Down side closing on promotion

GAA fixture-makers will be privately hoping for a set of results that would see promotion matters finalised in Division Three by tomorrow evening.

Otherwise, the final is pushing into April after the other three divisions have been completed due to the Louth-westmeath game being rained off last weekend.

Wins for Down over Louth, Longford over Westmeath and Laois over Carlow is one combination of results would render the outcome of the Louthwestmeath tie irrelevant, thereby allowing the Division Three final to go ahead a week from today.

Under new boss Paddy Tally (above), have reeled off five straight wins and while they haven’t been mightily impressive, they’re still a strong fancy to see off at home in a derby match where even a draw seals promotion.

have lots to play for going to Portlaoise with relegation at stake but

are in a decent position to go up and have consistently managed to keep their neighbours at arm’s reach over the years.

is the most difficult to call but the hosts look the safer bet. They could even go up without having to play Louth if Wayne Kierans’ side lost and Carlow were to shock Laois.

At the bottom, must beat to avoid joining them in Division Four and then rely on Laois to beat Carlow. That’s most likely how it will play out.

TARGET Down football manager Paddy Tally