By Cian O'Connell and John Harrington

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Will Dublin complete a three in a row? Can Mayo finally land an All Ireland title? How close are Kerry and Tyrone to earning the ultimate glory?

Several questions will be answered in the coming months following an exciting end to inter-county football in 2016.

Clare and Tipperary's march to Croke Park were two brilliant stories, while the drama and excitement of the closing stages of the Championship won't be forgotten.

Kerry's clash with Dublin at the penultimate stage was a remarkable encounter. Then the two All Ireland Finals were sprinkled with intrigue with Dublin eventually prevailing. Who will be perched on the summit next September?

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*(Counties listed in relation to performance in 2016 All Ireland Football Championship)
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DUBLIN

2016 form: Unbeaten in the Allianz Football and All Ireland Football Championship ensuring lots of silverware was gleaned again. Dublin haven't tasted defeat in 29 League and Championship matches confirming just how enterprising and efficient they have been.

Dublin were far too strong for every challenger in Leinster and in the All Ireland series they were able to eke out important wins.

Donegal posed questions in the All Ireland Quarter Final, but Dublin survived. Kerry's pre interval burst in the penultimate round would have really vexed another team, but Dublin responded impressively.

The two All Ireland Finals with Mayo were gripping encounters, but Dublin had the depth, desire, and dynamism to be crowned champions for the second year in a row.

Management: Jim Gavin has guided Dublin to three All Ireland titles and remains in charge of the standard bearers.

Players to watch in 2017: Following his stunning impact in the All Ireland SFC Final replay Cormac Costello should feature heavily this year.

Paul Mannion provided glimpses of his talent and finishing during the campaign, the All Ireland Quarter-Final goal against Donegal being a real flash of class.

Michael Fitzsimons role in the All Ireland Final replay will be fondly recalled by Dublin supporters, who will still be looking to the splendid Brian Fenton at centrefield and Diarmuid Connolly, in attack, for inspiration, while Con O'Callaghan appears to be the real deal.

2017 prospects: Undoubtedly Dublin are the team to beat and they have dealt with the heavy burden of expectancy well. Winning a third All Ireland in a row is what Dublin want to do and that will be the objective for Jim Gavin's charges.

Dublin will play a Leinster Championship opener at either Innovate Wexford Park or O'Moore Park against Carlow or Wexford in early June. Retaining their Allianz Football League, Leinster, and All Ireland titles is what Dublin intend to do in the coming months.

MAYO

**2016 form: **It was another eventful year for the Green and Red, who eventually came so, so close to winning Sam Maguire.

The All Ireland Final draw and replay were edgy and epic matches, but Mayo left Croke Park wondering about what might have been. Cormac Costello and Bernard Brogan's introduction gave Dublin a boost in the closing stages of the second match and their four points were ultimately decisive.

Surprisingly defeated by Galway at Elverys MacHale Park in a Connacht SFC Semi-Final, Mayo recovered to embark on an interesting back door adventure.

At the Castlebar venue Mayo registered wins over Fermanagh and Kildare before outfoxing Westmeath at Croke Park. That was also the scene for Mayo's most encouraging triumph of the campaign when they beat Tyrone in a tight Quarter-Final.

Conor O'Shea's late goal got Mayo past Tipperary at the penultimate stage, but heartbreak followed in the gripping replay with Dublin on October 1.

**Management: **Stephen Rochford earned significant and deserved plaudits for the way in which Mayo reacted to the unexpected loss to Galway.

Mayo showed a real willingness to alter their approach depending on different circumstances, but the decision to leave David Clarke out for the All Ireland Final replay will be hotly debated in Mayo for quite some time.

Peter Burke, who has served as goalkeeping coach in recent years, will act as a selector in 2017 replacing the departing Sean Carey. Tony McEntee and Donie Buckley will stay involved alongside Rochford.

**Players to watch in 2017: **Obviously Opel GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year Lee Keegan will remain a key influence for Mayo, while the emergence during the past two campaigns of Brendan Harrison and Paddy Durcan has bolstered an already strong defence.

Durcan is excellent at driving forward from deep with his displays for Castlebar Mitchels in the Mayo and Connacht Club Championships particularly forceful.

