Kerry and Armagh Clash in Crucial Allianz Football League Encounter
Round 7 of the Allianz Football League sees a pivotal clash between Kerry and Armagh, with significant implications for both teams’ seasons. Kerry, aiming to secure their spot in the Division 1 final, travel to the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds to face an Armagh side battling to avoid relegation.
Kerry’s Strong Line-Up
Kerry manager Jack O’Connor has named a strong starting XV, including three-time Footballer of the Year David Clifford. Clifford’s inclusion dispels theories he would be rested for away games in Ulster, having previously sat out the trip to Donegal. RTÉ reports the team remains unchanged from their impressive victory over Mayo.
Kerry Starting Team:
- Shane Murphy
- Paul Murphy
- Jason Foley
- Dylan Casey
- Tom O’Sullivan
- Tadhg Morley
- Armin Heinrich
- Joe O’Connor
- Seán O’Brien
- Cillian Trant
- Seán O’Shea
- Graham O’Sullivan
- Dylan Geaney
- David Clifford
- Keith Evans
Armagh’s Fight for Survival
Armagh, under Kieran McGeeney, are fighting to preserve their Division 1 status. A recent comeback victory against Dublin, overcoming an 11-point deficit, has given them a lifeline. But, they need a win against Kerry, combined with a Dublin defeat to Galway, to avoid relegation. RTÉ highlights the high stakes of this match.
Armagh Starting Team:
- Blaine Hughes
- Peter McGrane
- Aaron McKay
- Gareth Murphy
- Ross McQuillan
- Tiernan Kelly
- Jarlath Óg Burns
- Callum O’Neill
- Ben Crealey
- Tomás McCormack
- Jason Duffy
- Greg McCabe
- Cian McConville
- Darragh McMullan
- Oisín Conaty
Dublin and Galway’s Parallel Battle
Simultaneously, Dublin face a crucial away game against Galway. A four-point victory for Dublin would guarantee their safety in Division 1, regardless of the result between Kerry and Armagh. A win by less than four points would depart their fate in Kerry’s hands. Defeat would result in relegation. Galway, conversely, need to lose by fewer than four points to remain in the top tier.
Other League Fixtures and Team Updates
Elsewhere in the league, Mayo will host Roscommon, with both teams making significant changes to their lineups, potentially as preparation for a future Connacht semi-final. RTÉ reports that Dublin manager Ger Brennan has replaced the injured Luke Breathnach with Ciarán Kilkenny.
Allianz League Sunday coverage begins at 9.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with live blogs available on the RTÉ News app and rte.ie/sport. Sunday Sport will also be broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1.