayo’s one against a new-look Dublin side. The new rules may be more beneficial to the Connacht champions and could prove the difference in this one.
Although Galway remain without Damien Comer, Joyce spoke fondly of the depth within his squad:
“When you can bring the likes of John Maher, Liam Silke, Shane Walsh, Kieran Molloy and Johnny Heaney off the bench, it’s great to be building a squad.”
After watching Mayo against Dublin last week, I think this Galway team will prove too strong for Mayo. Joyce has the league in his sights and will be hoping to hit the ground running, with their championship clash against New York the week after the league final. Galway to win the Connacht clash.
Predictions
Tyrone to beat Armagh
Donegal to beat Dublin
Derry to beat Kerry
Galway to beat Mayo
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