THE FINAL ROUND of Allianz National Football League games take place this weekend and there’s still an awful lot to play for with semi-final, promotion and relegation places all to be decided.
But what’s at stake for the teams involved across the four divisions and what does your county need to do to go up, stay up or spoil someone else’s day.
Here’s the current state of play:
Division 1
Semi-final places: Cork, Derry
Still in the hunt: Dublin, Mayo, Kerry, Tyrone
Relegated: Kildare, Westmeath
With Cork and Derry already into the final four, all eyes will be on Omagh as Dublin and Tyrone meet in what is essentially a winner takes all clash. A draw, however, will do for Mickey Harte’s men and could well do Dublin depending on how Mayo and Kerry get on in their respective games with Derry and Cork.
Mayo also have their fate in their own hands and a win will see them into the semi-finals. A draw could do if Tyrone beat Dublin but they’ll want both points just to be sure.
With Mayo and Dublin tied on points, head-to-head and scoring difference, draws for both — and a loss for Kerry — would see Mayo and Tyrone through because the All-Ireland runners up have scored more than the Blues.
However, if Dublin and Mayo both draw, and Kerry win, the Kingdom will go through to the semi-finals with Tyrone because of their better scoring difference.
Simple, right?
Division 2
Still in the hunt: Donegal, Monaghan, Meath, Down
Relegated: Louth
Still at risk: Laois, Galway, Armagh
The race for a place in Division 1 is relatively clear-cut. A win or draw for Donegal and Monaghan in their final games — Donegal visit Armagh while Monaghan host Galway — and they are promoted.
Even if they both lose, head-to-head is in their favour with the exception of the scenario that sees Donegal and Meath lose and Down win which would see the latter claim second spot.
At the bottom, Laois are in the most trouble as even a win over Down might not be enough to save them if Armagh and Galway both win.
However, a Laois win and defeat for either Armagh or Galway would see Tomás Ó Flaharta’s charges survive another year in Division 2 and the loser joining Louth in Division 3.
Division 3
Promoted: Cavan, Roscommon
Relegated: Offaly
Still at risk: Longford Wexford
This one is easy to figure out. With Cavan and Roscommon already on their way to Division 2 and Offaly dropping down to Division 4, the game between Wexford and Longford in Wexford Park will see the loser join the Faithful County in the fourth tier.
If the two sides draw, it will be Longford who stay up thanks to their superior scoring difference.
Division 4
Promoted: Tipperary
Still in the hunt: Clare, Leitrim, Wicklow
With Tipperary already promoted, Clare will join them in Division 3 with a win over Antrim in Creggan. Only a loss for Clare and win for Wicklow over Tipperary will see the Garden County leap-frog the Banner.
