Meath tipped to triumph

By Dan O'Neill

Sunday marked the opening of the All-Ireland football championship, with Westmeath defeating Carlow and Wicklow and Longford playing out a draw. This year's campaign promises to be one of the most exciting for years, with potential challengers coming from every province. The levelling out of football standards in the 90s has been a welcome development for the game. Ulster made the breakthrough in the early part of the decade, ending the dominance of the Munster and Leinster champions in the All-Ireland series. In more recent years, it has been the turn of Connacht sides to make their mark, first with Mayo reaching the finals of 1996 and 1997 and then Galway's success last year in one of the best All-Ireland finals in years, was the icing on the cake. Galway are many people's favourites to repeat last year's heroics, but retaining their crown will prove more difficult this time round. I believe there are a dozen genuine contenders for this year's title and here I give my verdict on them:

Galway - Undoubtedly favourites to retain their All-Ireland crown despite a harsh winter in the league. Brilliant All-Star keeper Martin McNamara is back in the panel to bolster what has been a leaky defence. They possess the best attack in the land, with the likes of Ja Fallon, Pádraig Joyce and Derek Savage. Are good enough to retain their Connacht title and will be hard to stop thereafter.

Odds: 4/1

Verdict: Connacht champions and All-Ireland beaten finalists.

Kerry - Munster kingpins for the last three years and unquestionably a proven championship team.When Maurice Fitzgerald clicks they are a threat to any county, but the Kingdom county's star forward has been inconsistent all year. Will find it difficult to regain the All-Ireland title and Cork lie in wait in Munster.

Odds: 13/2

Verdict: Beaten Munster finalists

Meath - Disappointing exit at the semi-final stage of the National League, scoring only three points against Cork. Need Trevor Giles and Tommy Dowd back and firing on all cylinders for the championship. Darren Fay and John McDermott have been as impressive as ever. Opponents always struggle against their indomitable spirit. Capable of going all the way.

Odds: 13/2

Verdict: Leinster and All-Ireland champions

Dublin - Have worked hard all winter under Tommy Carr and were rewarded with a National League final appearance last Sunday. They are still far from the finished product. A young, inexperienced side, there have been question marks about their full-back line and the scoring potential of their attack. With Dessie Farrell's old head and the good form of Brian Stynes and Ciaran Whelan at midfield, the Dubs will still be hard to beat. May get their revenge on Kildare but won't be good enough for the Royal county in the Leinster decider.

Odds:7/1

Verdict: Beaten Leinster finalists.

Cork - At last it seems Larry Tompkins has been getting the form from his side he has wanted. Winning the National League title was a big boost for the Leesiders. They proved they have one of the best defences in the country in recent games. This, coupled with the impressive displays of Joe Kavanagh and Mark O'Sullivan in attack, means that Cork can overcome the dominance of Kerry in Munster in recent years but the holy grail may elude them come September.

Odds; 7/1

Verdict: Munster champions and beaten All-Ireland semi-finalists.

Kildare - Best tackling team around but have lacked the ability in the forward lines to put teams away. Cathal Sheridan has emerged as a potential high scoring attacker but is as yet not tested at championship level. The Lilies have an over-reliance on Niall Buckley and will struggle to reproduce the heroics of last summer.

Odds: 10/1

Verdict: Beaten Leinster semi-finalists.

Mayo - John Maughan's men will be motivated by Galway's All-Ireland win last year but are in big trouble with the loss of John Casey and Kieran McDonald in attack. Liam McHale's aging legs cannot lift them to the highs of 1996/97 and will find the prospect of regaining the Connacht title too much.

Odds: 12/1

Verdict: Semi-final exit in Connacht

Tyrone - With Peter Canavan returning to the form of 1995 and the likes of Adrian Cush and Brian Dooher in attack, Tyrone will be hard to beat. They are helped by having the easier side of the draw in Ulster. Danny Ball's side can recapture the Ulster title but might not have enough to go all the way.

Odds: 12/1

Verdict: Ulster champions and beaten All-Ireland semi-finalists.

Donegal - Looked to have had Ulster wrapped up last year before Joe Brolly's late goal. Declan Bonnar's side have a tough opening tie against Armagh and will be without influential full-back John Joe Doherty through suspension. Have enough in attack with the likes of Tony Boyle and Brian Devenney to progress to the Ulster final but will suffer another defeat here.

Odds: 14/1

Verdict: Beaten Ulster-finalists.

Derry - Will be seeking to put last year's dismal performance in the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway behind them, but this will be a tall order for the Oak Leaf county. Recent troubles in club games has damaged morale and preparations for the championship with some top players refusing to return to training, most notably the two Downeys. Eamonn Coleman's return to the helm will not be enough to rekindle Derry's best form.

Odds: 14/1

Verdict: Beaten Ulster semi-finalists.

Armagh - A lot is expected of Armagh, who have promised so much in recent years yet failed to produce when it matters. Marsden's absence from their opening game in Ulster is a big blow. Will need Oisin McConville at his best if they are to progress. I have a feeling that the successful Crossmaglen players will not be returning to Croke Park for another shot at All-Ireland glory.

Odds: 20/1

Verdict: First round exit in Ulster.

Roscommon - Gave Galway the toughest game of the championship last year and are probably the best of the outsiders for this year's title. A good league run ended with promotion to Division 1. Gay Sheerin has done a lot for this squad, which boasts an impressive defence. Capable of beating Mayo but will fall to Galway in the Connacht decider, again.

Odds: 20/1

Verdict: Beaten Connacht finalists.