The weekend in Irish national sport will be dominated by two major derbies: in Gaelic football, Dublin will face Kerry at Croke Park, while in hurling, Tipperary will host Limerick. In the background, battles for survival in Division 1A of hurling and the concerning situation of the reigning Irish champions in the women's league, Dublin, are unfolding. Most matches will be broadcast on TG4 and RTÉ.

Major Football Derby

Clash of giants in Division 1 of Gaelic football: Dublin versus Kerry on Saturday at Croke Park. The match is broadcast on TG4. Kerry, after a surprising loss to Galway, seeks a reset.

Key Hurling Match

In Division 1A of hurling, Tipperary plays Limerick at FBD Semple Stadium (broadcast on RTÉ 2). Tipperary has not beaten their rival in 12 matches; the match is significant for the relegation battle.

Relegation Battle in 1A

Kilkenny and Galway have a postponed match, but a loss by Offaly to Galway on Sunday could practically seal their relegation from the elite division.

Champions' Crisis in Women's League

Reigning Irish champions, the Dublin team, are at the bottom of the women's NFL table without a single point after three rounds and face a battle for survival.

The upcoming weekend in Irish sport will offer a series of key league matches in Gaelic football and hurling. The main event on Saturday will be a derby clash in the Allianz Football League Division 1, where Dublin will host Kerry at the famous Croke Park in Dublin. The match, scheduled for 19:00, will be broadcast live on TG4. Kerry, the current league champions, approach this game after an unexpected loss to Galway in the previous round, which ended their good run. „„Kerry were caught by surprise by Galway last week in Tralee – similar to what Dublin did to them a year ago.”” — The Irish Times The visiting coach, Jack O'Connor, will certainly be looking for a reaction from his team.

Simultaneously, in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A, another prestigious Munster province derby will take place. Tipperary will face Limerick at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles at 17:30. This match will be broadcast on RTÉ 2. For Tipperary, this is a chance to break a terrible streak – they have not beaten Limerick in twelve consecutive meetings. As noted by The Irish Times, even in a league that often serves as a test for young players, these matches have been particularly disappointing for Tipperary. The context is even more serious as a fierce battle for survival in the top division unfolds in the background. The match between Kilkenny and Waterford is considered by commentators to have „the hallmarks of a relegation playoff”. The situation is particularly tense for Offaly, who, if they lose to Galway on Sunday in Birr, could practically lose any chance of remaining in Division 1A. hurling and Gaelic football are not just sports but a significant part of Irish national identity.

In other leagues, an exciting round is also expected. In Division 1 of Gaelic football on Sunday, matches include Monaghan–Mayo and Armagh–Donegal, whose team is currently described as the „form team” in the league. In Division 2 on Saturday, Derry will play Offaly. The situation in the Ladies Football NFL is particularly concerning. The reigning Irish champions, the Dublin team, are at the bottom of the table and have not earned a single point after three rounds. Meanwhile, Waterford is the only team in the elite division with a perfect win record. Many teams, both in hurling and football, must contend with simultaneous commitments in club competitions, such as the Fitzgibbon Cup, which limits player availability for county team training.

Mentioned People

  • Jack O'Connor — Coach of the Kerry Gaelic football team
  • Ger Brennan — Coach of the Dublin Gaelic football team (mentioned in the context of the match with Monaghan)
  • Liam Cahill — Coach of the Tipperary hurling team
  • John Kiely — Coach of the Limerick hurling team