Roundup

Division 1A League

St Josephs continue to set the pace in Division 1A after 13 rounds of action. The leaders maintained their impressive form with a comfortable home victory over Cooley Kickhams on Tuesday evening.

St Mochtas remain in second place following a convincing 2-17 to 2-7 win over Dundalk Gaels, while Ardee St Mary’s kept the pressure on with a hard-fought 0-16 to 1-10 victory over local rivals Hunterstown Rovers. With a game in hand, the Marys could move into second place.

Round 3 promises to be pivotal. Cooley Kickhams welcome Dundalk Gaels as both sides chase their first points of the three-point campaign. Ardee St Marys host St Mochtas in a crucial clash that could prove decisive in the battle for second place and a spot in the Division 1A Final. Meanwhile, St Josephs can secure their place in the decider with a positive result at home to Hunterstown Rovers.

Division 1B League

Dreadnots lead the way in Division 1B after edging Newtown Blues by a single point in one of the games of the round. Elsewhere, Mattock Rangers and Geraldines shared the spoils, while Naomh Máirtín and St Patricks also finished level after the Monasterboice men staged a late comeback.

Round 3 sees Newtown Blues needing a positive result when they entertain St Patricks, with the Newfoundwell side currently five points adrift of fifth place. Mattock Rangers host Naomh Máirtín as the Collon men aim to continue their strong form in the split league and steer further clear of the relegation zone. Geraldines also have an important away trip to Clogherhead to face Dreadnots.

Division 2A League

Roche Emmets remain firmly on course for the Division 2A title after another impressive victory, this time overcoming St Fechins. Dundalk Young Irelands strengthened their grip on second place with an important derby win over Sean O’Mahonys, while Kilkerley Emmets kept themselves firmly in the promotion race with a four-point victory over St Brides.

Thursday evening could prove decisive. Roche Emmets will be crowned champions and secure promotion with victory over Sean O’Mahonys. Dundalk Young Irelands know a win against St Brides could move them five points clear of Kilkerley Emmets (3rd), who face a difficult away assignment on the road against St Fechins.

Division 2B League

Glen Emmets continue to lead Division 2B after rescuing a late draw against an improving John Mitchels side. St Kevins recorded their second victory of the three-point campaign with an impressive win over Oliver Plunketts, while O’Raghallaighs eased their relegation concerns by overcoming Stabannon Parnells.

Both sides already safe face in Round 3 as Glen Emmets travel to Philipstown to face St Kevins, with top spot on the line. Elsewhere, Stabannon Parnells host Oliver Plunketts, while O’Raghallaighs welcome John Mitchels. All four sides remain in the battle to avoid relegation, adding further significance to both contests.

Division 3A League

O’Connells have already secured the Division 3A title in commanding fashion, but the race for promotion continues with this Friday’s Promotion Play-Off Semi-Finals.

Clan na Gael, who finished third, host fourth-placed Wolfe Tones in Dundalk. Their league meeting produced an entertaining contest, with Clan na Gael emerging 0-15 to 0-12 winners.

The second semi-final sees Naomh Fionnbarra welcome neighbours Lann Léire in what promises to be a fiercely contested local derby. Naomh Fionnbarra claimed victory when the sides met earlier in the campaign and will be hoping to repeat that result to book their place in the promotion final.

Kevin McGahon Cup (Division 3B)

The race to succeed O’Connells as Kevin McGahon Cup champions gets underway on Friday evening with four quarter-finals.

Dowdallshill, who finished 14th, host seventh-placed St Nicholas’.

Glyde Rangers welcome Westerns in a local derby after finishing sixth and eleventh respectively.

Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock entertain Naomh Malachi, while Cuchulainn Gaels host Annaghminnon Rovers in what should be another closely fought encounter.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, all four ties promise plenty of excitement as the knockout stages begin.