Ulster sides ready for the ups and
A NUMBER of Ulster sides are preparing to find out what level of football they will be playing in the 2019 leagues, and by 5pm tomorrow all will become clear.
In Division One, Donegal face the threat of relegation for the first time since they were promoted in 2014, but have it in their hands to send down Sunday’s opponents Mayo.
It’s a curious one, in that Donegal have not been beaten in league or Championship football on their home turf of Ballybofey since 2010. And yet, since they beat Mayo in the 2012 All-Ire- land final, the westerners have had their number ever since.
Should Donegal win, it would leave them level with Mayo on four points, but Stephen Rochford’s men would be relegated due to the head-to-head rule.
Elsewhere, Monaghan have the chance of putting one over on Dublin when they meet in Croke Park.
The All-Ireland champions are already into the league final against Galway, both teams drawing with each other last weekend to produce identical records. However, even if Jim Gavin decides to roll the dice with team selection, it is unlikely the reserves will let up.
Tyrone have Kerry in Omagh for the final round, with nothing at stake but a few markers to lie down.
In Division Two, Down begin their attempt to climb out of the relegation mire but their task is a fairly simple one as they start with Meath in Navan on Sunday.
If they beat the Royals, then they stand a good chance of surviving. However, should Meath beat them, then there is a need to re-fix last weekend’s cancelled tie against high-flying Tipperary. Two losses and Down will be heading for Division Three a year after they avoided it with the final play of the league campaign.
It’s a winner-takes-all for Ca-