Title: Kingdom crowned
The final weekend of March brought the Allianz Football Leagues to a close, with four divisional finals. Croke Park played host to the top-tier clashes, while elsewhere, underage football and upcoming championship fixtures kept the GAA calendar in full swing.
Kerry claim Division 1 title
Kerry, the standout performers in the Division 1 final, clinched their 24th League title by securing a convincing 1-18 to 1-12 win over Mayo at Croke Park. With a sharper edge in attack and a composed defensive structure, the Kingdom pulled away in the second half to lift the trophy. Paul Geaney and David Clifford played key roles up front, while the backline absorbed Mayo’s pressure with discipline. It was a sobering afternoon for Kevin McStay’s men, who will need to regroup ahead of a tricky Connacht campaign.
Monaghan return to the top flight
In the Division 2 decider, Monaghan turned on the style to defeat Roscommon 1-26 to 0-19. It was a polished, attacking display from the Farney men, with Micheál Bannigan and Conor McCarthy pulling the strings. The result sees them bounce straight back to Division 1 following relegation last season — a clear sign that Vinny Corey’s side are keen to compete at the highest level again. Roscommon, meanwhile, will be disappointed by the margin but can take heart from a solid league campaign overall.
Offaly edge Kildare in Division 3 thriller
The tightest contest of the weekend came in Division 3, where Offaly edged past Kildare 2-17 to 1-18 in a game that went downto the wire. The result caps off an excellent league for the Faithful County, who held their nerve under pressure. Cormac Egan’s goal midway through the second half proved decisive, as Kildare struggled to convert late chances. Promotion will give Offaly renewed confidence as they look to make a mark in Leinster.
Limerick strike late to seal division 4 glory
Limerick captured the Division 4 title with a hard-fought 3-11 to 0-18 win over Wexford. Goals made the difference, with Tommie Childs striking the crucial blow after the sides had been level entering the final ten minutes. It was a statement performance from a team looking to rebuild momentum after a tough 2024. Peter Nash and Darragh Ó Siochrú were also central to Limerick’s success. For Wexford, despite solid play in the middle third, a lack of goal threat proved costly.
Under-20s make their mark in Ulster
In the Dalata Hotels Group Ulster U20 Championship, Donegal delivered a statement of intent with a commanding 3-23 to 1-11 win over Down in Ballyshannon. An early goal from Dáithí Gildea set the tone, and Donegal pulled away with a flurry of second-half scores. Elsewhere, Antrim and Fermanagh played out a thrilling 0-17 to 1-14 draw, with a late Fermanagh surge — capped by a goal from Cian O'Brien — rescuing a point. These matches underline the depth of talent coming through in the province.
Championship fixtures on the horizon
Attention now shifts to the provincial championships, which begin in earnest over the weekend of April 5–6. Roscommon travel to London in the Connacht opener at McGovern Park, Ruislip, while Wexford host Laois in a Leinster quarter-final at Chadwicks Wexford Park. Munster gets underway with Tipperary facing Waterford in Thurles, and Cork making the trip to the TUS Gaelic Grounds to take on Limerick.
With league form in the rear-view mirror, the championship offers a new opportunity — and potential redemption — for teams across all four provinces.
Final thoughts
This weekend’s finals provided a clear snapshot of who is trending upwards as the championship looms. Kerry’s blend of star power and tactical control positions them as early favourites once again, while Monaghan’s return to the top tier and Offaly’s doggedness hint at a competitive summer ahead.
For counties like Limerick and Roscommon, the focus now shifts to refinement and recovery — and the knowledge that league form only tells part of the story in Gaelic football’s ever-unpredictable championship terrain.
