This weekend sees the start of the Ulster Football Championship. In what has historically been classified as the most competitive, ferocious and exciting provincial championship the last couple of years have disappointed with Tyrone convincingly winning the Anglo Celt Cup in 2016 and 2017. Caolán Conroy shares his hopes and fears, and highlights players to watch.

A more competitive campaign?

Last year no team got within eight points of Tyrone, who were later convincingly beaten by Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final. After positive league performances from most Ulster counties this season, we could be in for a more competitive Championship with some tasty encounters.

Highlights of the first round include Division 1 heavy weights Tyrone versus Monaghan, and Cavan-Donegal who recently swapped places in the league after Cavan’s promotion to Division 1 and Donegal’s relegation to Division 2.

Armagh versus Fermanagh looks promising – both recently secured promotion to Division 2. These two teams already served up two close games this year, I’m expecting this to be another tight battle when they meet at Brewster Park, Enniskillen next Saturday.

Ulster counties have been criticised in recent years about the defensive nature of Championship games. Whilst some of this has been warranted others have been over the top. I’d love to see some counties throw off the shackles and adopt more positive attacking game plans. This, however, may be slightly over optimistic on my part; it’d be nice hearing the ‘Sunday Game’ panellists saying something positive about Ulster football for a change.

Less coverage, higher ticket prices?

Only two of this year’s Ulster Championship games are set to be shown live on TV. This compares to eight out of nine shown last year. It’s disappointing for fans like me living overseas – at least we’ll be able to catch four games online via the BBC website. The Ulster Council has also decided to increase ticket prices for the first time since 2009. I have to question the wisdom of this – you’d expect attendances to be up due to the limited TV coverage.

Winners?

It’s hard to look past the winners of next weekend’s game between Tyrone and Monaghan. Whichever team wins here will fancy themselves to go all the way.

Surprise package?

Donegal and Derry. Both suffered relegation in the league this year, however, Donegal still had a decent campaign and can count themselves unlucky. Derry have shocked us, suffering three relegations in a row, they’ll have little expectation on their shoulders. I can see them doing well in the All-Ireland qualifiers if they get a good draw, but expect them to lose out to Cavan or Donegal in the first round of the Ulster Championship. However, it may be more competitive than people (myself included) think.

Club football worries

With the introduction of the Super 8s and the shortened time frame of the All-Ireland championship, I’m worried that there will be a shutdown of club football in June and July. I don’t see why clubs can’t continue to play league games in the absence of their county players. Also, any player who doesn’t start for their county should be allowed to play for their clubs. The days of county managers dictating the club schedule should be over.

Players to look out for

Mark Sweeney (Antrim): Is there any position he can’t play?

Andrew Murnin (Armagh): He really stepped it up in Division 3 this year, is a joy to watch and has hands like shovels. Will he take on more of a leadership role in the absence of some familiar names on the Armagh forward line?

Gearoid McKiernan (Cavan): It’ll be interesting to see how he copes at full forward. If he’s on his game he could make hay.

Benny Heron (Derry): If he can get himself fit after recent injury trouble he would be a massive addition to the Derry team.

Hugh McFadden (Donegal): Classy midfielder who’ll want to continue his form after an impressive league campaign.

Connaire Harrison (Down): Probably the most exciting forward I’ve seen in the last five years. Will he be a marked man this year?

Seamus Quigley (Fermanagh): Starred in the league for the Erne men after a three-year absence from the squad. He’ll be looking forward to making up for lost time against an Armagh defence that has question marks about it.

Conor McCarthy (Monahan): He’s already had an incredible year after starring in UCD’s Sigerson Cup win and helping Monaghan secure their Division 1 status.

Lee Brennan (Tyrone): Scored 2-30 in this year’s National League and proved himself to be Tyrone’s go-to man.

 

Anyway, here’s hoping this is a Championship that lives long in the memory. Thank God Gaelic Football is back. Ard Mhaca Abu.