Promotion and relegation fights

While on paper most of the drama this weekend seems destined for the football side of things, Saturday's packed fixture schedule is still vital for a number of counties chasing promotion or trying to fend off relegation.

A number of counties with something left to play for just happen to find themselves in direct competition, which should add some extra spice.

Here is the lay of the land before the final round of games.

DIVISION 1A

Cork v Galway

Limerick v Wexford

Tipperary v Clare

The relegation picture won't change, Wexford and All-Ireland champions and league holders Clare are down meaning that all focus is on the identities of the finalists for 5/6 April.

All eyes will be on Cork's meeting with Galway

New champions will be crowned and given that two of those still in the hunt, Cork and Galway, face off against each other, Tipperary are assured of one of the two top spots while Limerick can’t make it even though they are just two points off second place currently.

That means all focus will be on the clash of Cork and Galway in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Avoid defeat and it’s Cork and Tipperary in the final. Galway need to win to spoil that line-up.

DIVISION 1B

Carlow v Westmeath

Laois v Dublin

Waterford v Offaly

Like the top division, some big matters have already been sorted ahead of the final round of games – namely that Offaly are promoted and Laois and Westmeath will be operating in Division 2 in 2026.

Unlike 1A, where only two teams are battling for the last final place, three teams head into Saturday’s fixtures with silverware – and promotion – still on their bingo card.

Waterford are the best placed team given they hold a two-point advantage over Carlow and Dublin while they are also playing an Offaly side that may opt to rest some players.

All Carlow and Dublin can do is win their games against relegated sides Westmeath and Laois and hope for a favour from the Faithful County.

Three teams can yet meet Offaly in the decider

Last month, Carlow recorded their first-ever competitive win over Waterford so if they win and the Déise and Dublin lose, Tom Mullally’s side can look forward to top-flight hurling next season.

If Dublin win and the other two lose, it’s Waterford who will progress as they have the head-to-head advantage over Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s side.

If Waterford lose and Carlow and Dublin win, it goes to scoring difference. Waterford (+56) hold a significant advantage there following their 31-point win over Westmeath, with Dublin next on +27 and Carlow on –1.

DIVISION 2

Donegal v Derry

Meath v Kildare

Tyrone v Kerry

Down have their work done, and what good work it was as they booked a spot in the second tier for the first time since 2010.

The question is, who will join them? Well, we have a straight shootout to decide as Meath host Kildare.

The Royals got the better of Down last weekend, their opponents resting a few players, and that means another win here will set up a rematch.

Kildare need just a draw to ensure a top-two finish though.

It's a shoot-out between Kildare and Meath

There’s a real battle at the other end of the table with Kerry, Donegal and Derry all in danger of being relegated alongside a Tyrone side that has been unable to pick up a point thus far.

That’s good news for Kerry who travel to Omagh and know a win will be enough to keep them in Division 2, while even a defeat is fine if Donegal beat Derry.

If they do lose though, and Derry get the better of Donegal, they are down as the Tír Chonaill County have them on the head-to-head battle.

That means the Ulster derby between Donegal and Derry is massive. A draw will guarantee Donegal another year at this level given their scoring difference advantage over Derry so the Oakleafers know it’s win or likely bust. A draw would only do them if Kerry lose to Tyrone.

If both matches end in a draw, scoring difference will come into play but it won’t take much working out as Derry will be down.

DIVISION 3

Armagh v London

Roscommon v Sligo

Wicklow v Mayo

London were disappointed not to come out of Division 2B last year but they have made amends this season and are moving up a level having picked up five wins from five.

The other promotion spot will be decided in Aughrim as Wicklow host Mayo. A home win and Jonathan 'Bosco’ O’Neill’s team are joining London. Avoid defeat, and Mayo finish second.

Five losses from five mean Sligo are already down, but there’s a bit of a log-jam for the other spot with three teams on four points.

Cavan are in that unenviable position of not being able to do anything either as they have completed their league programme. They have also lost their matches to their two relegation rivals, Armagh and Roscommon, so they really are in a dire position.

Cavan are in serious trouble after last week's loss to Armagh

Their one hope is for both Roscommon and Armagh to lose. If that happens, it’ll go to score difference and Cavan will be safe regardless as they already have a better scoring difference than the other two counties.

A point will do for both Armagh and Roscommon and strangely, if one loses they’ll be hoping the other wins to condemn Cavan.

If both lose, and with Cavan safe in that scenario, it’ll come down to one of the two with scoring difference proving decisive. Roscommon (-18) currently hold the edge there over Armagh (-25).

DIVISION 4

Lancashire v Fermanagh

Leitrim v Warwickshire

Longford v Monaghan

Louth will have the feet up this weekend, safe in the knowledge that their league goal has been achieved, and they just have to wait and see if it’s Fermanagh or Leitrim facing them in the final.

It’s advantage Fermanagh as they hold a one-point lead over their neighbours in the table ahead of their game with Lancashire, to be played at Abbotstown.

A draw will secure promotion for Fermanagh

Leitrim, meanwhile, host Warwickshire knowing that they simply have to win and hope that the Erne County lose.

Fermanagh have the head-to-head advantage over Leitrim, so even if the Connacht side make up a point on them to draw level, they will still progress.

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