Derry to take final honours

Derry v Offaly TG4, 5pm

OFFALY manager John Maughan was keen for the Division 3 final to go ahead today, despite its close proximity to their Leinster championship opener with Louth next weekend, but he might come to rue that decision as opponents Derry look a more complete outfit and are fancied to win comfortably.

Both sides take flawless records to Croke Park – four wins from four – but Derry’s 5-13 to 0-9 success over Fermanagh was the best performance from either team and their two-point win over Cavan marks them out as the top dogs in the division.

Shane McGuigan has been the one of the stars of the league with his flair and flamboyancy up front lighting up the last few months.

He kicked six points in Derry’s semi-final win over Limerick – he also hit the post twice – and he could tear apart the Offaly defence today.

Derry are fancied to defy a two-point handicap at a shade of odds-against, while the 6-4 about Rory Gallagher’s charges scoring two or more goals makes plenty of appeal as well.