The former Kerry manager, who last week flirted with the job he held from 2003-2006 in his first stint and then from 2008-2012. His reasoning for leaving the Leinster side was down to travel commitments, admitting that the job proved much too difficult to carry on.

O’Connor, who won three All-Ireland titles with Kerry signed a three-year contract with Kildare back in August 2019 and did state he would carry on full-time with the panel. However, he will now not fulfil the third campaign.

"We wish Jack all the best in his future endeavours. He will always be welcome back in Kildare"

After two years at the helm, Jack O'Connor has stepped down as @KildareGAA boss pic.twitter.com/a2X5GOTU4t

— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) September 6, 2021

O’Connor stated;

“After two challenging but very enjoyable years I have decided to step away from managing the Kildare senior football team,” said O’Connor, who guided Kildare back to Division 1 this season with a promotion play-off win over Meath.

“This was a very difficult decision for me and one that I agonised over during the past few weeks. I have been made feel very welcome during my time in Kildare and I have worked with some great people up here. However, a round journey of over eight hours from St Finian’s Bay to Newbridge and back takes its toll and I felt this was unsustainable for the coming season.

“I’d like to thank the Kildare County Board for putting faith in me two years ago. As management, we have worked incredibly hard since then to improve the standards in Kildare.

A statement from Kildare GAA admitted that O’Connor and his management team were already planning the upcoming 2022 season, but due to the travel from Kerry to Kildare, his desire to return has diminished.

Kildare GAA Chairman, Mick Gorman recognised O’Connor as a great servant during his time in the Lilywhite dugout.

“We hold Jack in the highest esteem and the impact of his experience, influence and commitment as a manager will leave a lasting impression,” Gorman said.

“We wish Jack the very best of luck in his future endeavours. He will always be welcome here in Kildare.”

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Five players from the provincial champions, Dublin and Tyrone, make an appearance in the latest team of the week.

Three spots are awarded to Leinster runners-up Kildare who had some individual gems against Dublin on Sunday in Croke Park.

The final two spots are filled by Monaghan players after their spirited second-half display put Tyrone to the sword.

Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan is one-half of his county’s representatives and earned his spot in the team after a magnificent display in the Ulster final.

The sweeper-keeper offered a different option to Tyrone counterpart Niall Morgan’s high press on kick-outs.

The Scotstown star was the 15th outfield player for his side in their first Ulster final since 2015 as he pushed up the pitch and offered himself as an extra man high up the pitch.

His work rate was evident in the fantastic steal he pulled off on Tyrone full-forward Conor McKenna, who was charging down on a Beggan-less net.

His ability to commit to this role so well and the impact it had on Monaghan makes him deserving of a spot in the team.

Padraig Hampsey is in at right corner-back after he shut down Monaghan danger man Conor McManus on the big stage.

The Tyrone skipper was up to the task and restricted McManus to just one point from play.

His leadership to organise the defence in the closing stages were also evident once again – Tyrone’s backs have formed the standout defence of this year’s Championship.

Kildare’s Kevin Flynn and Daniel Flynn appear in the left wing-back and centre full-forward spots respectively.

The pair were integral in Kildare’s competitive nature for much of the game.

Kevin Flynn’s high work rate imposed his authority on the Dubs while Daniel Flynn’s scoring ability and his fantastic goal was worthy of selection.

Dublin duo Ciarán Kilkenny and Niall Scully scored important points in the pivotal third quarter of the Leinster final to put the game beyond doubt.

Some of their work in defence was of a high standard too.

GAA.ie Football Team Of The Week – 3/8/2021

1. Rory Beggan (Monaghan)
2. Padraig Hampsey (Tyrone)
3. Mark Dempsey (Kildare)
4. Conor Boyle (Monaghan)
5. Brian Howard (Dublin)
6. Kieran McGeary (Tyrone)
7. Kevin Flynn (Kildare)
8. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
9. Conor Meyler (Tyrone)
10. Cormac Costello (Dublin)
11. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
12. Niall Scully (Dublin)
13. Darren McCurry (Tyrone)
14. Daniel Flynn (Kildare)
15. Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)

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The All-Ireland winning manager cited the lack of impact the Dublin bench had on the game – Ryan Basquel was the only point scorer off the bench.

