GAA preview: What's on this weekend and what new rules apply in football?
The St Patrick's weekend promises an exciting round of inter-county GAA action, with pivotal clashes across both football and hurling as the Allianz Leagues approach the decisive stages.
It's also the first football games since the rules were tweaked.
Teams are now required to maintain at least four players in their own half of the field at all times, which can include the goalkeeper. This modification addresses issues with the previous "three up" rule, aiming to prevent scenarios where teams had a numerical advantage by pushing their goalkeeper forward. span
The rule awarding two points for scores from outside the 40-meter arc has been clarified. The term "directly" has been removed, meaning that if the ball, after being kicked from outside the arc, hits the post or crossbar and still goes over, it will count for two points.
A hooter system will now signal the end of each half. After the hooter sounds, play continues until the next natural stoppage (e.g., the ball goes out of play for a score, wide, or sideline kick).
For misconduct by team officials, the opposing team will be awarded a free kick from the 20-meter line.
We'll get to see them in action on Saturday night when the Division 1 spotlight falls on Croke Park, where Dublin face Galway in a match that will have significant implications for the final standings. Meanwhile, Kerry welcome Armagh to Austin Stack Park in Tralee in another headline clash. Both sides are pushing for a place in the league final, ensuring an intense battle under the lights.
Sunday's fixtures see Donegal hosting Tyrone in what promises to be a feisty Ulster derby in Letterkenny, while Derry entertain Mayo at Celtic Park. Both games are crucial, not just for league points but for setting the tone ahead of the upcoming championship.
In Division 2, Cork take on Louth in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, while Roscommon host Cavan. These matches could be decisive in the promotion race, with the competition finely balanced. Meanwhile, Meath will look to consolidate their position when they face Monaghan.
In hurling, the marquee clash sees Kilkenny host Limerick at UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday. Both teams are eyeing strong finishes to the league and will use this match as a measuring stick ahead of the championship. Lower divisions also offer intriguing contests, notably Meath against Down and Laois versus Carlow, as counties battle for promotion.
The weekend's activity culminates on Monday Croke Park, with the Masita GAA Post Primary Schools Finals.
The Hogan Cup (Senior Football A) and Croke Cup (Senior Hurling A) finals will showcase the next generation of Gaelic Games talent.
With promotion, relegation, and preparation for the championship all at stake, it's a weekend set to deliver high drama and competitive edge across Ireland's stadiums.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Gaelic Football
Allianz Football League Division 1
Dublin vs. Galway at Croke Park, 7:30 PM (Live on TG4)Kerry vs. Armagh at Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 5:30 PM (Live on RTÉ)
Allianz Football League Division 2
Down vs. Westmeath at Páirc Esler, Newry, 6:00 PM
Allianz Football League Division 3
Laois vs. Clare at Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 6:00 PM
Allianz Football League Division 4
Waterford vs. London at Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 7:00 PMWexford vs. Tipperary at Chadwicks Wexford Park, 6:30 PMCarlow vs. Longford at Netwatch Cullen Park, 5:30 PM
Hurling
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Kilkenny vs. Limerick at UPMC Nowlan Park, 3:30 PM (Live on TG4)
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Laois vs. Carlow at Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 1:45 PM
Allianz Hurling League Division 2
Meath vs. Down at Trim, 1:30 PM
Allianz Hurling League Division 3
Cavan vs. Armagh at Kingspan Breffni, 12:00 PM
Under-20 Football
Munster U20 Football Championship Phase 1 Round 2
Tipperary vs. Clare at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 2:00 PMWaterford vs. Limerick at Dungarvan, 2:00 PM
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Gaelic Football
Allianz Football League Division 1
Donegal vs. Tyrone at O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny, 3:30 PM (Live on TG4)Derry vs. Mayo at Celtic Park, Derry, 1:30 PM (Live on TG4)
Allianz Football League Division 2
Cork vs. Louth at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2:00 PMMeath vs. Monaghan at Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 2:00 PM (Live on TG4 Player/deferred)Roscommon vs. Cavan at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, 2:00 PM
Allianz Football League Division 3
Antrim vs. Sligo at Corrigan Park, Belfast, 2:00 PMLeitrim vs. Fermanagh at Ballinamore, 2:00 PMOffaly vs. Kildare at Glenisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore, 2:00 PM
Allianz Football League Division 4
Wicklow vs. Limerick at Echelon Park, Aughrim, 2:00 PM
Monday, March 17, 2025
Post Primary Schools Finals at Croke Park
Masita GAA Post Primary Schools Hogan Cup Final (Senior Football A)
St Colman's College, Claremorris vs. St Patrick's College, Maghera at Croke Park, 1:00 PM (Live on TG4)
Masita GAA Post Primary Schools Croke Cup Final (Senior Hurling A)
Thurles CBS vs. Presentation College, Athenry at Croke Park, 3:00 PM (Live on TG4)