Ultimately, it culminated in another All Ireland SFC Final triumph for a decorated Dublin outfit, who continue to set a seriously high standard.
Dessie Farrell's first year in charge ended with Stephen Cluxton accepting the Sam Maguire Cup on behalf of a great Dublin team.
Overall there was no shortage of drama in a knockout Championship which featured thrilling provincial triumphs for Cavan and Tipperary.
Conor Sweeney landed a brilliant point from a sideline kick for Tipperary against Limerick at the LIT Gaelic Grounds.
10. Conor Sweeney's point for Tipperary against Limerick
Considering what unfolded at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Conor Sweeney's intervention in the previous round against Limerick at the LIT Gaelic Grounds mattered deeply. Limerick were on the verge of securing a second successive Munster SFC win over Tipperary, but Conor Sweeney rifled over a gorgeous point from under the Mackey Stand. Skill and composure.
Conor Cunningham scored a goal for Corofin in the 2020 AIB All Ireland Club SFC Final.
9. Corofin goal against Kilcoo
It was a tight and tense AIB All Ireland Club SFC Final, but Corofin eventually prevailed. A three in a row was collected, but Kilcoo brought Corofin the distance. Delicately poised, Corofin delivered in extra-time with Conor Cunningham's major decorating another Croke Park triumph.
The Dublin team pictured at Hill 16 following the Leinster SFC final.
8. Dublin players and management at Hill 16 Bloody Sunday anniversary weekend
On a memorable GAA weekend, the Bloody Sunday 100 year anniversary brought a dignified response. Dublin claimed the Leinster title with the minimum of fuss, but after the match the players and management paid a warm tribute at the Hill 16 End of Croke Park.
The Tipperary team following the All Ireland SFC semi-final defeat against Mayo.
7. Tipperary players and management at Hill 16 following All Ireland SFC semi-final
When Tipperary's rollicking 2020 adventure ended David Power and his team went to Hill 16, similar to what Dublin had done a couple of weeks previously. GAA matters deeply in Tipperary and having ended an 85 year search for a provincial crown, the blue and gold outfit were defeated by Mayo. Still when it was all over Tipperary went to respect their past, particulary Michael Hogan, who sadly died 100 years ago.
Raymond Galligan kicked a pressure free for Cavan against Monaghan in the Ulster SFC.
6. Raymond Galligan point against Monaghan
It was an Ulster Championship sprinkled with daring Cavan comebacks. At St Tiernach's Park Raymond Galligan's heroic last gasp point ensured Cavan overcame Monaghan in a wild and dramatic finish. Cavan were just starting to generate momentum.
Mark Keane scored a last gasp goal for Cork against Kerry in the Munster SFC semi-final.
5. Mark Keane goal for Cork against Kerry
Injury time winning goals are always coated in drama. That was precisely the case at Pairc Ui Chaoimh when Cork stunned Kerry at the death. Mark Keane's fetch and goal ensured one of the All Ireland favourites were dumped out of the Championship. Cork had watched Kerry dictate the agenda in Munster, but Keane's crisp finish shook the Gaelic Football world.
Cillian O'Connor scored 4-9 for Mayo against Tipperary.
4. Cillian O'Connor's 4-9 v Tipperary
What a prolific showing from the ace Mayo marksman Cillian O'Connor at Croke Park. Tipperary just couldn't contain the brilliant Ballintubber forward, who struck 4-9 during Mayo's All Ireland SFC semi-final success. By the interval O'Connor had notched 3-6. It was a remarkable afternoon of scoring.
Con O'Callaghan netted a crucial goal for Dublin against Mayo in the All Ireland SFC final.
3. Con O'Callaghan goal in All Ireland SFC Final
Mayo brought trademark intensity and industry, but just when Dublin required a drop of inspiration Con O'Callaghan went to centre stage. The Cuala forward remains an influential figure for Dublin. O'Callaghan's willingness to drive for goal was critical and his powerful fisted effort in the All Ireland decider was a critical moment.
Cavan defeated Donegal in the Ulster SFC final at the Athletic Grounds.
2. Cavan winning Ulster title
Tears of joy and relief meant the Ulster SFC Final will be fondly recalled in Cavan for quite some time. Without an Anglo Celt since 1997, Cavan enjoyed a most productive campaign under the shrewd stewardship of Mickey Graham. Cavan simply found a way to escape from tricky situations and when the issue was delicately poised against Donegal, Cavan closed out the deal in impressive fashion.
Tipperary claimed a first Munster SFC title in 85 years.
1. Tipperary Munster final victory
It was a weekend peppered with sub plots. Ultimately Tipperary won their first Munster title in 85 years. A century on from Bloody Sunday, Tipperary football was back firmly on the agenda. Wearing white and green jerseys, Tipperary summoned a dynamic display with Conor Sweeney and Michael Quinlivan delightful.