He compared the Dublin benches from previous Delaney Cup successes over Kildare and Laois in 2017 and 2018 with the one at the county’s disposal on Sunday.

The past benches featured the likes of Jack McCaffrey, Kevin McManamon and Paul Flynn.

Their bench in the 2017 final against Kildare was worth seven points to Dublin on the day, six greater than the bench on Sunday amassed.

Fitzmaurice noted that the bench is “possibly one area that [Dublin] aren’t as strong as they were”.

The bench has been a huge asset to Dublin’s football team in recent years with their replacements having been able to enter the match after 50 minutes and play to the same level and intensity the starters had.

McManamon was the most recognisable figure that Dublin would look to when they needed a change and the St Judes forward is the catalyst for several important moments throughout the team’s recent history.

He is still part of the Dublin panel but is currently in Tokyo as the sports psychologist is part of Team Ireland’s boxing camp.

Fitzmaurice praised Dublin’s high work rate under Dessie Farrell and used examples from Sunday’s game to showcase that.

The Sunday Game pundit analysed their performance and labelled the intensity they showed as the county’s “cornerstone”.

Dublin, although troubled in attack for periods of the final, put up a dogged display, retaining the ball all over the pitch throughout the game.

Fitzmaurice applauded the Dublin forwards for tracking back and helping out their defence whenever Kildare had possession.

Their inability to roll over for their opposition is something that Fitzmaurice believes is proof that the side is still among the top teams in the country.

“I think their work rate and the way they are tackling shows they’re not ready to give it up just yet.”

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Dublin will go head to head with Kildare at Croke Park in Dublin this coming Sunday at 4.00 pm in the Leinster Senior Football Championship Final live on RTÉ.

The Dubs are coming into this match on a streak of 10 consecutive Leinster title wins starting all the way back in 2011, defeating Wexford by a mere goal.

Since then they have dispatched many of their Leinster counterparts sparingly, Meath (5 times), Laois (1 time), Westmeath (2 times), Wexford (1 time), and Kildare (1 time).

In those ten finals since 2011, Dublin has averaged a winning margin of 23 points, with their largest being a 30 point victory in last years route against Meath.

Outscoring their opponents by 109 in Leinster finals in the past decade with a scoreline of 20-166 (226) to 4-105 (117)

Almost unbeatable in Leinster, any fixture involving Dublin is a foregone conclusion on who the victor will be,

This year, however, Dessie Farrell’s side are playing unusually below the Dublin standard. Winning their Allianz League (shared with Kerry).

Looking tame in the quarter-final victory over Wexford, only winning by 0-08 points and looking shaky against Meath in the semi-final winning by 6 points.

It has been the closest year in over a decade where Dublin look somewhat beatable in the provincials.

We have seen this before however when the Dubs don’t perform on any given day, they still find a way to get over the line, that is why they are the greatest footballing side to ever grace the pitch and by some margin.

Kildare are a team on the rise, the appointment of Jack O’Connor was a massive coup for the Lilywhites, having an outstanding career with Kerry, O’Connor gives them a much-needed respect factor,

Only suffering one defeat to a vibrant Clare side during their league campaign, they gained promotion to Division 1 along with Mayo.

Although in their quarter-final and semi-final outings, they got over the line in tough games.

Beating Offaly by 5 points before overcoming a young Westmeath side by 2 points.

They have not reached an All-Ireland Final since 2017, losing to the Dubs 2-23 to 1-17.

If they do defeat the Dubs this weekend, it will be their first Leinster title since 2000, where they took Dublin to a replay, winning by 3 points.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Many of Dublin’s influential players have left the panel this season, Cian O’Sullivan, Eric Lowndes, Paul Mannion, Paddy Andrews and possibly Stephen Cluxton, which has led to a mass exodus of their panel.

The Lilywhites will be without three of their most experienced players through injury.

Midfielder Paul Cribbin will be out for the foreseeable season with two fractured bones in his leg after a fall against Meath in the league.

Fellow midfielder Kevin Feely and defender Eoin Doyle were both forced off during their win against Westmeath in the Leinster semi-final.

Conclusion

As much as I would love Kildare to do the unthinkable and dethrone the Dubs, it won’t happen.

Now, saying that, if Dublin plays as they have been since their league campaign, Kildare could open them up and cause an upset.

