ALLIANZ NFL DIVISION 1A
Kerry v Mayo, Tralee, Saturday, 7.45pm.
Another new GAA season has arrived and thank goodness for that. It all begins in Tralee on Saturday evening when All-Ireland finalists Kerry meet the nearly men from Mayo. The Connacht team will be under the tutelage of Derryman Mickey Moran and he will be hoping to take them where his predecessor just failed on a couple of occasions. But that dream is still a bit away. Kerry appear to be suffering from their All-Ireland defeat and may require a few good outings to regain that hungry feeling.
Verdict: Kerry
Tyrone v Dublin, Omagh, Sunday, 2.30pm.
A full house is assured for this fixture. Tyrone, riding on the crest of a wave seem to be almost invincible. Dublin on the other hand are still looking for some inspiration - perhaps a better return from the forward set-up would go a long way as they prepare to defend their Provincial title later in the season. Mickey Harte’s men are playing like champions though and they are the side that every county will be trying to emulate. Verdict: Tyrone
Offaly v Cork, Tullamore, Sunday, 2.30pm.
Offaly lost out to Meath in the O’Byrne Cup final last Sunday but that alone cannot take away from their efforts so far this year. Missing almost their entire defensive set-up from last year’s campaign puts their recent loss into perspective. Management are hoping that some of the absent performers will be available for this clash against an improving Cork side and perhaps enable them to get off to a winning start.
Verdict: Offaly
Monaghan v Fermanagh, Clontibret, Sunday, 2.30pm.
This sees newly promoted Monaghan getting a taste of life in the top League against neighbours Fermanagh. Monaghan shot to prominence last season with fantastic win over Meath in the Division 2 final but their championship run did not match their enthusiasm. Still, the eagerness is there to improve further and with Fermanagh slipping from the heights of a few seasons ago, a home win looks likely.
Verdict: Monaghan
ALLIANZ NFL DIVISION 1B
Down v Meath, Newcastle, Sunday 2.30pm.
Is the Meath revival the real thing or an early season surge when opposing sides are still stretching themselves following all the festivities? The Royals certainly had that famous spring in their steps when ousting Offaly in the O’Byrne Cup final and the younger players possess that insatiable desire to give it everything in search of victory. Down have been struggling to re-kindle that magical flair we always associate with teams from the Mourne. A very good minor side last year however, we might be hearing more from them in 2006.
Verdict: Down
Armagh v Kildare, Crossmaglen, Sunday 2.30pm.
Kildare have a lot to prove this year. They are still the great enigmas of Gaelic football, write them off and they come out with all guns blazing, praise them and they will self destruct. Armagh are included in the “big three” of present day top sides but must be getting weary of watching Tyrone take all the accolades. Joe Kernan is giving it one last big effort. They are the League champions but may have their eyes focussed on something different later on in the year.
Verdict: Armagh
Derry v Galway, Celtic Park, Sunday, 2.30pm.
Galway will be using this campaign to try and create a side that will do them justice in the months ahead, such as building a new solid defence. The talent is in the county, only Peter Forde and his management team can devise a winning combination. Derry, another of the nearly teams, always threaten to take the limelight away from the top two in the Province but somehow manage to come up short.
Verdict: Derry
Laois v Wexford, Portlaoise, 2.30pm.
It is always nice to start the campaign on home soil. Laois have the advantage this time as no team travels to Wexford expecting an easy passage. Laois struggled against Offaly a couple of weeks ago but Mick O’Dwyer was not too unhappy, this is the year to prove that they were not just a once off Provincial championship winning side. He will use the League to hone his charges into a slick outfit capable of what could possibly a very productive season.
Verdict: Laois
