With the provincial championships now done and dusted, it’s time to refresh our power rankings and judge which teams are best place to have a real tilt at the All-Ireland title.
Note: our rankings were last updated on April 24, 2024.
1. Dublin (unchanged)
While Louth gave them a much stiffer challenge than many expected, Dublin still collected their 14th Leinster title on the trot and are still the team to beat on the national stage. Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons and James McCarthey are all back and aiming for their 10th All-Ireland medals and at the minute their well on their way to achieving that.
2. Donegal (up two places)
How far can Donegal go here? Jim McGuinness has certainly installed a massive amount of belief and confidence into a side that were completely devoid of those qualities last year. Given his previous stint in charge, no one will be writing Donegal off. They’re not just Ulster champions, they have that winning mindset and culture, and they should top their group. Two trophies won and Derry, Tyrone and Armagh all beat: the sky is the limit for the Tir Chonaill men.
12 May 2024; Donegal manager Jim McGuinness during the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Armagh and Donegal at St Tiernach's Park in Clones, Monaghan. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
3. Derry (down one place)
Derry have had a few weeks to lick their wounds since that shocking Donegal defeat, and a chance to rectify some tactical tweaks. Mickey Harte’s men are in the group of death, but they still remain among the top contenders for the big prize. They have suffered a few injuries in the intervening weeks which could disrupt their tilt for Sam Maguire, but at the minute, they remain one of the big hitters.
4. Kerry (down one place)
The Sam Maguire draw means Kerry will have reached the knockout stages of the All-Ireland series without competing against a single team playing Division One football next season. That’s not their fault, it’s a massive flaw in the system, but how battle-hardened will they be come the business end of the competition? Time will tell if course but with Jason Foley back and the forward line Jack O’Connor has at his disposal, Kerry will have a big say before the years out.
5. Galway (up three places)
One win really looks to have transformed Galway’s season and with the momentum that comes with lifting provincial silverware, Padraic Joyce’s men could really push on and have a great summer. They’re in a tough group with Westmeath, Derry and Armagh but with their injury crisis now seemingly cleared, they will be confident of landing a few knockout blows in the coming weeks. Derry's visit to Salthill on Saturday will be fascinating.
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6. Armagh (down one place)
How Armagh lift themselves and deal with yet another penalty shootout setback will ultimately determine their ranking? At the minute, Armagh have serious potential and on any given day are a test for anything in the country but if that striking blow of a second Ulster final defeat in as many years proves too much, it could be a short summer for Kieran McGeeney’s troops.
7. Mayo (unchanged)
Just as one win doesn’t define a team’s season, one loss shouldn’t either. Mayo looked to have secured the Connacht title but let it slip in the final few minutes against Galway. Still, they have enough quality in their ranks to ask serious questions of a lot of teams and there could be another few twists and turns Kevin McStay’s men before all is said and done.
8. Tyrone (down two places)
Tyrone are a team in transition but as they showed in their Ulster championship clashes with Cavan and Donegal, they can still deliver big performances when required. A fit again Mattie Donnelly is a massive addition for the Red Hands and any team that can call upon the Canavan’s, Darren McCurry and Cathal McShane has a serious chance against anyone.
21 April 2024; Tyrone players Darragh Canavan, left, and Darren McCurry congratulate each other during the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Cavan and Tyrone at Kingspan Breffni in Cavan. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
9. Louth (new entry)
Louth proved on Sunday that they’re keen to stick around and showed enough against Dublin to suggest they could go deep into the championship. Winning Sam Maguire isn’t a realistic target at the minute, but Ger Brennan’s men will take confidence from their Leinster final display and will be keen to reach the knockout stages of the All-Ireland series.
10. Cork (new entry)
Cork really are an enigma but their performance against Kerry a few weeks ago would suggest that they can dine at the top table. They have forwards in the mould of Brian Hurley, Chris Og Jones and Conor Corbett that are capable of racking up big scores and if they can reach Croke Park, they could pull off a shock or two.