Being without three of the key players will not do Kildare any favours, but if they are fit enough to play, their chances of lifting their first Leinster title since 2000 will look increasingly likely.

Come Sunday evening, I believe Dublin will have too much firepower and experience to capture their 11th consecutive Leinster title.

Prediction: Dublin by 8  points

Starting Teams – TBC 

Dublin

Kildare

Betting

Dublin: 1/20

Kildare: 10/1

Draw: 25/1

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Click for Kildare vs Westmeath Leinster Semi-finals – Listen Live & Live Scores
Kildare will go head to head with Leinster rivals Westmeath at Croke Park this coming Sunday at 2:00 as the first of a doubleheader in the first Leinster Senior Football Championship semi-final.

The lily whites have been impressive this term, topping their Division 2 South group before defeating narrowly defeated Meath in the semi-final, gaining promotion to Divison 1 along with Mayo.

Their only defeat being against Clare, Jack O’Connor has improved his side since his appointment in 2019.

They overcame a strong-willed Offaly side in the quarter-final by a score of 1-15 to 0-13 last week and come into this game as favourites.

Westmeath endured a horrible league run, losing all three games, but playing heroically for the vast majority of those games.

Eventually losing to fellow strugglers Cork in the relegation semi-final, they were relegated down to Division 3 along with the team they faced in the Leinster quarter-finals Laois.

Last year, neither side looked strong enough to challenge Dublin, or at least compete with them.

Meath hammered Kildare in the semi-final, while Westmeath held their own against the Dubs, being eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Jack O’Connor has not put his stamp on his side as of yet, playing a decent style of football throughout the league and looking good going forward.

They do, however, lack something of a clinical nature in their squad, not being able to finish of teams nor having that one standout player to see them through games.

Their opponents on the other hand lack a noticeable style to their game. Throughout the league, and especially in their loss to Mayo they leaned towards playing the long ball into the full-forward line.

If that didn’t work, the players would retreat and look void of ideas.

Conclusion

No matter what, Dublin will beat both sides with relative ease, but out of the two contenders, I can only see Kildare winning this one.

Stronger going forward, a better and experienced manager who is a proven winner. The lily whites should have enough to progress.

Prediction: Kildare by 12 points

Starting Teams

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Jamie Gonoud, Kevin Maguire (captain), Boidu Sayeh; James Dolan, Ronan Wallace, Sam McCartan; Ray Connellan, Sam Duncan; Denis Corroon, Ger Egan, David Lynch; Lorcan Dolan, John Heslin, Ronan O’Toole.

Kildare : Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Mick O’Grady, Eoin Doyle; Kevin Flynn, David Hyland, Ryan Houlihan; Kevin Feely, Aaron Masterson; Conor Hartley, Fergal Conway, Neil Flynn; Darragh Kirwan, Ben McCormack, Jimmy Hyland.

Betting

Kildare: 2/7

Westmeath: 10/3

Draw: 9/1

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1. 2002, Dublin 2-11 vs 0-10 Meath – Leinster Semi-Final.

It seems like a distant memory now, but Dublin were not always the juggernaut they are now. Meath were very much the county on top of Leinster at the turn of the century. In 2002, Dublin were entering their seventh season without a Leinster title.

In addition, there was not exactly huge expectations from the capital. A mediocre League campaign was followed by a victory over Wexford in the Championship before the Meath fixture.

Previously, Meath had taken apart a Kerry team in 2001 that had beaten Dublin. While it had been 3 years since the Royals won the Sam Maguire, there was still a huge gap between them and Dublin.

But, once the ball was thrown in this Leinster semi-final the Dubs came out firing. Manager Tommy Lyons worked the magic that saw him bring Kilmacud Crokes to Club glory in 1995. It was Ray Cosgrove who led the charge with two goals to sink Meath.

Since then Meath have only won one Leinster final. In contrast, Dublin have only improved. That game very much marked a power shift in Leinster.

2. 2007, Sligo 1-10 vs 0-12 Galway – Connacht Final.

For the longest time Connacht has been dominated by Galway and Mayo with Roscommon joining them in recent years. Hence, when Sligo upset Galway in 2007 it was a huge upset.

The semi-final was a shock in itself. After being six points down in the second half in Dr Hyde Park, the Yeats County won the final twenty minutes by eight to beat Roscommon.

