All-Ireland SFC: Cork's group has clear permutations but matters complicated in others

Cork’s group is at the more straightforward end of the spectrum ahead of this weekend’s last sets of fixtures in the All-Ireland SFC.

This is the last year that the final-round permutations will be at play. While the group format itself is not a bad idea, allowing three counties to go forward from each section – 24 games to eliminate four teams – has reduced the jeopardy involved, in contrast to the cut-throat nature of the Munster SHC, where three of five progressing had retained a high level of intensity.

A year ago, wins against Clare and Donegal ensured that Cork would be advancing whatever happened in their last match, against Tyrone in Tullamore, but the Rebels still went into that match on something of a knife-edge.

The fact that Donegal were likely to beat Clare well in the other game, combined with the scoring-difference situation meant that, while a win or a draw for Cork would give them top spot, a defeat would almost certainly leave them in third place, which is what transpired.

Unfortunately, this time around, third in Group 2 is the best that John Cleary’s side can hope for after losses to Meath and Kerry and so the game against Roscommon at Laois Hire O’Moore Park on Saturday (4.15pm) is essentially a knockout tie.

Nothing other than a win will do for Cork, as Roscommon’s draw with Meath means that they can afford another draw and still finish in third. However, the Connacht side will be chasing second place – if they can win with Kerry overcoming Meath, combined with a 14-point swing.

That all-green-and-gold clash at nearby Tullamore will decide first place in the group: Kerry are in the box-seat would fall to second if their Royal County opponents were to emerge victorious.

Also fairly cut-and-dried pool is Group 3, where Down and Monaghan have two wins each and will play off for the top two spots. Equally, the clash of Clare and Louth is a battle for third place, with the Leinster champions having the scoring-difference advantage in the event of a draw.

Group 1 is as finely poised as one could wish – Donegal, Mayo, Tyrone and Cavan have each won one and lost one. Donegal meet Mayo in Dr Hyde Park with Tyrone and Cavan clashing in Brewster Park in Enniskillen – head-to-head records could be called on to decide final placings.

And, while All-Ireland champions Armagh will definitely top Group 4, a lot is still up in the air. They meet Galway – who currently have just one point – in a repeat of last year’s final, while Dublin (two) clash with Derry (one).

It should make for an interesting weekend, but the plodding journey doesn’t justify the exciting end.