GAA National Leagues: Kerry are the team to beat but they’re all playing for it

Tyrone were unlucky last year to be relegated and begin their Division Two campaign at home to Kildare on Saturday [18:00, live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport NI website].

It looked like Tyrone had beaten Armagh in Ulster and done better than Donegal against Kerry in the Championship, so I think they will be looking to bounce back.

With Loughmacrory winning the Club Championship and players coming in from clubs, this is a big season for Tyrone and manager Malachy O’Rourke in his second season. Reaching Division One is a certainty as I think they will be right back but after that all eyes will turn to the All-Ireland title challenge.

Derry were also relegated last year and have a huge game to start in Division Two against Meath at Croke Park on Saturday. [15:00].

Both teams will have plans to reach the top flight, but for Derry, there were some good signs in the Dr McKenna Cup, and Ciaran Minagh is back there with the full Loughmacrory management team as well as former Derry stars Chrissy McKaigue and Benny Heron.

After last season when they did not win a league game, Derry need to make progress and although they are capable of beating Meath, it will be a difficult task.

Cavan are another team under new management, with former great Dermot McCabe returning after a spell with Westmeath.

They have a tough opening game away to Cork [Sunday, 13:30] Who have a lot of potential, but their goal is to get to the next level like their neighbors Monaghan and maintain their level.

They always produce great footballers, but they don’t seem to have enough strength and consistency, so that will be their goal.