The final went to a fro in the first half. Then, in the 24th minute Eamonn O’Hara found the net for Sligo and by half-time they were two up. In the final 20 minutes Sligo only scored one point but their defence held strong.

The win was their first Connacht title since 1975 and it ruptured the Galway/Mayo trend that had developed in Connacht.

3. 2010, Down 1-16 vs 1-10 Kerry – All-Ireland Quarter-Final.

When Down knocked reigning Champions Kerry out of the Championship at the quarter-final stage in 2010, it was the first time the Kingdom weren’t playing football in September since 2003.

Mark Poland scored the crucial goal for Down as the Ulster side raced into a 1-4 to 0-0 lead. Likewise, Marty Clarke was doing serious damage. Kerry came back somewhat but never really managed to get a foothold in the game. Hence, the upset was more than just Down defeating Kerry. It was the comfort with which they did it.

4. 2011, Tipperary 3-09 vs 1-14 Dublin – All-Ireland Minor Final.

Before Dessie Farrell took charge of the Dublin Seniors this year, he had already been successful with the county at minor and u-21 level. However, the 2011 Minor Final is absent from his CV. In Farrell’s first year in charge of the Dublin minors, they were dramatically beaten in the final by Tipperary.

The Tipperary manager that day was David Power who himself took charge of the seniors this year. Goals from Liam McGrath, Michael Quinlivan, and Colman Kennedy saw the Premier County’s first title in 77 years.

Dublin controlled the final and had a two-point lead going into the final 5 minutes. Then, a quick 1-1 from Tipperary stunned the blues and they couldn’t undo the damage in time. That Dublin team contained Ciarán Kilkenny, John Small, Jack McCaffrey, Paul Mannion and Cormac Costello.

Likewise, many of the Tipperary players that day continued to have successful careers. For example, Michael Quinlivan was influential again in 2017 when Tipperary pulled off another upset against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

5. 2018, Kildare 0-21 vs 0-19 Mayo – Round 3 Qualifier.

Mayo were the real threat to Dublin’s dominance in the 2010s. The Dubs beat the westerners in the 2011, ’13, ’16, and ’17 finals with 2016 requiring a replay. Furthermore, the sides met in the 2015 semi-final and had to replay that game too. So, when Mayo were knocked out of the 2018 Championship in the third qualifying round, it was huge news and Dublin walked to a fourth All-Ireland on the trot.

‘Newbridge or Nowhere’ was the rally call before this game. The Lilywhites refused to sacrifice their home draw for a Croke Park double-header and the performance justified their fight.

Kildare went toe-toe with Mayo. At the time, Mayo had proven themselves as one of the best teams in the country consistently. However, Kildare’s home advantage helped them rattle off six of the last nine scores to knock Mayo out.

Kildare couldn’t replicate the form in the Super 8s but the absence of Mayo sent shockwaves through the Championship.

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Live score commentary from Meath v Kildare

Last weekend, Kildare hit 0-20 to beat the challenge of Offaly. Despite their impressive scoreline, the Lilywhites were never comfortably ahead. A total of 14 wides is a very wasteful statistic and Jack O’Connor will be sure that his team rectify their efficiency in front of goal before this semi-final.

O’Connor put faith in his young guns and they rewarded him with a strong performance. Darragh Kirwan was dangerous in the forward line alongside Jimmy Hyland and the returning Daniel Flynn. In midfield, Aaron Masterson made an impressive debut by controlling the middle third.

Perhaps most impressively, Shea Ryan won his battle at full-back against Offaly’s danger man Niall McNamee. A clean sheet for Kildare is a great confidence booster, especially in the midst of knock-out Championship. But, Offaly had goal chances and O’Connor will know that Meath can threaten Mark Donnellan’s goal.

Kildare have all the tools to launch an attack on the Leinster Championship. But, they need to use them to full effect to reach their potential. The game against the royals could be exactly what they need as they will be punished for not performing.

Meath make their mark

Meath are here after beating Wicklow emphatically. On paper, the game was a mismatch and Meath proved it by turning the screw on their Division 4 opponents.

Despite being relegated from Division 1 after earning just one point on the final day, Meath were impressive against some top tier opposition. For example, they hit 0-19 against Dublin in the first game back after lockdown. Then, they showed some steel to steal a late draw with Monaghan.

