Kerry's David Clifford and Dublin's Michael Fitzsimons during the 2019 All Ireland SFC Final replay at Croke Park.
Allianz Football League Division One
Saturday January 25
Donegal v Mayo, Ballybofey, 7.15pm
Dublin v Kerry, Croke Park, 7.15pm
Sunday January 26
Tyrone v Meath, Healy Park, 2pm
Galway v Monaghan, Pearse Stadium, 2.30pm
By Cian O'Connell
The opening weekend of the League always carries intrigue, but especially so when the five in a row All Ireland champions parade a new manager.
Dessie Farrell has replaced Jim Gavin as Dublin boss with the full panel only returning to collective training last Tuesday week.
Kerry's preparations have been similarly sharp, but a curious and expectant crowd will still file through the Croke Park turnstiles.
While nothing is decided or defined in January, Farrell and Peter Keane will be anxious to carry out experiments ahead of the summer.
The 2019 All Ireland finals illustrated how promising Kerry are, whist also proving Dublin's greatness and ability to embrace challenges.
Obviously the stakes won't be piled anywhere near as high on Saturday, but Kerry will be striving to demonstrate their ability at GAA headquarters.
At the same time in Ballybofey Donegal and Mayo will be seeking to make a positive statement also.
Two Ulster Championships on the spin have been followed by disappointing All Ireland Quarter-Final exits for Donegal.
Mayo did reach the last four in 2019 and had Dublin in bother before being blitzed after the restart.
Michael Murphy, Donegal, and Colm Boyle, Mayo, during the 2019 All Ireland SFC Quarter-Final Group Phase encounter at Elverys MacHale Park.
Andy Moran's retirement deprives Mayo of a crafty, ball winning forward so it will be interesting to see who James Horan tries to integrate into the senior set-up during the coming months.
Ciaran McDonald's addition as a coach and selector has been well received and two early tussles with Donegal and Dublin bring significant interest and attention.
Elsewhere in the west Padraic Joyce's installation to the Galway hotseat ensures Sunday's encounter against Monaghan will be worth monitoring.
New captain Shane Walsh scored heavily in the Connacht FBD League as Joyce afforded some promising young players opportunities.
It will be interesting to see how Galway fare, but the opening two weekends against Monaghan and Kerry should examine the maroon and white outfit.
Seamus 'Banty' McEnaney's passion combined with a highly regarded backroom team means Monaghan venture west armed with real hope. Monaghan's most recent visit to Pearse Stadium in 2018 was a memorable one when an All Ireland semi-final appearance was secured.
Meath craved top flight fare so Andy McEntee will have the Royals primed for a tricky trip to Omagh.
Once more Tyrone were ready, willing, and able to deliver in the Dr McKenna Cup.
Mattie Donnelly's injury is a blow, but Tyrone will want to collect points quickly. Meath's share similar aspirations so it should be lively.
TEAMS
KERRY (v Dublin): Shane Ryan; Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley, Shane Enright; Paul Murphy, Gavin Crowley, Brian O Beaglaoich; Tommy Walsh, Adrian Spillane; Gavin O'Brien, Sean O'Shea, Stephen O'Brien; James O'Donoghue, David Clifford, Paul Geaney.
GALWAY (v Monaghan): Connor Gleeson; Johnny Duane, Sean Mulkerrin, Johnny Heaney; Gary O’Donnell, John Daly, Cillian McDaid; Tom Flynn, Cein D’Arcy; Michael Boyle, Paul Conroy, Michael Daly; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Adrian Varley.
MONAGHAN (v Galway): Rory Beggan; Kieran Duffy, Drew Wylie, Conor Boyle; Ryan McAnespie, Ryan Wylie, Karl O'Connell; Darren Hughes, Niall Kearns; Kieran Hughes, Michael Bannigan, Dessie Ward; Conor McCarthy, Jack McCarron, Dermot Malone.
