By Michael McMullan

AFTER the final two provincial showdowns, the search for the Sam Maguire Cup begins this weekend with a full picture of what is coming down the tracks.

Reigning champions Armagh face a tough title defence after Saturday’s extra-time defeat put them in a difficult group with last year’s beaten finalists Galway, Dublin and Ulster rivals Derry.

Donegal are not paired with Mayo, Tyrone and Cavan.

The action begins this weekend with Down travelling to Clare while Cavan take on Mayo.

GROUP 1:  Donegal, Mayo, Tyrone, Cavan
GROUP 2: Kerry, Meath, Roscommon, Cork
GROUP 3:  Louth, Clare, Monaghan, Down
GROUP 4: Galway, Armagh, Dublin, Derry

FIXTURE DATES

Round 1 The first named team plays at home.
May 17/18
Galway v Dublin- Saturday, May 17, 5pm
Kerry v Roscommon – Saturday, May 17, 2.30pm
Mayo v Cavan- Sunday, May 18, 2.30pm
Clare v Down – Sunday, May 18, 2pm

May 24/25
Donegal v Tyrone
Armagh v Derry
Louth v Monaghan
Meath v Cork

May 31/June 1 – Round 2
Tyrone v Mayo
Cavan v Donegal
Roscommon v Meath
Cork v Kerry
Monaghan v Clare
Down v Louth
Dublin v Armagh
Derry v Galway
Seeds three and four will play at home.

June 14/15 – Round 3
Donegal v Mayo
Tyrone v Cavan
Kerry v Meath
Roscommon v Cork
Louth v Clare
Monaghan v Down
Galway v Armagh
Dublin v Derry
Games will be played at neutral venues.

June 21/11 Preliminary Quarter-Finals
The four second-placed teams from the group stage will play at home against the four third-placed teams, subject in the first instance to the avoidance of repeat provincial final pairings and where possible repeat pairings from the group stage.

June 28/29 – Quarter-Finals
The four first-place teams from the group stage play the four Preliminary Quarter-Finals winners, subject in the first instance to the avoidance of repeat provincial final pairings and where possible repeat pairings from the group stage.

July 12/13 – Semi-Finals
The four quarter-final winners shall play against each other based on a draw, subject to the avoidance of repeat pairings from the championship, where possible.

July 27 – Final (Replay, August 9)

Check out this week’s review pod as we look at both of Saturday’s Ulster finals from Clones.