As a result, Meath entered the Championship with optimism and Andy McEntee’s team proved their worth last Sunday. It was a successful Championship debut for Jordan Morris. The U-20 player scored 3-4 (two goals from the penalty spot) in an all-round impressive performance. In addition, McEntee avoided any injuries by running his bench in the final 20 minutes. Last year’s Leinster finalists never let up. To illustrate, they scored 4 goals in the final 15 minutes.

This prolific attitude in front of goal is exactly what could see them past Kildare.

Whatever team emerges victorious on Sunday will go into the Leinster final well prepared for what comes next.

This game is live on RTÉ News’ Channel.

Paddy Power expect Meath to win. They’re 8/11 as opposed to Kildare’s 11/8. A draw is far from unlikely and is priced at 15/2.

Prediction: Draw. This could be a high-scoring shootout in which a goal could prove to be a game winner. If it does go to extra time, Meath may just have that extra bit in the tank.

Facts and Figures

They last met in the championship three years ago when Kildare won a Leinster semi-final  by nine points. 

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASHES 

2017: Kildare 2-16 Meath 0-13 (Leinster semi-final) 

2014: Meath 2-16 Kildare 0-17 (Leinster semi-final) 

2012: Meath 1-17 Kildare 1-11 (Leinster semi-final) 

2011: Kildare 0-16 Meath 0-10 (Leinster quarter-final) 

2010: Kildare 2-17 Meath 1-12 (All-Ireland quarter-final) 

*Meath are attempting to reach the Leinster final for a second successive year: Kildare were last there in 2017. 

*Meath, for whom Jordan Morris scored 3-4, beat Wicklow by 7-14 to 0-7 in the quarter final. Kildare beat Offaly by 0-20 to 0-16 in their quarter-final. 

*The last competitive clash between the counties was in the 2019 Allianz League when Meath won by a point.

Team news
Kildare – Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Shea Ryan, Darragh Malone; David Hyland, Con Kavanagh, Kevin Flynn; Kevin Feely, Aaron Masterson; Matty Byrne, Ben McCormack, Paddy Brophy; Daniel Flynn, Darragh Kirwan, Jimmy Hyland.

Meath Meath (Leinster SFC v Kildare): Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Donal Keogan, Shane McEntee, Matthew Costello; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Cillian O’Sullivan, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Jordan Morris, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eamon Wallace, Cathal Hickey, Eoin Harkin, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jason Scully, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Leinster Championship Semi-Final: Meath vs Kildare, Sunday, 15th November, 13:00 (Croke Park).

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What a weekend of #GAA SFC action! Take a look at the highlights in this #GAANOW Football Weekend Round-Up. pic.twitter.com/VAZMtkJNIk

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CLICK HERE FOR LIVE COMMENTARY FROM KILDARE v OFFALY

The saying of ‘goals win games’ rang true for Offaly in Tullamore on Sunday. Their three majors went a long way in seeing off a dogged Carlow team. Firstly, Niall McNamee and Jordan Hayes found the net in the first half when Offaly were finding points hard to come by. Carlow were never out of touch though as Offaly took a three-point lead into half-time.

Then, Bernard Allen made the lead six just before the second-half water break with a third well taken goal. Carlow had chances of their own but failed to gain any significant foothold to launch a comeback.

Kildare will be hoping to make it to a Leinster final and challenge Dublin. Hence, Offaly may need to show such efficiency in front of goal again to advance.

Kildare manager Jack O’Connor will be grateful for avoiding the preliminary round in Leinster. Since football resumed, Kildare have beaten Cavan and Westmeath. Unfortunately for O’Connor’s team, poor results in the spring meant they came up short of promotion. However, the former Kerry manager will know that form is a crucial asset entering the Championship.

Losses to Dublin and Tyrone eliminated Kildare from the competition last year. Now, they are on the opposite side of the Leinster draw to the All-Ireland Champions. Two good performances will see them in a Leinster final. However, form is temporary and there is no doubt that the Lilywhites will have to battle to get there.

Offaly are 7/2 underdogs with Paddy Power despite their win last week. Kildare are 1/4 and a draw is 10/1.

The game is live on GAAGo.

Prediction: Kildare.

