Regardless of what Dónal Óg might have to say about football, the Tailteann Cup – similar to the Ring, Rackard, Meagher, McDonagh competitions in hurling – are really important to offer developing counties the opportunity to compete in a competition that they can win.
But as important as that, is to allow them to evolve as a group and every team needs that, they won't evolve playing in the Sam Maguire and getting beaten convincingly week-in, week-out. So, [Cusack] is well aware of the importance of these competitions to developing counties, both in hurling and in football.
Derry have been in sensational form, showing a consistency with their innovative gameplan and a win-at-all-costs mentality that's been underpinning it.
Armagh, on the other hand, are progressing with purpose since an experimental league campaign that didn’t end too well.
The questions are, can Armagh's rejuvenated attack with [Conor] Turbitt and [Rían] O’Neill leading the way punch enough holes in the Derry defence, which is led by Chrissy McKaigue, or will [Conor] Glass and [Brendan] Rogers dominate the young gun [Shane] McPartlan and [Ben] Crealey in midfield for Armagh?
Finally, will the scintillating attacking system Derry have shown be stopped by Armagh’s new-look compact unit? It’s a close one. I’m going to go against the champions of 2022 and I’m going to tip Armagh to upset Derry and win their first since 2008.
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Dublin going up against Louth in a game everyone expects Dublin to win. If Mickey Harte can continue the fine form of this team and the development of this team and get these lads off to a flying start, we could have a game on our hands.
They’ll need the towering figures of [Conor] Early, [Tommy] Durnin and [Conor] Grimes in the middle third to win the exchanges over [James] McCarthy and [Brian] Fenton, which is easier said than done.
But if they can get some primary possession from kickouts and supply the in-form [Ciaran] Downey and Sam Mulroy with quick ball, they can hurt Dublin.
However, I expect a response from Dublin after a below-par performance against Kildare and the added incentive of not wanting to be in a group with Kerry, Mayo and Cork in the group stages. I expect Dublin to be more controlled with the ball and efficient up top and run out comfortable winners.
The Tailteann Cup has eight games this weekend. We have Cavan-Laois, I’m going home win here. There’s a trend going to occur in this.
Down versus Waterford, again I think Down will have too much for Waterford, home win. Limerick versus Longford, Limerick here, another home win.
The one questionable one I had, was Meath versus Tipperary. We haven’t seen enough form out of either of these teams this but I’m just going to tip it to Meath for a home victory.
Again, Fermanagh versus Wexford, Fermanagh should come out winners in this one. Antrim versus Leitrim - Antrim. Offaly versus London, going to tip Offaly here to bounce back from their fine performance but unfortunate loss to Louth last week.
Wicklow versus Carlow will be a tight one, but I expect Wicklow will come out on top there at home. So, eight games, all competitive games, but the trend is, I see some home victories here.
Paul Flynn was speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland
