Feature: The captains chasing Sam

Donegal – Michael Langan and Shane O’Donnell

Only two men have captained Donegal to an All-Ireland title and Michael Langan and Shane O’Donnell will hope that number doubles this season. The pair have already climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand once to collect the Division One league title back in March.

Kerry – Paul Geaney

Geaney has experienced plenty of success not only in his career but particularly the last year or so.

He’s won All-Ireland titles with Kerry and Dingle at Croke Park and captained the Kingdom to Munster Championship glory, accepting the new Paudi O’Se Cup.

Meath – Eoghan Frayne

Have the wheels fallen off a wee bit with Meath? Since Eoghan Frayne collected the Division Two league title at Croke Park back in March, they have lost both of their championship outings against Westmeath and Cork and it’s last chance saloon for them now when they travel to Derry.

Louth – Sam Mulroy

Will already go down in history as the man who captained Louth to a first Leinster title since 1957.

That was also the last time they were crowned All-Ireland champions, and Louth will be buoyed by their win over Dublin, but Ulster champions Armagh will pose a major obstacle the next day out.

Cork – Ian Maguire

Cork haven’t won the All-Ireland since 2010 and Maguire came into the fold a couple of years after that.

The Rebels will have been disappointed with their Munster final display but bounced back to beat Meath. They face an absolute massive task in the next round, traveling to Donegal.

Westmeath – Ronan Wallace

Wallace became just the second Westmeath man to captain the men in maroon to a Leinster title and they’ve back that up with a win over Cavan. Mark McHugh’s side will certainly face a step up on class when they travel to Galway in round two.

Mayo – Jack Coyne

The 25-year-old defender captained the Mayo U20s previously and Andy Moran handed him the captain’s armband once he was appointed Mayo manager.

Their clash with Tyrone in the next round of the All-Ireland series is probably the standout tie of all the upcoming games.

Cavan – Ciarán Brady

Cavan showed glimpses of what they are capable of against Leinster champions Westmeath and will be excited by the prospect of not only welcoming Dublin to Kingspan Breffni Park in two weeks’ time, but also the opportunity to knock Ger Brennan’s men out of the running for Sam.

Roscommon – Diarmuid Murtagh

Murtagh has been a quality operator for some time with Roscommon, and they have made brilliant strides this season. The Connacht champions lost their first-round tie on home turf to Tyrone and are on the road again in round two as they face another Ulster opponent in Monaghan.

Armagh – Aidan Forker

Forker got his hands on Sam two years ago but hasn’t been a regular for Armagh this season.

When he’s in the matchday panel, he still takes the toss, while it’s Aaron McKay who covers in Forker’s absence. The pair lifted the Anglo Celt Cup together a few weeks ago and they’ll hope to repeat the success in Croke Park.

Derry – Conor Glass

Derry face a big challenge in Meath on home soil and one of the big names in the All-Ireland series will be gone. Glass has had a brilliant career with the Oakleaf County, who have dipped in recent years, but still have enough quality in their team to cause anyone problems.

Kildare – Kevin Feely

Kildare arguably got the two toughest draws possible in the All-Ireland series. They started their campaign away from home against Galway and while they have home advantage the next day out, it’ll take a fantastic performance to overturn Kerry.

Galway – John Maher

Galway have been knocking on the door in recent years but just haven’t made the breakthrough yet. John Maher has been inspirational for the Tribesmen, and he’ll hope to lead them up the steps of the Hogan Stand this season.

Dublin – Con O’Callaghan

When Dublin skipper O’Callaghan is fit, it gives his side a much better chance to compete. He’s been tortured with injuries in recent season and Dublin seem to have fallen away from the pack as genuine All-Ireland contenders.

Monaghan – Mícheál Bannigan

Monaghan have showed massive fighting spirit this season, but if they lose to Roscommon next weekend, it’s all over. Mícheál Bannigan is one of the stars for the Farney men and is a great captain for them.

Tyrone – Brian Kennedy

Tyrone can beat anyone on any given day, and no one will be writing them off. Brian Kennedy is a huge presence on the team and around the middle of the field and they’ll be keen to overturn Mayo at Omagh.