Yesterday, the round robin portion of the 2024 National Football League wrapped up. It wasn't a hugely memorable campaign, with plenty of discourse about how no one wanted to win it.
But ahead of the nitty-gritty of Championship football, we thought we should crown some winners and losers of this year's league campaign before the champions are declared next week.
2024 National Football Leagues - Winners
Mickey Harte
There were question marks about how Derry would gel with Mickey Harte. Those questions were answered quickly this winter. Derry have taken to Division 1 like a duck to water since securing promotion last season. Mickey Harte will be looking to claim his first National title as they seek revenge against Dublin. A gruelling Ulster campaign lies ahead but Mickey Harte and Horse Devlin have made an instant impact in the Oak Leaf county
Dublin players hoping to win a 10th All-Ireland
30 July 2023; Dublin nine time All-Ireland medal winners, from left, James McCarthy, Stephen Cluxton and Michael Fitzsimons celebrate after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Stephen Cluxton and Mick Fitzsimons player didn't see the pitch in the League. James McCarthy only played one game. But Dublin's title defence looks very, very strong as the curtain comes down on the League. Since Dessie Farrell's opening-day defeat to Monaghan, Dublin have been the best team in the Division and have shown why they are favourites to retain their Sam McGuire. Their thrashing of Tyrone in Croke Park yesterday was ominous. Unlike last year where Cluxton, Fitzsimons and McCarthy were vital in Dublin's All-Ireland win, Dublin's huge depth may mean that as much won't be asked of the old guard.
Geezer believers
After Armagh crashed out of the Championship to Monaghan last year at the quarterfinal stage, there was some online debate about whether Kieran McGeeney should be brought back for another season. In 2024, Armagh have taken the handbrake off to play attacking football on the front foot. And it's no surprise that they're returning to the top flight. They should make an Ulster final; it's anyone's guess after that.
Players-turned-managers
16 March 2024; Cavan Manager Raymond Gallaghan before the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Armagh and Cavan at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
Many had Cavan in a relegation battle before the league started. Still, Raymond Galligan has proven he isn’t too bad at this inter-county management business as they pushed for promotion.
Andy Moran's coaching credentials
After last season's final-day heartbreak loss against Sligo, followed by a loss to New York, Andy Moran will be delighted to have bounced back with promotion, especially without talisman Keith Beirne. Kevin McStay's heir apparent?
Banner supporters
If you told Mark Fitzgerald that his side would go into the final round of league games with a chance of promotion after losing so many players from last year's panel, he would probably take your arm off. The Banner need to beat Tipp or Waterford in a Munster semi-final to once again secure a round-robin All-Ireland spot.
2024 National Football Leagues - Losers
Kildare managers
It wasn't a great league for intercounty managers from Kildare. Glenn Ryan is a giant of Kildare football, but the Lilywhites are in a bad place, going winless from seven. Down in Roscommon, Davy Burke has experienced second-season syndrome and this Roscommon's slow, passive style of play has not delivered results this year. An interesting few months lie ahead for both men.
Optimistic Galway supporters
16 March 2024; Galway manager Pádraic Joyce during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Galway and Dublin at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
A relegation scrap was not what Padraic Joyce hoped for from this League. Galway have been underwhelming throughout 2024. While many will point to their absentee list, there will be huge pressure for results this spring.
O'Byrne Cup winners
A simple solution for Longford don’t win the O’Byrne Cup for the second year in a row: they have failed to secure promotion out of Division 4 despite winning the pre-season competition.
Waterford
The Déise are in a lose/lose situation in terms of player retention and losing out tight encounters such as London and Longford, but credit to Paul Shankley as they play good football, which was proven with a draw against Tipp.
Losers turned winners
Cork
The Rebels' dismal opening few games saw them looking dangerously over their shoulder as relegation looked a real possibility. However, a late winner against Fermanagh turned their fortunes around, and they secured fourth spot. Things are pointing in the right direction.
