{"id":372781,"date":"2026-03-30T10:09:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/372781\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T10:09:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:09:08","slug":"unknown-variable-thickens-the-championship-plot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/372781\/","title":{"rendered":"Unknown variable thickens the championship plot"},"content":{"rendered":"

After the conclusion of the football league, thoughts are immediately turning to the start of the championship, with nine games down for the decision across the weekend of 11\/12 April.<\/p>\n

On Allianz League Sunday, Lee Keegan and Ciar\u00e1n Whelan, in gazing into their respective crystal balls, were both genuinely excited at the prospect of what lies ahead.<\/p>\n

For Keegan, it’s the lack of clues from spring combat that adds to the intrigue.<\/p>\n

“I still think it’s very unknown and I don’t think we learned a whole pile from Division 1 in particular,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Division 2 and 3 we knew were bear pits. A lot of teams are afraid to give away too much at this of year, so, for me, there are still more questions than answers going into the championship. That is a good thing as the unknown will make it more exciting from my perspective.”<\/p>\n

Forrmer Dublin star Whelan is relishing what may unfold in all four provinces, when saying: “We’ve sat on this couch for many years where Dublin were dominating [in Leinster] and it was a dead duck. Kerry were dominating in Munster and we were really only looking at two provincial championships.<\/p>\n

“Now we’re looking at four competitive championships. Cork have that level of consistency and have improved. In Leinster I think we’ll get a few upsets; Louth have kicked on from last year and Meath are back where they should be.<\/p>\n

“Dublin are possibly struggling a bit and then you have Kildare, Westmeath and Wexford. I genuinely think we are in for a brilliant championship.”<\/p>\n

Ciar\u00e1n Whelan and Lee Keegan preview the championship and predict the provincial winners pic.twitter.com\/pjNbTRZaoC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) March 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The upcoming clash of Louth-Wexford in Leinster is a game that catches the eye, with the holders putting their title on the line against opposition that earned successive league promotions and pushed Down all the way in the Division 3 final.<\/p>\n

Lee Keegan, however, is not looking beyond the Wee County.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLouth after their Leinster title success last May<\/p>\n

“I still think Louth will have too much given their Division 2 experience,” he commented.<\/p>\n

“I have been so impressed with Louth in their league campaign, how they are playing under Gavin Devlin, and the teams they have beaten so far.”<\/p>\n

The Westport native was then asked about his own province.<\/p>\n

A succinct reply: “It has to be Connacht for Mayo”.<\/p>\n

There was also a view on the other main contenders for the Nestor Cup<\/p>\n

“People don’t talk about Roscommon, given the [league] campaign they’ve had. If we get over London in two weeks, we’ll have Roscommon in a semi-final and we know what Roscommon and done to us before.<\/p>\n

“Galway have done four in a row. They have unearthed a lot of good talent and there is not as much chat about Shane Walsh and Comer. I don’t think Galway are looking at provincial any more; their big aim is an All-Ireland.”<\/p>\n

In Ulster, where the clash of Armagh-Tyrone is the highlight on the opening weekend, the Orchard County’s performances during the spring is an indicator for Ciar\u00e1n Whelan that their long wait for a provincial crown may be at an end.<\/p>\n

“Armagh have done a lot right during the league and still have players to come back. If they get those players back, how they play football will put them in a good position, and I think they might finally get over the line in Ulster.”<\/p>\n

Provincial predictions:
Ciar\u00e1n Whelan: Mayo, Kerry, Armagh, Meath
Lee Keegan: Galway, Kerry, Donegal, Meath<\/p>\n