Conor Loftus impressed in Mayo's EirGrid All Ireland Under 21 winning campaign so it will be worth monitoring his development.

**2017 prospects: **Since 2011 Mayo have been one of the most consistent teams in the country. Ultimately an All Ireland title is what they want and crave so anything less will be deemed a failure because of the standards they have reached. That is the reality for Mayo, who will also be anxious to recapture the Connacht title out west.

KERRY

**2016 form: **Kerry reached the Allianz Football League Division 1 Final but were convincingly beaten by Dublin.  They then coasted through the Munster championship thanks to comfortable wins over Clare and Tipperary, and then had enjoyed another straight-forward win over Clare in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final.

Kerry lost an epic of  All-Ireland Semi-Final to Dublin on a score-line of 0-22 to 2-14 after leading by 2-8 to 0-9 at half-time.

Management: Manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice has agreed to stay on in the position for another two years having first taken charge of the team for the 2013 season. He has shaken up his backroom team by bringing in Kerry football legend Maurice Fitzgerald as a selector.

Players to watch in 2017: Kerry have won the last three All-Ireland minor titles in a row, and we will surely see some of the graduates of those teams start to make an impact in the senior grade soon.

Some of those most highly touted are defenders Jason Foley, Nathan Breen, and Tom O’Sullivan; midfielder Barry O’Sullivan; and forwards Mark Reen, Brian Ó Seanacháin, Micheál Burns, and Killian Spillane.

2017 prospects: Kerry will be one of the leading contenders for All-Ireland honours again in 2017.  They came very close to toppling Dublin in the 2016 All-Ireland semi-final, and if they’re to go one step further in 2017 they need greater strength in depth to their panel because Dublin’s higher calibre of subs effectively won them that match.

Kerry have won the last three All-Ireland minor titles so there’s plenty of young footballers emerging in the county. Manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice will need to find at least two new faces who can make a significant impact in 2017.

TIPPERARY

2016 form: 2016 was a red-letter year for Tipperary football as they reached their first All-Ireland Semi-Final since 1935. Victories over Waterford and Cork got them to the Munster Final where they were overpowered by Kerry.

They bounced back impressively from that set-back by beating Derry and Galway to set up an All-Ireland semi-final clash against Mayo.

Tipp started that match strongly to go 0-6 to 0-3 ahead, but were ultimately undone by the concession of two soft goals either side of half-time and in the end were beaten by 2-13 to 0-14.

Management: Liam Kearns made a massive impact in his first year as Tipperary manager and will be at the helm again in 2017.

Players to watch in 2017: The Tipperary panel will be the strengthened by the return of a number of players who opted out in 2016 for a variety of reasons.

Former captain Paddy Codd and Kevin Fahey are good enough to slot straight into the defence, Liam Casey is an adaptable player who can play in attack or midfield, and Jason Lonergan is a clinical inside forward.

Ian Fahey should also feature in 2017 as a midfielder or attacker after missing most of 2016 through injury.

2017 prospects: The loss of their inspirational captain Peter Acheson to emigration is a sore blow for Tipperary, but overall their panel has been strengthened by the return of some prodigal sons and the recruitment of fresh talent.

It’s not going to be easy for them to make a similar impact in the 2017 Championship because opposition teams know what to expect from them now and can better plan accordingly.

Don’t write Liam Kearns’ team off, though. They should be emboldened by their 2016 adventure, and are entirely capable of beating likely opponents Cork in another Munster semi-final and being a prickly opponent for everyone else after that. 

TYRONE

2016 form: There was something about Tyrone in 2016, how they skipped through winning Division Two of the Allianz Football League.

Then when the gradient steepened in the Ulster SFC Mickey Harte's team were ready, willing, and able to deliver when it truly mattered.  The brilliant finish to the provincial decider captured Tyrone at their best.

Certainly it was a year in which many feats were accomplished, but Tyrone ruefully left Croke Park following an All Ireland Quarter-Final loss against Mayo. That was a severe blow, but Tyrone will respond.

Management: Mickey Harte, who has been in charge since 2003, will manage Tyrone. Harte's CV includes three All Ireland  and five Ulster titles.

Players to watch in 2017: Cathal McShane is an emerging footballer, who has the potential to be a top performer for Tyrone. Peter Harte and Mattie Donnelly were both deservedly rewarded with All Stars for their splendid efforts this year.

2017 prospects: Buoyed up by their Ulster victory, Tyrone will want to maintain the high level of performance that was attained throughout 2016. Harte remains a wily operator and Tyrone look well placed to make a bid for the items of silverware they desperately want: the Anglo Celt and Sam Maguire cups.

DONEGAL

2016 form: There were moments in which Donegal motored smoothly. Beating Monaghan was a notable achievement in the Ulster Semi-Final, but Tyrone's storming finish denied them in the decider.

When Donegal encountered problems against Cork in a Round 4B Qualifier Paddy McBrearty excelled nailing 11 points.

In the All Ireland Quarter-Final against Dublin a Ryan McHugh goal gave Donegal hope before Paul Mannion's late 1-1 flurry decided the issue.

Management: Rory Gallagher has been given a new three year term to oversee what will be a period of transition for Donegal considering their list of high profile retirements.

Players to watch in 2017: Ryan McHugh is a dashing contributor for Donegal, while Paddy McBrearty showed his finishing ability at stages during the year. They will be important figures for Donegal, who will always look to Michael Murphy for inspiration.

2017 prospects: Colm McFadden and Eamon McGee have left the inter-county stage and Rory Gallagher is expected to give plenty of young players an opportunity to shine in the Allianz Football League. Donegal have been competitive at minor and under 21 level in Ulster recently so they will be anxious to stay in the hunt for senior provincial honours. Donegal have contested the last six Ulster finals, winning three.

GALWAY

**2016 form: **A first Connacht SFC title beating rivals Mayo and Roscommon along the way was a sign of progress. Still Galway left Croke Park nursing plenty of regrets following an All Ireland Quarter-Final defeat against Tipperary.

That was a reminder of the distance that Galway must travel, but they have been consistent and difficult to beat during the past two campaigns.

**Management: **Kevin Walsh's hardworking approach is widely respected by a developing panel that will be bolstered by the return of Micheal Lundy and Sean Armstrong for 2017. Brian Silke and Sean Conlon remain as selectors for what should be a revealing year as Galway seek to make further improvements.

**Players to watch: **Micheal Lundy and Sean Armstrong's return will provide pace and precision to an attack that continues to be prompted by Damien Comer.

The Annaghdown forward is an influential figure for Galway, his ball winning ability and eye for goal ensure the NUIG student is viewed as a potent threat.

**2017 prospects: **Returning to Croke Park for an All Ireland Quarter-Final appearance is the brief. Several of the Corofin panel are expected to commit to the Galway cause too following the All Ireland Club Championships which will be a boost.

The Allianz Football League carries importance for Galway, who will be anxious to launch a serious promotion bid from Division Two.

CLARE

2016 form: 2016 was a very positive year for Clare football as they won the Division 3 Allianz Football League Final and reached the Quarter-Finals of the All-Ireland Championship.

An impressive run through the qualifiers saw them beat Laois, Sligo, and Roscommon, but they failed to fire against Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final and were well beaten.

Management: Colm Collins will be in charge of the Clare footballers for the fourth year in a row. 

**Players to watch in 2017: **19-year-old Keelan Sexton looks like a top-quality forward in the making and should go from strength to strength in 2017. Other rising Clare stars to keep an eye on are Pearse Lillis and Cian O’Dea. 

**2017 prospects: **Clare’s prospects for 2017 haven’t been helped by the fact that Podge Collins will concentrate solely on hurling and the highly rated Mick Bohan has stepped down as coach. 

Retaining their status as a Division Two team in the Allianz League will be tough, but it’s not beyond them. 

In the Championship, they should account for Limerick but another Munster semi-final defeat to Kerry seems likely.
Even if that’s the fate that befalls them, they’ll fancy their chances of going on a run through the qualifiers again like they did in 2016. 

CORK

2016 form: Beaten by Tipperary in the Munster semi-final, Cork went on to beat Limerick and Longford in the Qualifiers before being overpowered by Donegal.

Management: Peadar Healy is going into his second year at the helm as Cork manager.

Players to watch in 2017: Peter Kelleher was hugely impressive in his debut senior season for Cork in 2016 and is the sort of player the Rebels should build their attack around in 2017.

Cork reached the U-21 All-Ireland Final last year, and graduates from that side like Sean Powter, Sean O’Donoghue, Sean White, Kieran Histon and Kevin Flahive also look like top-quality prospects.  

2017 prospects: Cork shouldn’t have too much trouble overcoming Waterford in the Munster quarter-final and will then be highly motivated to avenge their 2016 defeat to Tipperary in the subsequent semi-final.

Like any given year, they have the raw talent to go far, but in recent times they’ve been unable to mould that potential into settled, effective team capable of hard achievement.

They badly need to build up some momentum, and if they get a good run in Division Two of the Allianz Football League, they’ll fancy their chances of at least going as far as an All-Ireland Quarter-Final. 

DERRY

**2016 form: **Comprehensively beaten by Tyrone in Ulster Derry rallied in the Qualifiers with wins over Louth, Meath, and Cavan. Derry then lost a thriller against Tipperary in Round 4A.

**Management: **Damien Barton will manage Derry again in 2017.

Players to watch in 2017: James Kielt continues to be a valuable scorer for Derry, while  much optimism surrounds the exciting Danny Tallon.

2017 prospects: Tyrone, who beat Derry by 11 points in 2016, will provide the opposition at the Ulster SFC Quarter-Final stage. Derry surely won't be as accommodating in their next Championship collision.

ROSCOMMON

**2016 form: **Roscommon made a welcome return to Division One of the Allianz Football League, but their year ultimately ended in bitter Championship disappointment.

The four match winning streak during the League suggested that Roscommon were primed for a good summer, but it didn't materialise. Having invested so much in the League Roscommon were fortunate to escape with a win from Gaelic Park in New York. There were glimpses of Roscommon's ability in triumphs over Leitrim and especially the daring comeback victory against Sligo.

Galway, though, overpowered Roscommon in the Connacht SFC Final replay, while a pumped up Clare proved too strong and durable in a memorable qualifier at Pearse Stadium.

**Management: **Fergal O'Donnell, David Casey, and Stephen Bohan left the Roscommon management team in September. Kevin McStay and Liam McHale remain involved.

**Players to watch: **So impressive on the third level circuit Enda Smith has the pedigree and potential to deliver for Roscommon. The Murtaghs, Ciarain and Diarmuid, are skilful and stylish operators. Niall Daly's relevance to the Roscommon cause shouldn't be underestimated either.

**2017 prospects: **In 2016 Roscommon struggled to deal with a demanding schedule and they are quietly confident about making a serious impact in the Championship. One win in the Connacht Championship will steer them into a provincial decider and would guarantee them a place in the last 12 of the All Ireland series, at least.

WESTMEATH

**2016 form: **Strangely similar to 2015 when Westmeath suffered relegation in the Allianz Football League before enjoying an encouraging Leinster Championship campaign. Dublin, though, were too powerful for Westmeath in the provincial decider.

Westmeath then faced Mayo in Round 4 of the Qualifiers with the Green and Red surviving despite a plucky rally from the midlanders.

**Management: **Tom Cribbin will manage Westmeath for a third year.

Players to watch in 2017: Luke Loughlin played for New York in the Connacht Championship, but has featured for Westmeath in recent challenge games. Loughlin is an accurate forward and with Ray Connellan's departure to Australia a blow Westmeath will hope that others can impress.

Though John Connellan's career has been ravaged by injuries the Athlone attacker is a talented player. Inevitably St Loman's duo Paul Sharry and John Heslin will occupy pivotal roles for Westmeath.

2017 prospects: Another Leinster Championship derby with Offaly at O'Connor Park in Tullamore beckons. It should be a lively encounter, but before then Westmeath will hope to have escaped from Division Four of the Allianz Football League.

LONGFORD

2016 form: Longford's penchant for taking scalps in the Qualifiers continues. Following a Leinster SFC loss to Offaly, Longford defeated Down and Monaghan before losing to Cork.

Management: The experienced Denis Connerton will manage Longford in 2017.

Players to watch in 2017: Mickey Quinn is still a leading player for Longford, while Robbie Smyth and Brian Kavanagh are score getters up front.

**2017 prospects: **Longford, who will be gunning to reach the latter stages at Croke Park, face Laois in the Leinster SFC preliminary round. The prize for the winners is a Quarter-Final tussle with Kildare.

SLIGO

**2016 form: **For 35 minutes Sligo had Roscommon in deep trouble in a Connacht SFC Semi-Final. The second half, though, proved to be a disappointment for Sligo.

In the Qualifiers Sligo did register a win against Leitrim, but Clare subsequently beat them at Markievicz Park, which was a blow.

**Management: **Noel McGuire and Keith Carty will act as Niall Carew's selectors in 2017 with the well regarded Ronan Sweeney now involved with Kildare.

**Players to watch: **Niall Murphy continues to impress for Sligo and is an emerging talent. Another exciting prospect is Kyle Cawley, who is developing nicely and is a footballer Carew rates highly. The experienced Ross Donovan has returned to the panel.

**2017 prospects: **How Sligo fare in Division Three of the Allianz Football League will reveal plenty ahead of the Championship. Considering injuries disrupted Sligo's Spring in 2016, Carew is hopeful that the Yeats County can be seriously competitive at that level.

In May Sligo travel to Gaelic Park, New York for a Connacht SFC preliminary round clash. All Ireland finalists Mayo await the winners. Essentially the target for Sligo is to be still be playing Championship football late in July.

CAVAN

** 2016 form: **Cavan secured promotion from Division Two of the Allianz Football League, but Tyrone defeated them in the decider at Croke Park. Then in Ulster Cavan beat Armagh before losing a replay to Tyrone at the Semi-Final stage. In the Qualifiers Cavan defeated Carlow before losing to a pumped up Derry.

**Management: **Mattie McGleenan replaces Terry Hyland, who played a significant part in Cavan's development in recent years. McGleenan was an impressive operator with Monaghan champions Scotstown.

Players to watch in 2017: Gearoid McKiernan is a fine footballer capable of bursting through to kick quality scores. Cavan will need McKiernan to be on song in Division One of the Allianz Football League. Conor Moynagh is a hugely effective player too for Cavan.

2017 prospects: Cavan await the winners of Monaghan and Fermanagh in the Ulster Championship. Regardless of the opposition it will be a demanding fixture. After working so hard to reach the top flight Cavan will be gunning to remain in Division One of the Allianz Football League.

KILDARE

2016 form: Having earned promotion from Division Three of the Allianz Football League some optimism surrounded Kildare in the Championship. A narrow win over Wexford was secured, but then Kildare lost to Westmeath in a tight Leinster Semi-Final.

Kildare posted 1-22 when defeating Offaly in a Round 2 Qualifier, but were beaten by Mayo at Elverys MacHale Park.

Management: Cian O'Neill takes charge once more, but Ronan Sweeney and Enda Murphy are new selectors.

**Players to watch in 2017: **Neil Flynn is an accomplished forward capable of amassing significant scoring hauls. Eoin Doyle and Niall Kelly are tidy footballers, while the Lilywhites will need big displays from Tommy Moolick and Paul Cribbin.

2017 prospects: Kildare await the winners of the Leinster preliminary round clash between Laois and Longford. Having impressed at underage level in recent years Kildare will introduce youngsters under Cian O'Neill. Trying to earn some early victories in Division Two of the Allianz Football League will be important too.

MONAGHAN

2016 form: Having featured in Ulster SFC Finals in 2013, 2014, 2015 Monaghan were disappointed with how 2016 went. A commanding win over Down hinted at Monaghan's class, but Donegal defeated them following a replay in the provincial Semi-Final. Monaghan were then beaten by Longford in Round 2B of the All Ireland Qualifiers.

**Management: **Malachy O'Rourke, who has made such a positive impact with Monaghan, will be the manager once more in 2017.

