03/02/2012

Division 1 Fixtures and Preview

Donegal v Cork, Ballyshannon, 12.30pm, (J Niland)

Reigning BGE National League Champions Cork will travel to Donegal for their opening league match of 2012. IT will be a challenging game for a young Donegal side. Interest will lie in the Cork full back spot as Eamonn Ryan will have to find a replacement for 5 times All Star Angela Walsh who is taking a year out of football.

Monaghan v Laois, Tyholland, 2.00pm, (E O'Hare)

2011 All Ireland runners up Monaghan are at home to 2011 National League runners up Laois. Monaghan have held on to all their 2011 starting squad and there have been no retirement announcements from Laois. Monaghan have already had a good warm up by winning the Dowd Cup in Ulster.

Kildare v Dublin, Ballykelly, 2.00pm, (P Kehoe)

A Leinster derby featuring Dublin and Kildare will be throwing in at 2pm. The two sides will be meeting in the first round of the Leinster Championship which suggests that they will both be looking to set the tone for the year. Some key players will not be featuring for Dublin in 2012 due to travel and retirements, including 2004 All Star Mary Nevin, 2011 All Star Elaine Kelly, and 2005 All Star Lyndsey Davey.

Meath v Tyrone, Ashbourne, 2.00pm, (M Henry)

A clash between Meath and Tyrone concludes division 1. Meath return to division 1 after reaching the division 2 final in 2011 and Tyrone, under new management, will be aiming to start the year on a positive.

Division 2

Tipperary v Kerry, Cahir, 2.00pm, (J Flood)

Clare v Waterford, Doonbeg, 2.00pm, (M Duffy)

Galway v Mayo, Tuam Stadium, 2.00pm (D McEnery)

Fermanagh v Cavan, Kinawley, 2.00pm, (S McIntyre)

Division 3

Armagh v Sligo, Crossmaglen, 2.00pm, (P Swift)

Wexford v Wicklow, Bellefield, 2.00pm, (S Duane)

Roscommon v Westmeath, Strokestown, 2.00pm, (Y Duffy)

Leitrim v Down, Ballinamore, 2.00pm (S Regan)

Division 4

Offaly v Limerick, Mucklagh, 2.00pm, (G McMahon)

Longford v Louth, Emmett Park, 2.00pm, (P Fahy)