After the conclusion of the football league, thoughts are immediately turning to the start of the Championship, with nine games down for the decision across the weekend of 11/12 April.
On Allianz League Sunday, Lee Keegan and Ciarán Whelan, in gazing into their respective crystal balls, were both genuinely excited at the prospect of what lies ahead.
For Keegan, it's the lack of clues from spring combat that adds to the intrigue.
"I still think it's very unknown and I don't think we learned a whole pile from Division 1 in particular," he said.
"Division 2 and 3 we knew were bear pits. A lot of teams are afraid to give away too much at this of year, so, for me, there are still more questions than answers going into the Championship.
"That is a good thing as the unknown will make it more exciting from my perspective."
Forrmer Dublin star Whelan is relishing what may unfold in all four provinces, when saying: "We've sat on this couch for many years where Dublin were dominating [in Leinster] and it was a dead duck.
"Kerry were dominating in Munster and we were really only looking at two provincial championships.
"Now we're looking at four competitive championships. Cork have that level of consistency and have improved. In Leinster I think we'll get a few upsets; Louth have kicked on from last year and Meath are back where they should be.
"Dublin are possibly struggling a bit and then you have Kildare, Westmeath and Wexford. I genuinely think we are in for a brilliant championship."
Ciarán Whelan and Lee Keegan preview the championship and predict the provincial winners pic.twitter.com/pjNbTRZaoC
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The upcoming clash of Louth-Wexford in Leinster is a game that catches the eye, with the holders putting their title on the line against opposition that earned successive league promotions and pushed Down all the way in the Division 3 final.
Lee Keegan, however, is not looking beyond the Wee County.
"I still think Louth will have too much given their Division 2 experience," he commented.
"I have been so impressed with Louth in their league campaign, how they are playing under Gavin Devlin, and the teams they have beaten so far."
The Westport native was then asked about his own province.
A succinct reply: "It has to be Connacht for Mayo".
There was also a view on the other main contenders for the Nestor Cup
"People don't talk about Roscommon, given the [league] campaign they've had. If we get over London in two weeks, we'll have Roscommon in a semi-final and we know what Roscommon have done to us before.
"Galway have done four in a row. They have unearthed a lot of good talent and there is not as much chat about Shane Walsh and [Damien] Comer. I don't think Galway are looking at provincial any more; their big aim is an All-Ireland."
In Ulster, where the clash of Armagh-Tyrone is the highlight on the opening weekend, the Orchard County's performances during the spring is an indicator for Whelan that their long wait for a provincial crown may be at an end.
"Armagh have done a lot right during the league and still have players to come back. If they get those players back, how they play football will put them in a good position, and I think they might finally get over the line in Ulster."
Provincial predictions:
Ciarán Whelan: Mayo, Kerry, Armagh, Meath
Lee Keegan: Galway, Kerry, Donegal, Meath