Players to watch in 2017: Talisman Conor McManus is being rested ahead of the Allianz Football League, while Dick Clerkin and Paul Finlay have retired. Kieran Hughes still carries a serious threat for Monaghan.

2017 prospects: An Ulster preliminary round tie with Fermanagh will examine Monaghan, who hope to bounce back following a poor Championship in 2016. O'Rourke will ensure that Monaghan are ready to embark on another adventure this year.

MEATH

2016 form: It proved to be a disappointing campaign for Meath, who defeated Louth before being soundly beaten by Dublin in a Leinster Semi-Final. Derry defeated Meath in Round 2 of the Qualifiers at Owenbeg.

Management: Andy McEntee, who guided Ballyboden St Enda's to All Ireland Club glory replaces Mick O'Dowd.

**Players to watch in 2017: **It will be interesting to see who features for Meath in the early weeks of January in the Bord Na Mona O'Byrne Cup with Joe Sheridan getting some game time as a goalkeeper recently. James Toher, an impressive figure in Meath's Christy Ring Cup hurling winning campaign, has also trained with the footballers too. Graham Reilly continues to score freely from play, while Meath will hope Donal Keogan, Mickey Burke, and Eamon Wallace can deliver.

2017 prospects: Meath have impressed in a string of recent challenge matches ahead of the Bord Na Mona O'Byrne Cup and Allianz Football League. The Royals face Louth or Wicklow in a Leinster Quarter-Final and they will hope to reach a provincial decider in 2017.

FERMANAGH

**2016 form: **The concession of two goals against Donegal in the Ulster SFC Quarter-Final proved costly following Fermanagh's preliminary round success over Antrim.

Then Fermanagh were given an awkward away assignment in Wexford, but Pete McGrath's team posted a win. Mayo at Elverys MacHale Park were next on the agenda and while Fermanagh had the Green and Red in trouble, the locals responded.

**Management: **Pete McGrath remains a shrewd sideline operator and Fermanagh are delighted that the former Down boss is still involved.

Players to watch in 2017: Tomas Corrigan and Sean Quigley are two renowned forwards, who have enjoyed productive stints for Fermanagh. Tiernan Daly is expected to return following injury to bolster Fermanagh's options.

2017 prospects: A difficult Ulster SFC preliminary round opener beckons for Fermanagh against Monaghan. That promises to be a good contest and Fermanagh will be organised and solid under McGrath's care. Fermanagh will also be intent on producing in Division Two of the Allianz Football League.

OFFALY

2016 form: Unfortunate to miss out on promotion from Allianz Football League Division Three due to scoring difference Offaly finally won a match in the Leinster Championship for the first time in nine years. Westmeath, though, ended Offaly's provincial adventure. The Faithful overcame London in the Qualifiers before losing to Kildare.

**Management: **Pat Flanagan enters his third campaign as Offaly manager.

**Players to watch in 2017: **Veteran goalkeeper Alan Mulhall has committed to the Offaly cause for another campaign. Graham Guilfoyle is a pacy footballer that can cause problems for teams with his strong and direct running.

Offaly will be eager for Niall MacNamee to remain involved at inter-county level to ease the scoring pressure on Nigel Dunne, who is now an established player.

**2017 prospects: **Having suffered a loss to their neighbours, Westmeath, in 2016 Offaly will be seeking revenge at O'Connor Park in June. Earning promotion from Division Three is an objective and a realistic target.

LAOIS

**2016 form: **A loss to Dublin at Nowlan Park in the Leinster SFC was followed by victory over Armagh in the Qualifiers. Then Clare defeated Laois.

Management: Former Tipperary boss Peter Creedon replaces Mick Lillis.

**Players to watch in 2017: **John O'Loughlin is a powerful performer for Laois, while Donie Kingston offered glimpses of his considerable ability in 2016. Darren Strong is an effective half back, who is always eager to venture forward.

2017 prospects: Laois will feel that reaching a Leinster SFC Semi-Final is possible. A preliminary round contest with Longford will be revealing for Laois, who need to show signs of progress, but Creedon carried out good work with Tipperary.

CARLOW

2016 form: A late Louth flurry defeated Carlow in the Leinster SFC preliminary round. Carlow beat Wicklow in the Qualifiers, but lost to Cavan.

