Depending on the outcomes of this weekend's All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals, there is the possibility of a draw for the semi-finals, with the potential draw taking place following the conclusion of the Dublin v Mayo clash on The Sunday Game Live, on RTÉ Two.
In previous years, the pairings for the last four were determined by a provincial rota, with the provinces facing each other in alternate years. The format remained in place for the introduction of the back door, though in many cases the provincial winner did not always make the semi-finals.
The rota is no longer applicable with the introduction of the new championship structure. Provincial kingpins no longer get straight through to a quarter-final.
And so there is the prospect of a draw for the last-four stage of the Sam Maguire race - subject to avoidance of repeat pairings from earlier championship games, where possible.
So, taking account of the quarter-final action to come, where Kerry v Tyrone, Armagh v Monaghan and Derry V Cork, are also involved, the possible repeat pairings are: Kerry v Cork, Kerry v Mayo, Cork v Mayo, Tyrone v Armagh, Tyrone v Monaghan, Armagh v Derry & Monaghan v Derry.
No draw will be required if Tyrone and Derry win as both teams have played Armagh and Monaghan, and the pairings for the semis would be Tyrone v Derry and the winner of Armagh/Monaghan v winner of Dublin/Mayo.
The All-Ireland semi-finals will take place on the weekend of 15/16 July.
Fixture details will be confirmed by the Central Competitions Control Committee on Monday afternoon next.
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Watch the All-Ireland Football Championship quarter-finals on Sunday, Derry v Cork and Dublin v Mayo, on Sunday from 1.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live updates on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
Follow Kerry v Tyrone and Armagh v Monaghan in the All-IrelandFootball Championship quarter-finals on Saturday with a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live updates on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1. Live streaming is available on GAAGO.ie
