The Weekend in Pictures

After the long winter break, inter-county football action returned on the first weekend of 2015. Here is a selection of the best photographs from the pre-season competitions across the four provinces.

All shots supplied by Sportsfile .

MAIN PHOTO: Spectators watch on from the terrace during the game. Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup, Group B, Round 1, Derry v Donegal. Owenbeg Centre of Excellence, Dungiven, Co. Derry.

Mark McHugh, centre, and his Donegal team-mates during the national anthem. Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup, Group B, Round 1, Derry v Donegal. Owenbeg Centre of Excellence, Dungiven, Co. Derry.

Galway players stand together for a minute silence in respect for the late Pat Egan, who was Chairman of the Galway Football Board. FBD League, Section B, Round 1, Sligo v Galway. Enniscrone-Kilglass GAA Club, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.

A general view of the action during the game. FBD League, Section A, Round 1, NUI Galway v Mayo. Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Wexford manager David Power chats with Wexford forward's coach Matty Forde. Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup, Group D, Round 1, Dublin v NUI Maynooth. Pairc Ui Suiochan, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

Stewards Noel Hughes and Barney Mone having a cup of team before going out to take up their duties. Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup, Group C, Round 1, Armagh v Tyrone. Athletic Grounds, Armagh.

Laois players make their way onto the pitch ahead of the game. Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup, Group A, Round 1, Offaly v Laois. O'Connor Park, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Tommy Simms, from Kilcock, awaits the rest of the supporters in the main stand before the game. Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup, Group B, Round 1, Kildare v Louth. St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

The Monaghan team make their way out for the start of the game. Monaghan v UUJ, Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup Round 1. Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

Kerry manager Daragh O Se speaks to his players during the warm down after the game ended in a draw. Roscommon v Kerry, Hastings Cup 2015 Group 2 Round 1. Gort GAA Grounds, Gort, Co. Galway.

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Compiled by Brian Murphy