**Management: **Turlough O'Brien will manage Carlow again in 2017.

Players to watch in 2017: Regardless of whatever role he is given Daniel St Ledger is still effective and can kick frees from distance. In the loss against Cavan Ledger drilled over five points. Brendan Murphy and Darragh Foley are other influential players for Carlow.

2017 prospects: An interesting preliminary round clash with Wexford looms for Carlow as the winners face All Ireland champions Dublin.

LIMERICK

2016 form: Defeat to Clare sent Limerick into the Qualifiers where they beat Antrim, but then lost to Cork.

**Management: **Billy Lee was recently appointed Limerick football manager. His coach will be former Cork footballer Paudie Kissane, who has already previously managed the Clare and Cork senior footballers. The new strength and conditioning coach will be former Limerick footballer Barry Fitzpatrick.

Players to watch in 2017: Sean McSweeney had an impressive debut season in 2016, bringing a real cutting edge to the Limerick attack. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops in 2017.

**2017 prospects: **Limerick will be underdogs against Clare in the Munster SFC Quarter-Final, but they’re capable of springing a shock if they get all their ducks in a row. 

LEITRIM

**2016 form: **Roscommon blitzed Leitrim in the first half of their Connacht SFC clash. Kevin Conlan and Emlyn Mulligan's finishing was a feature of the game, but Leitrim were soundly beaten.

Leitrim overcame Waterford, but a Niall Murphy inspired Sligo were too strong for them in the Qualifiers.

**Management: **Shane Ward has been replaced as manager by Brendan Guickan, who includes Seamus Quinn, Thomas Quinn, Michael Moyles, and John O'Mahony in his backroom team.

**Players to watch: **Donal Wrynn and Kevin Conlan produced decent displays in 2016, while Ronan Kennedy's seven point haul against Waterford gave a reminder of his ability.

**2017 prospects: **A tricky Championship opener is scheduled for Leitrim in Ruislip. That could be an awkward game for Leitrim, who will be striving to make progress in 2017.

WEXFORD

2016 form: Losses to Kildare and Fermanagh were a blow for Wexford, who had hoped to make an impact.

Management: Former Monaghan and Meath manager Seamus McEneaney replaces David Power.

**Players to watch in 2017: **Donal Shanley kicked eight frees in Wexford's two Championship games in 2016, while Shane Roche, Ben Brosnan, and Ciaran Lyng should all be instrumental as Seamus McEneaney seeks to improve Wexford.

2017 prospects: Seamus McEneaney's arrival as manager is a boost. Wexford collide with Carlow in the Leinster SFC preliminary round with a clash against All Ireland champions Dublin the prize. If Wexford beat Carlow the Dubs would have to travel to the south east so they shouldn't lack for motivation.

**DOWN **

2016 form: The 2-22 to 0-9 Ulster SFC Quarter-Final loss to Monaghan was a huge setback for Down. Longford then defeated Down in a high scoring Round 1B Qualifier.

Management: Eamonn Burns is in charge of Down again for the 2017 campaign.

Players to watch in 2017: Caolan Mooney returns to the Down panel after stepping away during the 2016 Allianz Football League.

Mark Poland, such a clever, creative footballer is also set to feature for Down once more - another slice of good news.

2017 prospects: Delivering in Division Two of the Allianz Football League will be high on the priority list for Down, who need an injection of confidence. An Ulster tie with Armagh will provide a true reflection of where the two proud counties stand.

ARMAGH

**2016 form: **Despite only losing three of their seven Allianz Football League Division Two games Armagh were still relegated which was a disappointment.

In the Ulster SFC Cavan earned a 2-16 to 0-14 victory over Armagh, who were subsequently defeated by Laois in the All Ireland Qualifiers.

Management: Kieran McGeeney is in charge of Armagh, but Aidan O'Rourke recently stepped down as a selector.

**Players to watch in 2017: **Much will depend on how efficient Ethan Rafferty, Stefan Campbell, and Rory Grugan can be in attack. Armagh have some promising players and they could cause a surprise or two in the coming months with Jamie Clarke available once again.

