Croke Park stadium

Croke Park. Photo by J. Mauremootoo for Pixabay

Photo of Enniskerry GAA by Mark Delaney for theCircular.org
Photo of Enniskerry GAA taken by Mark Delaney for theCircular.org

It’s all still to play for, as we head into the final three weeks of the Allianz Football League! Donegal will look to remain unbeaten, Dublin will hope to keep their Division 1 status, and the race for promotion in Division 2 is getting interesting. This year, the race in Division 2 has been the most exciting, with Tyrone and Derry looking to rejoin the counties in Division 1, Meath looking to extend their run of form after reaching the All-Ireland semi-final last year, and Cork looking to build on their pre-season triumph. If you’re looking to watch some of the action, then keep an eye out for these five matches below.

  1. Roscommon vs. Dublin

        Location: Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon

        Where to watch: TG4 Player

        Time and date: 2:00pm, 1/3/26

        This match is shaping up to be a serious contest! Roscommon have been flying in recent weeks with wins against Galway, Armagh, and Monaghan, putting them in third place and level on points with Mayo. The Rossies will look to make a push for the Division 1 final with a win against Dublin on Sunday. The Dubs, on the other hand, have only one win in four matches as they look to stay alive in Division 1. Ger Brennan’s men beat already relegated Monaghan, while losing out to Donegal, Mayo, and Kerry. This match means a chance at glory for one team, and a game of survival for the other!

        2. Derry vs. Cork

        Location: Celtic Park, Derry

        Where to watch: N/A

        Time and date: 1:00pm, 1/3/26

        Unfortunately for us, this match won’t be streamed live anywhere, so that means the only way to watch it will be from the stands. Cork will make the long trip to Ulster as they look to stay unbeaten in 2026. Mark Cronin has been leading the scoring for them so far with 1-18 in four matches, with Steven Sherlock not far behind, scoring 0-20 this campaign. Derry had a ropey start with an opening loss to Meath, but since then, Ciarán Meenagh’s side have been on fire. They will be coming off the back of a 23-point win against Offaly as they sit only two points behind Cork.

        3. Kildare vs. Meath

        Location: St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge

        Where to watch: RTÉ 2

        Time and date: 7:00pm, 28/2/26

        These neighbouring counties have a rivalry as old as time. The most memorable encounter between the two came in 1997, when they played out a Leinster Championship replay that had every bit of drama in it (you can read more about it on the GAA website). Almost 30 years later, these two sides will meet again, but this time battling for a separate reason. Meath currently sit level on points with Derry as they look to make their way into Division 1, whereas Kildare have only one win and one draw, meaning that they look to survive another year in Division 2. Kildare have the home advantage, but both counties will be eager for a win.

        Galway winning the Connacht Championship in 2018. Photo by Shane Tighe for Pixabay
        Galway winning the Connacht Championship in 2018. Photo by Shane Tighe for Pixabay

        4. Donegal vs. Galway

        Location: Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon

        Where to watch: TG4

        Time and date: 1:15pm, 1/3/26

        Donegal have been knocking on the door of the All-Ireland Championship over the last two years, and they’re right in the mixer again. Jim McGuinness and Donegal are yet to lose in 2026, having already scored 4-77 and only conceding 1-71. On the other hand, Galway have had an eventful start to the year, drawing with Kerry from 12 points down and only winning one other match. Padraig Joyce’s men are only one point away from relegation, so a win against the league leaders could be crucial for survival.

        5. Longford vs. Carlow

        Location: Pearse Park, Longford

        Where to watch: N/A

        Time and date: 2:00pm, 1/3/26

        Division 4 has seen some exciting and dramatic matches so far in 2026. Joe Murphy’s Carlow sit atop of the league with four wins from four, but Wicklow and Longford are breathing down their necks! Longford have won two, drawn one, and lost one, but they are still hunting for a promotion spot ahead of Wicklow. The Garden County will travel to Antrim on Saturday to put pressure on Carlow’s top spot, whereas Longford will want Antrim to win so they can overtake Wicklow in second place.

        The league campaign so far has been a fantastic spectacle, with twists and turns every weekend. Who will be relegated with Monaghan in Division 1? Will Carlow remain league leaders in Division 4, or will Wicklow and Longford catch them? Will Down keep their perfect record, or will Wexford break their hearts? Keep up to date with all the action this weekend, and enjoy the football!

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