TWO games into the league and it’s been so refreshing—the rules have really given football a boost. Fans and players are buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 season. The new rules introduced this year are set to shake things up, promising intense competition and unexpected turns. Here’s a closer look at the teams poised to make their mark in the championship.
All-Ireland Champions-Galway
I’ve been banging the Galway drum for a while now and after last year’s final and the majorly flat poor performance, I finally said enough was enough and promised this fling would never happen again. However, after seeing these new rules, maybe I’ve been too hasty. Like a desperate ex, I’m back for one last shot at love.
Let me make my case. Is there a better front three for the 3vs3? Probably not. Robert Finnerty is a sharpshooter who will make those lateral runs inside. He struggles to win the dirty ball and that’s where Daniel Comer comes in; he’s a bull who wins the 60/40 balls and runs at men. With the extra room inside this year, surely he will get more joy. Then Shane Walsh, one of the best forwards in the game, looks to be an early candidate for top scorer. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve played three up top since Joyce got the job, and now those three can’t be pulled out of position, so that will only help. The 2-point arc isn’t even a problem for some Galway players; Paul Conroy and Shane Walsh look like they could score from 60m, never mind 40m. They have a huge middle third, and with Cillian McDaid and Matthew Tierney returning from injury, they have some great fetchers.
They also have the psychological edge. They’ve been the bridesmaids for two out of the last three finals, so surely they will have the fire in the belly for this one. The worry lies in the injuries. It’s no secret the last two years have been a disaster for Galway. If they keep everyone fit, I think they will take some stopping. If they don’t, Kerry will adapt to the rules the best and be next in line.
Munster-Kerry; Leinster-Dublin;
Connacht-Galway; Ulster-Tyrone
No great surprises here really. However, I do think Dublin will have the closest Leinster Championship they’ve had in years, as I think Meath—likely semi-final opponents—are serious contenders for a surprise. They will run Dublin all the way in a semi-final, but Dublin will just have too much in the end.
Tyrone have an unbelievably talented and versatile front three and could really play the game in any way it comes. If the 12 vs 11 rule stays, I can see Morgan being a dangerous prospect. Armagh could put their Ulster woes to bed this year, but with Rian O’Neill's commitment up in the air, he is really the one player Armagh need on the pitch. I think the winner comes from one of them two because I am still undecided if Donegal have enough to master these rules, but we will see.
Dark Horse-Tyrone/Roscommon
Tyrone as above I think will win Ulster and under the guidance of Malachy O’Rourke they have one of the best managers in the game.
Roscommon have assembled a really talented squad that has maybe gone under the radar. Daire Cregg and the Murtagh brothers are just a sample of some of the players Davy Burke has at his disposal. They will walk Division 2, and they seem to be wanting to play a more attack-minded brand of football. Last year, they weren’t a million miles away from Armagh in that quarter-final. No team will want to draw them in their group. A dangerous team for any Division 1 side. A surprise package to make a semi-final?
Flop-Mayo
I just can’t see it improving from last year. Nothing has changed—if anything, it looks worse. They don’t seem to have a structure or strategy for the new rules, and I really can’t see McStay lasting after this year. Almost a sure bet to be relegated from Division 1, and I can’t see them scoring enough to put teams away. Sligo to cause an upset in a Connacht quarter-final, you heard it here first.
Player to watch-Eoin McElholm
I think Shane Walsh will probably get Player of the Year. The rules will suit him, and he will score a hatful. However, that wouldn’t be a big surprise if he did. I like the look of young Eoin McElholm from Tyrone (above). He will definitely enjoy the new rules and is a perfect playmaker for the inside 3. He was lined up for an AFL move and refused to go. O’Rourke already seems to rate him and is giving him game time. He was a big part of the U-20 success last year and is ready to make the jump to senior.
Surprise package-Meath
I think Meath are in the long grass. A new manager and a host of players coming back into a squad that was already full of raw talent. If anyone gets a chance to watch Meath this year, they must be the biggest team in Ireland. They are monsters. Height, strength, and power are already major advantages for teams under these new rules, and I can see Meath making hay under them. In their first game against Cork, they created 40+ chances, which is crazy stuff, but didn’t convert half of them. Robbie Brennan will be concerned about that, but if they get it right, they could provide a shock. Leinster Champions for the first time since 2010? My head says no, but my heart says... maybe.
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