In the preceding year, the concluding matches of the Sam Maguire group were pivotal in bringing the All-Ireland football championship to life. Astonishingly, the top three ranks in each group witnessed a shift during the final weekend. However, such flexibility seems absent this year. A year back, no county leading the four tables into the ultimate day remained persistent for a direct transition to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
This unexpected shift led Mayo, Roscommon and Monaghan to transition from being a step away from the last eight to engaging in the final dozen games in an away format. Currently, Armagh, Cork, Dublin and Kerry hold the top positions in their respective groups. As per the current matches lined up, all four are competing alongside the groups’ second-ranked teams – Galway, Tyrone, Mayo and Louth, respectively. Hence, a draw is sufficient to maintain their lead.
The lax qualification regulations imply that only a quarter of the 16 teams will bow out of the championship, asserting that every county still holds a chance to salvage their place in the championship, during the final matches. Contrarily, in the previous year, no county languishing at the bottom of the table prior to the eventual match, succeeded in elevating their position.
With Derry at the bottom of Group One, a victory over Westmeath is crucial. Armagh, on the other hand, just needs a draw against Galway to secure the top spot. In Group Two, the match between Dublin and Mayo is decisive, with a draw enough for Dublin to lead. In a tight competition, Roscommon holds an upper hand over Cavan, courtesy of their scoring difference.
In Group Three, Cork has to avoid a loss against Tyrone to maintain their top position, while Donegal is anticipated to secure a victory against Clare. In case Tyrone achieves a win, the decision for the group’s third place will be based on scoring difference, with Cork definitely landing that spot.
Kerry has been tipped as likely leaders of the pack. An impressive campaign by Louth ensures they move forward, likewise, the triumphant team from the Monaghan v Meath fixture proceed as well – the odds look promising for the province of Ulster yet again.
The games are lined up for Sunday: a match between Kerry and Louth at O’Moore Park in Portlaoise, and Monaghan battling against Meath at Breffni Park in Cavan, both scheduled for 3.0.