Garvan Jones can help Fermanagh earn bragging rights against Antrim
Garvan Jones of Fermanagh (left) scored six points in his side's loss to Kildare
When the three Jones brothers — Garvan, Conal and Ryan — decided to take their leave of Derrygonnelly Harps and slip across the border to join the Leitrim Gaels club, it was initially thought that they were turning their backs on Fermanagh.
But this is not quite the case. Garvan lined out for the Erne County in their opening Allianz League match against Kildare and helped himself to six points in the team’s sobering 2-14 to 1-12 defeat.
Now the hope is that he can replicate this form against Antrim at St Joseph’s Park, Ederney on Sunday (2.30pm) as Kieran Donnelly’s team focus on their first victory.
Having overcome Clare last weekend, Antrim have their sights on a profitable away day this time out and with Conor Stewart, Patrick McBride, Ryan Murray and Marc Jordan in fine fettle they could make life difficult for their hosts.
Stewart and Murray were among a handful of players who were missing because of injury last week but their return has now boosted the side which is still without their skipper Peter Healy.
New Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan, meanwhile, is hopeful that his side can contain the challenge of Westmeath at Clones (2.00pm) on Sunday. Monaghan now boast an amalgam of youth and experience with Conor McCarthy, David Garland, Stephen Mooney, Rory Beggan and Ryan McAnespie very much to the fore.
Manager Bannigan has been unafraid to blood new talent and this could well pay dividends. Having made the drop from Division One last year, the Farney County are particularly keen to re-join the top bracket.
Down, meanwhile, will host Cork at Pairc Esler, Newry conscious that they need to hit the ground running after their loss last weekend and manager Conor Laverty will look to Odhran Murdock, Pat Havern, Liam Kerr, Anthony Morgan, Ceilum Doherty and Danny Magill to set the tone for his team’s performance.
In winning the Tailteann Cup last year, Down underlined their appetite for success and now that they have their sights firmly fixed on promotion they are keen to sustain their momentum.
And Cavan face a tricky assignment against Meath at Tailteann Park, Navan where Raymond Galligan’s side will be keen to land their first League win.
Cavan flattered to deceive last year but given the depth of experience in their side they look to be capable of mounting a bid for promotion although this will be anything but a straightforward exercise.
Meath look capable of achieving progress in the League given their strength in key areas and they are particularly keen to make an early impact.
