The countdown is well and truly on to the start of the Allianz national football league this weekend. The meeting of Kerry and Galway on Saturday at 3pm in Austin Stack Park will be the opening fixture in Division 1 South and will mark the return of intercounty football at competitive level for the first time in almost 6 months. This years league is divided into Northern and Southern groups to minimise travel for teams and avoid over night stays where possible. The Division 4 North could prove to be highly competitive with Leitrim, Sligo, Antrim and Louth all vying for the promotion spot. Interestingly all four teams have Ulster management teams in place, with Armagh's Tony Mc Entee in charge of Sligo, former all Ireland winning manager with Tyrone Mickey Harte is now over Louth, while it is also a Tyrone man in charge of Antrim with former player and all star Enda Mc Ginley having taken over from Lenny Harbinson. Terry Hyland still holds onto the "Bainisteoir" bib in Leitrim. His side get their campaign underway on Suday in Marckievicz Park against Sligo and the former Cavan manager knows that all teams will be looking at their promotion opportunities
Throw in for that one is at 3pm and we will have coverage of that game on Sunday sport with thanks to Leitrim GAA.
