Winds of change likely to keep blowing for some as Allianz Football League enters the home stretch

And so we have arrived at the start of meteorological spring, not that you'll know it by an icy blast that made a somewhat suprising visit.

Thankfully temperatures are expected to rise, so ensuring that Round 5 games in the Allianz Football League can go ahead this weekend.

According to the proverb, 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb'.

That former was certainly the case this weekend six years ago when the 'Beast from the East' took out all the sporting fixtures. A fortnight later, the Siberian winds returned, though not as potent. A Bank Holiday Monday, following St Patrick's Day on a Saturday, offered a chance for postponed games to be played.

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With the league run over a condensed period now - not so long ago it concluded at the end of April - weather delays are not what the fixture planners want. There is little wiggle room, with the championship, also presented to us with scant room to breathe, following a week after the divisional trophies are handed out.

So using a weather analogy let's assess where some counties are at as we head down the stretch in this year's league.

Long sunny spells

Derry footballers are catching the eye: unbeaten in their four games played so far in the top flight. All is bright in their world! And while it was more a case of getting the job done to a degree against Galway last weekend, Mickey Harte and co will be looking to keep their winning run going.

Dublin are the visitors to Celtic Park on Saturday evening; Dessie Farrell's side,