Kerry's Seán O'Shea celebrates after contributing a late score against Derry in the 2023 All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final at Croke Park. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Allianz Football League Division One
Saturday January 27
Kerry v Derry, Austin Stack Park, 5.30pm, RTE
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan)
Dublin v Monaghan, Croke Park, 7.30pm, TG4
Referee: Paul Faloon (Down)
Sunday January 28
Galway v Mayo, Pearse Stadium, 1.45pm, TG4
Referee: Seán Hurson (Tyrone)
Tyrone v Roscommon, O'Neill's Healy Park, 3.45pm
Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan)
The start of every inter-county campaign brings intrigue and this weekend's matches should provide plenty of drama.
Division One commences under the Saturday night lights in Tralee with Kerry facing Derry.
Mickey Harte's storied history with Kerry is a sub plot for a game that promises to be hard fought.
Even without the Glen contingent Derry were able to secure the Dr McKenna Cup. Kerry went with a mix of established and emerging footballers in the McGrath Cup, losing the final on penalties against Cork.
Jack O'Connor, though, will be heartened by the displays of some promising players in that competition, and some are set to feature in the coming weeks and months.
All-Ireland champions Dublin clash with Monaghan at Croke Park. Last year's All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final between the counties was eventually won by Dublin, who had to survive a stern examination.
Monaghan have enjoyed impressive league victories over Dublin previously and Vinny Corey's charges will be primed for this match.
On Sunday in Salthill long time foes Galway host Mayo. Inevitably significant interest surrounds the fixture with the Connacht counties eager to make an impression in the early rounds of the league by securing valuable points.
Mayo defeated Galway in the final of the competition in 2023, and subsequently prevailed in an All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final at Pearse Stadium.
Kevin McStay must plan without Brendan Harrison, Jason Doherty, and Kevin McLoughlin for the current campaign so opportunities will be available for promising players.
Pádraic Joyce is keen to increase his options too for the summer ahead. Monitoring how newcomers fare will be important for McStay and Joyce.
Tyrone's match with Roscommon is another crucial fixture. Twelve months ago Roscommon thundered into the league under Davy Burke and that served them well.
Ciaráin Murtagh is a loss, but Cathal Heneghan flourished in the Connacht FBD, and could be set to deliver for Roscommon.
Tyrone, similar to Roscommon, won four and lost three matches in the 2023 league.
Brian Dooher and Fergal Logan will be eager to afford several promising footballers chances between now and the end of March.
