Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/31 12:45 | - | Armagh vs Donegal | 0.14(14)- 0.15(15) |
| 03/23 19:00 | - | Cavan vs Fermanagh | View |
| 03/23 19:00 | - | Cork vs Armagh | View |
| 03/23 19:00 | - | Donegal vs Meath | View |
| 03/23 19:00 | - | Kildare vs Louth | 0.12(12)-1.12(15) |
| 03/16 17:00 | - | Kildare vs Donegal | View |
| 03/16 17:00 | - | Armagh vs Cavan | View |
| 03/16 14:00 | - | Louth vs Fermanagh | View |
| 03/16 14:00 | - | Meath vs Cork | View |
| 03/03 15:30 | - | Cork vs Kildare | View |
| 03/03 14:00 | - | Donegal vs Louth | View |
| 03/02 19:00 | - | Cavan vs Meath | View |
Wikipedia - National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League (NFL; Irish: Sraith Náisiúnta Peile) is an annual Gaelic football competition between the senior county teams of Ireland plus London. Sponsored by Allianz, it is officially known as the Allianz National Football League.
The Gaelic Athletic Association organises the league. The winning team receives the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company. The National Football League is the second most prestigious inter-county Gaelic Football competition after the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Unlike many league competitions in sport, each team plays the other teams in their division only once. Teams that meet in the same division over the course of a number of years often play on a home and away basis in alternative years, though this is not strictly adhered to. Once the divisional matches have been played, the latter stages of the league become a knockout competition for the top teams in each division. This is seen as good preparation for the upcoming All-Ireland Championship and there is usually more intensity to the division finals than those played earlier in the league, but still lacking the intensity of Championship matches.
Derry are the current league champions, having won the 2024 league.
History
The National Football League was first held in 1925–26, thirty-eight years after the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Laois won the inaugural National Football League. The NFL has traditionally played second fiddle to the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, with most counties using it as preparation for that event. This was not helped by the fact that the league was initially played in winter (usually November–March), while the Championship had the more attractive summer dates and knockout structure.
Mayo dominated the early NFL, winning seven titles in eight seasons until the tournament was suspended during the Second World War. For many seasons in the 1950s and 1960s, the winners of the "home" league played New York in the NFL final; the journey to New York formed an additional prize for the winners. New York won three of these finals.
In 2002, the league was changed to a February–April calendar. This increased interest, boosted attendances and led to live games being broadcast on TG4. The 2009 season was broadcast live on Setanta Sports. Coverage of the 2010 finals in Croke Park saw TG4 become the most watched channel, with 650,000 viewers tuning in to watch some of the games. The Division 1 Final had an average audience of 220,000 viewers.
The National Football League winners receive the Irish National Insurance Cup, first presented to Kerry in 1928–29. Kerry is the most successful team in the competition, having played in the final on twenty-nine occasions and won twenty-three of these. Both of these (final appearances and wins) are records. Kerry also is the team to have most often achieved the "double", by winning both the league title and the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Gaelic football, a fast-paced and physical sport, combines elements of soccer, rugby, and basketball. Teams of 15 players battle it out on a large grass pitch, using their hands and feet to move the ball and score points by kicking it over the crossbar or into the net. The NFL Division 2 tournament features teams that have demonstrated their prowess in this thrilling sport, displaying their agility, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Hurling, often referred to as the fastest field sport in the world, is a unique and ancient game that requires exceptional hand-eye coordination and skill. Played with a small ball called a sliotar and a curved wooden stick called a hurley, teams of 15 players compete to score points by striking the sliotar between the opposing team's goalposts. The NFL Division 2 tournament showcases the best hurling teams, highlighting their speed, precision, and ability to execute intricate plays.
The NFL Division 2 tournament attracts passionate fans from all over Ireland, who come together to support their favorite teams and witness the intense battles on the field. The atmosphere is electric, with roaring crowds, colorful flags, and spirited chants filling the air. The tournament provides a platform for players to showcase their talents and potentially catch the attention of scouts and selectors, as they strive to progress to higher levels of Gaelic sports.
With a rich history and tradition, Gaelic football and hurling are deeply ingrained in Irish culture, and the NFL Division 2 tournament celebrates the heritage and passion of these sports. It is a thrilling and captivating event that brings communities together, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among players and supporters alike. Whether you are a die-hard fan or new to Gaelic sports, the NFL Division 2 tournament promises an unforgettable experience filled with skill, athleticism, and excitement.