All-Ireland Football Championship Begins with Monaghan vs Mayo

The All-Ireland Football Championship stirs properly into life this weekend, and RTÉ Sport is heading straight for Clones. Monaghan v Mayo at St Tiernach's Park has been selected for live television coverage in the opening round, a fixture dripping with jeopardy and early-summer intrigue.

Four games launch the group stage over the next two weekends, with the remaining quartet held back to give provincial finalists a badly needed breather. The calendar might look neat on paper. On the pitch, nothing will be tidy.

RTÉ Back in Clones for Farney v Mayo

The RTÉ cameras return to St Tiernach's Park for a 4pm throw-in as Monaghan welcome Andy Moran's Mayo. It is a pairing that rarely disappoints: Monaghan’s stubborn edge against Mayo’s relentless ambition, all under the unforgiving glare of knockout-season expectation.

For the Farney men, home soil offers both comfort and pressure. For Mayo, it is the kind of road trip that has so often defined their summers.

GAA+ Takes Centre Stage on Saturday

The action starts on Saturday, 30 May, with Leinster champions Westmeath at home to Cavan, a 5pm throw-in that will be shown on GAA+. Westmeath arrive as provincial standard-bearers, Cavan as seasoned campaigners with no interest in playing the supporting role.

Later that evening, the newly-crowned Ulster champions Armagh step back into the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds. They face Derry at 7.15pm, another GAA+ fixture and a tie loaded with recent history and fresh scars. Armagh bring the momentum of a provincial title; Derry bring the kind of edge that can derail any favourite in a single, ruthless spell.

Dublin Back at Headquarters

On Sunday, 31 May, Dublin return to Croke Park, a familiar stage for a team still judged by the highest of standards. They meet Louth at 2.30pm, again live on GAA+. For Louth, it is a chance to test themselves in the biggest arena against the most demanding opposition. For Dublin, it is about rhythm, control, and sending an early message.

Before that, the curtain rises early. Longford and Leitrim contest the Lory Meagher final at 12.30pm, a showcase in its own right on championship Sunday, with silverware and hard-earned recognition on the line.

Heavyweight Day for Hurling and Under-20s

Saturday at Croke Park also carries serious weight. The Christy Ring final sees Kerry and Derry collide at 3pm, a stage and a trophy that can change the trajectory of a county’s hurling ambitions.

Once that dust settles, the Dalata Hotel Group GAA Football All-Ireland Under-20 Championship reaches its climax. Kerry and Tyrone meet at 5pm, a fixture that so often hints at the future of the senior game. Young players, big stadium, bigger stakes.

By the time the weekend closes, provincial banners will be set aside, and the real shape of the summer will start to emerge. Monaghan v Mayo in Clones, Dublin back in Croke Park, Armagh defending Ulster pride, and trophies on the line in both hurling and under-20 football: the championship is no longer looming on the horizon. It has arrived.