There are some fascinating ties this weekend in round two of the National Football League.
Can Rossies continue fast start?
Davy Burke’s tenure could not have started much better, as the Rossies stunned Tyrone, 3-11 to 1-12.
Goals from Diarmuid and Ciarรกin Murtagh, as well as Ben O’Carroll, set Burke’s charges on their way.
Next up is a trip to Connacht rivals Galway, as they bid to make it two wins from two. An away victory against Pรกdraic Joyce’s charges would not only be a significant statement ahead of the Connacht Championship, but also put them in a positive position as they aim to stay in Division 1 for back-to-back years for the first time since 2016-2017.
Are Monaghan in trouble?
At the start of the campaign, many mused that Monaghan may struggle to maintain their top-tier status.
Division 1’s great survivors – who have been ever-present since 2015 – made a slow start with a home defeat against neighbours Armagh.
Things get trickier from here, with an away trip to Kerry on Sunday afternoon. Facing the All-Ireland champions in their own back yard, who are themselves in need of a win after an opening defeat to Donegal, is a tough task.
If Vinny Corey’s charges are pointless after the opening two games, they could be mired in a relegation scrap throughout the remainder of the springtime.
Will a gap begin to open in Division 2?
Dublin and Derry were the consensus favourites to be promoted before a ball was kicked in the second tier.
The two sides came through their opening assignments last Saturday, and are fancied to make it two from two this weekend. They face last year’s promoted sides from Division 3 on Sunday, with the Dubs travelling to Limerick, while the Oak Leaf County are away to Louth.
Kildare – who fell to Dessie Farrell’s side at Croke Park – and Meath are rated as the other teams in the hunt for Division 1 football next season. But daylight could appear between the two 2022 provincial champions and the rest of the chasing pack after this weekend.
