GAA Division One preview: Opening round sees All Ireland semi-final repeat

The brilliant scenes from the All Ireland Club Final Day at Croke Park last Sunday has wetted the appetite for the return of the National Football League this weekend.

Derry make the long trip to face Kerry in a repeat of last year’s All Ireland semi-final, an epic encounter that the latter won by two points. Meanwhile, there’s a repeat of last year’s league final when local rivals Galway and Mayo meet on Sunday.

Here’s a look at the four opening round games in Division 1.

Kerry v Derry
Austin Stack Park
Saturday, 27th January @ 17:30

The progression Derry have made in recent times is unlike no other in the country, and that development was epitomised with Glen winning their first All-Ireland club title at the weekend.

When these sides last met in the league, in 2015, Kerry came out on top 1-17 to 0-13. But perhaps they are best judged upon last year’s epic All-Ireland semi-final.

Derry now have Mickey Harte in their corner, who knows a thing or two about beating Kerry, as well as winning All Irelands. They won the Dr McKenna Cup comfortably on Saturday, and are 15/8 to leave Tralee with the win.

Kerry lost out to Cork in the McGrath Cup final on penalties last weekend, but they should be back to near enough full strength here. Despite that fact, they are 4/7 to win. While the handicap on Derry +2 at 5/6 looks to represent the best value.

Dublin v Monaghan
Croke Park
Saturday, 27th January @ 19:30

Dublin are back in Division 1 for the first time in two years, so expect a lively atmosphere at Croke Park. The All Ireland champions haven’t beaten Monaghan in the league since 2017, with the Farney men winning three of their last four meetings.

But, when they met in last season’s All Ireland semi-final, Dublin outclassed their opponents in a 1-17 to 0-13 win en-route to reclaiming Sam Maguire.

With Kilmacud losing out to Glen in the club semi finals, Dessie Farrell has had three weeks to prepare for this game with his full squad. Will that give them the edge?

Expect Paul Mannion and Cormac Costello to step up after Dean Rock announced his retirement. Get 10/11 on Dublin -4.

Galway v Mayo
Pearse Stadium
Sunday, 28th January @ 13:45

Galway v Mayo is never an easy rivalry to call, with these side’s going nip and tuck with each other in recent times.

They drew in the league opener last year before Mayo won the next two meetings – the league final by three points and the All-Ireland preliminary quarter final by one.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Mayo since that win. They were hammered by Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final and were then beaten by London in the Connacht League earlier this month. So, it’s difficult to know exactly what Mayo were are going to see.

It’s no surprise to see they are outsiders for this one. They are 11/8 to win. Meanwhile, taking the home side at 4/5 could be worth a look.

Tyrone v Roscommon
Healy Park
Sunday, 28th January @ 15:45

Roscommon begin their campaign against Tyrone looking for a repeat of their 3-11 to 1-12 win in the opening game of last season.

The Rossies enjoyed their return to the topflight, losing out on a spot in the league final by two points, and they’ve started 2024 on a positive note, winning the Connacht League last week.

Tyrone’s fortunes have been mixed since winning Sam Maguire in 2021. Last season was one to forget, losing to Monaghan in Ulster with a last-minute goal and then being hammered by Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter finals.

They do provide one of the most-prolific attacks in Ulster however, with Darren McCurry, Darragh and Ruairí Canavan, and Cathal McShane.

But they face a Roscommon defence who are not easy to break down. In fact, they conceded just three goals across eight games in Division 1 last year.

Both side’s have a point to prove, and it looks hard to split. It’s 15/2 this one ends in a draw.