Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/30 17:00 | - | Laois vs Leitrim | 3.14(23)- 0.9(9) |
| 03/24 13:00 | - | Carlow vs London | View |
| 03/24 13:00 | - | Leitrim vs Tipperary | View |
| 03/24 13:00 | - | Waterford vs Laois | View |
| 03/24 13:00 | - | Wexford vs Longford | View |
| 03/16 18:00 | - | Tipperary vs Wexford | View |
| 03/16 16:15 | - | Laois vs Leitrim | View |
| 03/16 15:00 | - | Longford vs Carlow | View |
| 03/16 13:00 | - | London vs Waterford | View |
| 03/03 14:30 | - | Longford vs Leitrim | View |
| 03/03 14:00 | - | Tipperary vs Waterford | View |
| 03/02 19:00 | - | Carlow vs Wexford | 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. It is played with a round ball and teams of 15 players, who use their hands and feet to move the ball towards the opposing team's goalposts. The skillful display of kicking, hand-passing, and high-fielding makes Gaelic football a thrilling spectacle for both players and spectators alike.
Hurling, on the other hand, is a uniquely Irish sport that dates back over 3,000 years. Played with a small ball called a sliotar and a curved wooden stick called a hurley, hurling is a fast and furious game that demands exceptional hand-eye coordination, agility, and bravery. The combination of skillful stickwork, lightning-fast sprints, and bone-crunching tackles makes hurling a truly captivating sport to watch.
The NFL Division 4 tournament provides a platform for teams from all corners of the country to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The participating teams, often representing smaller counties or emerging talent, bring their A-game to the field, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory.
The tournament is a true celebration of Gaelic sports, with matches held in iconic stadiums and local grounds, creating an electric atmosphere that reverberates with the cheers and chants of passionate fans. The dedication and commitment of the players are evident as they battle it out on the field, displaying their technical prowess, teamwork, and sheer determination.
The NFL Division 4 tournament not only serves as a platform for teams to showcase their talent but also as a stepping stone for players to progress to higher divisions and potentially represent their county at the highest level. It is a breeding ground for future stars and a testament to the rich sporting heritage of Gaelic games.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of Gaelic sports or a newcomer to the world of Irish games, the NFL Division 4 tournament promises an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling moments, fierce competition, and a true celebration of Gaelic culture. So grab your jersey, join the roaring crowd, and witness the magic unfold on the field as these teams battle it out for Gaelic glory.