Last year the final round of the Sam Maguire group matches was when the All-Ireland football championship took off as a range of shocks on the closing weekend saw the top three positions change in every group.
The same latitude does not appear to exist this time around. Twelve months ago, none of the counties leading the four tables going into the final day managed to stay on course for direct access to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
That meant Mayo, Roscommon and Monaghan went from having one foot in the last eight to being drawn away in the last 12.
Going into the weekend, Armagh, Cork, Dublin and Kerry top the groups and in a tribute to the scheduling, all four are playing the second-placed team in the group, Galway, Tyrone, Mayo and Louth. And so, a draw will suffice for all four.
‘The club is who we are’: Pure pride as Na Fianna look forward to first All-Ireland senior hurling final
Mayo fighting to keep the faith as old guard continue to bow out
Paul Casey and Derek Murray appointed joint managers of Dublin women’s team
Diarmuid O’Sullivan proud of Sarsfields’ progress as they look forward to final test
Permissive qualification regulations – only four teams from 16 will depart the championship – ensure that no county is beyond redemption going into the final matches, although a year ago, no county propping up the table going into the last match, managed to rise from that status.
Group One
Armagh need only draw with Galway to earn first place. League winners Derry are bottom and will need to beat Westmeath to progress.
Fixtures – Saturday: Derry v Westmeath, Páirc Esler, Newry, 7.0; Sunday: Galway v Armagh, Markievicz Park, Sligo, 1.45
Group Two
Winner takes all in the Dublin-Mayo match and a draw will see Dublin top the table. Roscommon have the scoring difference edge on Cavan, who must win.
Fixtures – Saturday: Roscommon v Cavan, Pearse Park, Longford, 5.0; Sunday: Dublin v Mayo, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, 3.45
Group Three
If Cork don’t lose to Tyrone, they top the group. There is an assumption that Donegal will win against Clare and should Tyrone win, the three-way tie will be decided on scoring difference with Cork certain to come third.
Fixtures – Saturday: Tyrone v Cork, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 3.0; Donegal v Clare, MacHale Park, Castlebar, 3.0
Group Four
Kerry are favourites to top the group. A creditable Louth campaign guarantees their progress whereas the winners of Monaghan v Meath will also go forward – again with the draw favouring the Ulster county.
Fixtures – Sunday: Kerry v Louth, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 3.0; Monaghan v Meath, Breffni Park, Cavan, 3.0.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
