And so to the rubberneckers’ paradise that we call the GAA’s preseason tournaments. Wrapping up good and warm and dry and getting out to sniff the air and see what’s doing. Who’s back, who’s not, who’s coming, who’s gone. Incredibly, it seems all games have survived the weather, albeit with a few venue changes.
A day for small nuggets rather than major storylines. How will Seanie Johnston get on in his first Cavan game since June 2011? What can Conor Loftus add to the Mayo forward line and will Conor O'Shea make much hay against his native county playing for NUIG?
How many intrepid Dubs will manage to find their way to New Ross?
In hurling, an interesting name on the Cork teamsheet to play Clare in Sixmilebridge is that of William Egan, the former great white wing-back hope who didn't feature last year.
That game will, of course, be the first to feature Donal Óg Cusack alongside Davy Fitzgerald on the Clare sideline. The rubbernecking potential will be off the charts.
FIXTURES (All games throw-in at 2.00pm Sunday unless stated)
Dr McKenna Cup Derry v Antrim, Owenbeg; Tyrone v Queens University, Omagh; Donegal v Down, Ballybofey; Fermanagh v St Mary's, Brewster Park; Monaghan v UUJ, Clones; Armagh v Cavan, Crossmaglen.
McGrath Cup Clare v Tipperary, Milltown Malbay; Cork v Limerick, Mallow.
O'Byrne Cup Wexford v Dublin, New Ross; Carlow IT v DCU, Carlow; Louth v Offaly, Darver; Kildare v DIT, Newbridge; Carlow v Meath, Dr Cullen Park; Laois v UCD, Páirc Ratheniska; Wicklow v Westmeath, Bray Emmetts; Longford v Maynooth, Pearse Park .
FBD League Roscommon v IT Sligo, Strokestown; Mayo v NUIG, MacHale Park; Galway v Sligo, Tuam; Leitrim v GMIT, Cloone.
Munster Senior Hurling League Limerick v Kerry, Kimallock; Clare v Cork, Sixmilebridge.
Walsh Cup Laois v Antrim, Heywood CS, (2pm today); Wexford v IT Carlow, Enniscorthy (2pm today); Offaly v DIT, Birr; Meath v Carlow, Navan, Westmeath v DCU, Cusack Park.
