Patrick Kennedy looks ahead to this weekend's football Championship action in Connacht, Ulster and Leinster.
Connacht SFC
New York v Roscommon, Gaelic Park, 3.00pm local time.
Roscommon will travel to the Gaelic Grounds in New York to fulfil the most pointless fixture in the GAA calendar this weekend.
It's only a matter of time before their involvement in the Connacht Championship comes under serious scrutiny due to the financial and physical strain on whomever they are drawn to meet. New York do not even participate in the NFL so it's difficult to see how they can develop their side.
As if things weren't bad enough for them already, their top scorer, PJ Ward of Westmeath, has returned to Ireland to line out for his native county in this year's Championship.
Roscommon are in a bit of a mess at present and it's hard to see even the experienced managerial tactics of John Maughan making a difference to their slim chances of capturing silverware in the near future.
That said they should dispose of New York with relative ease, but it may be the highlight of their summer.
Verdict: Roscommon
Leinster SFC
Meath v Louth, Croke Park, 2.00pm.
Louth will travel to Croke Park with more hope of defeating their neighbours since the last time they triumphed over them 31 years ago.
With the NFL Division 2 title already in the bag, they have a good chance of making it to the Leinster SFC quarter-final stage. JP Rooney is in flying form and they boast their best XV for some years.
It's just unfortunate that they face Meath; a team that always raise their performances for their visits to Croke Park.
Graham Geraghty lives for battle against local rivals and he should provide enough inspiration to quell the threat of a Louth side that will take some time to settle in to the intimidating atmosphere of the Drumcondra venue.
Meath manger Eamonn Brady will have his side ready to forget about NFL relegation and they should run out winners by five or six points.
Verdict: Meath
Westmeath v Offaly, Croke Park, 4.00pm.
The second part of a Croke park double-bill of Leinster SFC action gets underway at 3.30pm on Sunday, as Offaly take on Westmeath for the right to face Kildare in the next round.
Westmeath are on a major downward slump and their hopes of stopping the rot have been dealt a blow by the news that Dessie Dolan will miss most of the summer.
Additionally, Rory O'Connell has hung up his boots and leaves a massive hole in the middle of the field for the 2004 Leinster Champions.
They recently lost out to a second string Galway outfit in a challenge game that should have been bread and butter to them.
Offaly, on the other hand, welcome the fact that talisman Ciarán McManus is fit to take his place. McManus has dragged the side back in to games on his own and it's difficult to see Westmeath being able to stop the threat he poses.
Offaly should take the honours and set up a quarter-final battle against Kildare.
Verdict: Offaly
Ulster SFC
Armagh v Monaghan, Clones, 3.30pm.
Armagh are looking to bounce back from their recent slump as they face Monaghan in the first round of the Ulster SFC at Clones on Sunday.
Three years ago Monaghan caught Armagh on the hop as the then All-Ireland Champions underestimated the Farney and exited the Ulster Championship on the first day out.
If the same result occurs on Sunday it would not cause as much of a shock. This is a weaker Armagh side facing a stronger Monaghan side.
The Farney had a few unlucky results, despite fine performances, in the NFL and were relegated. Armagh were blessed with a last minute goal, against Wexford, that saw them survive in the top flight.
The most telling factor is the absence of Francie Bellew, if indeed he is absent, but a quick look through the team suggests that Monaghan have a faster side, more equipped for skilful passing and movement of the ball.
Armagh's experience can only count for so much as their ageing leaders take to the field again. This one is there for Monaghan to take.
Verdict: Monaghan