2017 prospects: In December Armagh won a competitive O'Fiach Cup beating Tyrone in the decider. The Ulster SFC Quarter-Final encounter against Down will be a defining match for Armagh.

LOUTH

2016 form: Winning Division Four of the Allianz Football League was an achievement. Louth beat Carlow, but lost to Meath in Leinster. Derry proved too strong for Louth in Division 1 of the Qualifiers.

**Management: **Colin Kelly remains in charge of Louth.

Players to watch in 2017: Louth have coped fairly well with the retirements of key players in recent years. Jim McEneaney is a decent player, while Derek Maguire is a smashing half back. Ryan Burns is a highly rated youngster too.

2017 prospects: Louth face Wicklow in the Leinster SFC preliminary round with the victors facing Meath at the Quarter-Final stage. Colin Kelly's charges will also want to be competitive in Division Three of the Allianz Football League.

 

WICKLOW

2016 form: Despite suffering Championship defeats to Laois and Carlow, Wicklow played well in patches of those matches.

Management: Johnny Magee is still the Wicklow manager.

Players to watch in 2017: Paul Cunningham scored 1-8 in Wicklow's two Championship matches in 2016. Dean Healy also impressed in Wicklow's two summer outings.

2017 prospects: Johnny Magee is trying his utmost to improve Wicklow footballers, who play Louth at Parnell Park on May 21.

ANTRIM

2016 form: An Ulster SFC preliminary round loss against Fermanagh was a blow and then Limerick struck two goals to win a Round 1B Qualifier at Corrigan Park. Getting promoted from Division Four of the Allianz Football League was a good development for the Saffrons.

Management: Frank Fitzsimons and Gearoid Adams are still in charge of Antrim, who will be hoping to maintain Allianz Football League Division Three status in 2017.

Players to watch in 2017: Ricky Johnston is an established player for Antrim, who will also look to the experienced Kevin Niblock for inspiration.

2017 prospects: Donegal will be formidable opposition in the Quarter-Finals of the Ulster SFC. Before that Antrim will be concentrating on staying in Division Three with 14 new players included in the panel for the Dr McKenna Cup.

WATERFORD

**2016 form: **Waterford’s 2016 championship campaign was short and not too sweet as they were beaten by Tipperary in Munster and then Leitrim in the first round of the All-Ireland Qualifiers.

Management: Tom McGlinchey will manage the Waterford footballers for the third year in succession.

Players to watch in 2017: Michael O’Halloran is a promising forward for the Deise footballers.

2017 prospects: A decent run in the League and a win in the Championship would constitute progress for Waterford. 

LONDON

**2016 form: **Mayo had too much for London in the Connacht Championship, but the Exiles put in a spirited performance when losing a Round 1B Qualifier to Offaly at O'Connor Park.

London started that match well, but Offaly took charge to run out convincing 0-17 to 1-7 victors.

**Management: **Ciaran Deely remains in charge. The former Wexford footballer has previously worked as a sports scientist with Queens Park Rangers and this will be his second year in charge. Before that Deely worked as a selector under the great London stalwart Paul Coggins in 2015.

**Players to watch: **One area of encouragement in recent years is the emergence of London born players. The work being carried out by coaches such as Lloyd Colfer means that more 'homegrown' players are being integrated into the London inter-county set-up, something Deely wants to maintain. Philip Butler and Adrian Moyles are two established players now for London with others expected to follow their path in the coming years.

**2017 prospects: **Due to the redevelopment of the Emerald GAA Grounds in Ruislip London will play all seven Allianz Football League Division Four matches away. That will be a logistical challenge, but London have been fairly competitive in the League taking some scalps during the past three years since their great Connacht Championship adventure in 2013. London will be keen to seriously rattle Leitrim at Ruislip in May.

NEW YORK

In May, New York nearly caused one of the biggest Connacht SFC shocks of all time. Justin O'Halloran's team in 2016 was sprinkled with decent players like Paddy McNiece, Brian Connor, Darren Freeman, while Jonathan Glynn, a noted hurling talent with Galway, also saw action during that encounter.

New York face Sligo on May 7 and they will be intent on summoning an equally industrious display in that fixture.