Team News

Offaly : Paddy Dunican; Declan Hogan, Eoin Rigney, Niall Darby; Eoin Carroll, Johnny Moloney, Joseph O’Connor; Aaron Leavy, Jordan Hayes; Peter Cunningham, Ruairi McNamee, Anton Sullivan; Bernard Allen, Niall McNamee, Cian Farrell.

Kildare : Mark Donnellan, Mark Dempsey, Shea Ryan, Darragh Malone; David Hyland, Con Kavanagh, Kevin Flynn; Kevin Feely, Aaron Masterson; Fergal Conway, Ben McCormack, Paddy Brophy;  Daniel Flynn, Darragh Kirwan, Jimmy Hyland.

Leinster Football Championship Quarter-Final: Kildare vs Offaly, Saturday, November 8th, 17:30 (O’Moore Park, Portlaoise).

And with that our Leinster GAA Senior Football Championship Quarter Final line up is set

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Firstly, Kildare racked up 1-21 against Cavan. 2018 U20 Player of the Year Jimmy Hyland had 0-9 of his own. Fergal Conway’s 52nd minute goal was the only major of the game. It came in the third quarter that saw Kildare outscore Cavan 1-5 vs 0-2. However, Kildare took their foot off the gas then. Cavan were unlucky to not find the net in injury time when there was just three points in it. Jack O’Connor will be looking for a strong 70 minutes from his side in round 7.

Secondly, Westmeath outshone Laois in Mullingar. Johnny Heslin was the standout performer with 8 points. Leading 0-12 vs 0-5 at the midway point, Westmeath demonstrated great game management. They kept the scoreboard ticking over as the game went on. As a result, Jamie Gonoud’s goal in the 63rd minute effectively killed the game.

If Sunday’s game is as close as to be expected, Kildare cannot afford to pull up early again. If they do, Westmeath have shown they can punish them by finishing strongly.

Team News

Darragh Kirwan made a very impressive debut that saw him kick 0-4 from full-forward. In the absence of Niall Kelly, Daniel Flynn, and Jack Robinson, Jack O’Connor’s new-look forward line more than sufficed.

Kirwan, Hyland, and Ben McCormack hit 0-15 of Kildare’s 1-21. Therefore, you can expect O’Connor to capitalise on this momentum and use the same formula against Westmeath.

Elsewhere, O’Connor has a full squad to choose from.

Westmeath face Dublin in the Leinster Championship. Thus, Jack Cooney could decide to throw all his cards on the table for round 7 of the league and go for promotion. Dublin may be a team in transition. But, in a knock-out Championship they could have a short season unless they play the game of their lives.

With that in mind, it would be understandable to see Cooney use his strongest selection at every opportunity.

Prediction: Draw. Remarkably, no game finished all-square last weekend. But, with the cobwebs now dusted off, teams have expectations going into games. Kildare are impressive up top. Yet, Westmeath are going to go all-out for this one. So, a stalemate in Newbridge is highly possible.

Kildare vs Westmeath: Division 1, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Newbridge). 

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Allianz Football Division 2 round 6
Kildare v Cavan, Newbridge, 2pm – Preview and live score commentary

After finishing bottom of Division 1 in 2019, Cavan are looking to bounce straight back up. To date, wins over Westmeath, Fermanagh, and Laois projected them towards the promotion places. Despite being near the bottom, Kildare will be a tough opponent. But, a win here could make Cavan’s round 7 tie with Roscommon a promotion shoot-out.

In contrast, Kildare could only muster up wins over Laois and Fermanagh to sandwich their three losses. At the start of the year, the Lilywhites were one of the favourites for promotion. Therefore, they will have been able to regroup since the lockdown and can start afresh this time around. With promotion now all but impossible, Kildare will settle for staying in Division 2. Two home games is a welcome advantage.

Cavan face Monaghan in their Ulster Championship opener on October 31st. As a result, they will welcome two competitive League games as preparation. After going all the way to the Provincial Final in 2019, Cavan aim to go one better this time around.

Meanwhile, Kildare have a favourable draw in Leinster. They don’t play until the quarter-final stage on November 8th when Offaly or Carlow will be the opposition.

After two exciting club Championships in Cavan and Kildare respectively, the players will be itching for inter-county action. Hence, this is an exciting fixture to return with.

Allianz National League Division 2: Kildare vs Cavan, Sunday October 18th, 2pm (Newbridge).

#GAA news: @SkySportsGAA Championship schedule released

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