Michael McKernan of All-Ireland Champions Tyrone and Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA Tom Ryan with the Sam Maguire Cup and footballers, from left, Niall Scully of Dublin, Christopher McKaigue of Derry, Shane Walsh of Galway and Paudie Clifford of Kerry during the launch of the GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Series in Dublin.

Following the completion of the four provincial football championships last weekend, representatives of defending All-Ireland champions Tyrone and the four 2022 provincial champions Kerry, Dublin, Galway and Derry were in Croke Park as the race for the Sam Maguire hots up in the weeks ahead.

In attendance were Michael McKernan (Tyrone), Paudie Clifford (Kerry), Niall Scully (Dublin), Shane Walsh (Galway) and Chrissy McKaigue (Derry).

Next weekend sees the first round of the qualifiers. Holders Tyrone must travel to take on their Ulster rivals Armagh, Cork host Louth, Monaghan travel to Mayo and Clare host Meath in four eagerly awaited ties involving teams eager for their shot at qualifier redemption.

The second round is scheduled for the following weekend and the quarter-finals will take place on the weekend of June 25/26.

In keeping with recent seasons, the two semi-finals will take place on back-to-back days at Croke Park on the weekend of July 9/10 with the Tailteann Cup final also scheduled for Saturday July 9.

The quarter-finals will be an open draw subject to avoidance of repeat pairings. This year’s semi-final draw pairs Connacht with Ulster and Leinster with Munster – or the teams that beat the provincial champions at the quarter-final stage.

GAA Director General Tom Ryan said: “2022 has already been an exciting year for Gaelic football and by extension the GAA with exciting provincial championships.

“Similarly, the inaugural Tailteann Cup is underway and has already provided counties with competitive games against teams of a similar standard on a pathway to Croke Park and a possible route back into the Sam Maguire championship next year.

“Tyrone’s run to the All-Ireland title last year captivated us all and they are the team to topple this year.

“I wish all of our players enjoyment and success in the weeks ahead – not least those here with us today – and I especially hope that our members and supporters look forward to returning in even larger numbers this year for the concluding stages of our championships.

“I wish to thank our sponsors in Supervalu, Eir and AIB for their support and for helping us to promote a competition which holds an iconic place in Irish sport, and I look forward to the colour and excitement that will build in the weeks to come.”

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship

Remaining fixtures

June 4/5

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round One

*June 11/12 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round Two

*June 25/26 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-finals

*July 9/10 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-finals – Croke Park

*July 24 *

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final – Croke Park

Connacht Senior Football Championship Final

Galway 2-19 Roscommon 2-16

By Cian O’Connell at Pearse Stadium

This was an utterly satisfying afternoon in Salthill for Galway.

Roscommon brought hope, expectation, and a significant support Corribside, but Galway were convincing winners.

There was plenty to enthuse about Galway’s performance.

John Daly’s shrewd defensive display and the attacking punch provided by Shane Walsh, Damien Comer, and Rob Finnerty ensured Padraic Joyce’s impressive Galway returned to the western summit.

A couple of late Roscommon goals narrowed the gap, but this day belonged to a promising maroon and white team.

Roscommon weren’t efficient enough in the opening period as Galway eventually went in 2-7 to 0-8 ahead at the interval.

That was chiefly due to two goals – a flash of Shane Walsh class and smooth opportunism from Patrick Kelly.

It was a lively encounter from the outset, but Galway made a crucial burst midway through the half yielding 1-3 without reply.

By that stage Ros led 0-4 to 0-3 before Cillian McDaid poked over a delightful equalising point.

Then the influential Damien Comer, Rob Finnerty, and Johnny Heaney were involved crafting an 18th minute chance for Walsh, who illustrated his ability with a splendid goal.

Further points from Kieran Molloy and Finnerty followed as Galway edged 1-6 to 0-4 in front.

As the interval approached and with Molloy black carded for a foul on Ciaráin Murtagh, Galway still managed to net a second major in the 34th minute.

Finnerty’s initial attempt struck the post and Kelly, a renowned goalscorer for Mountbellew-Moylough, pounced to blast a tonic second goal that moved Galway 2-7 to 0-7 clear.

Ultan Harney, who was industrious throughout, replied with a point for Roscommon, but Galway still departed armed with a five point cushion at the turnaround.

Early efforts from Heaney and Comer, who won a turnover deep in his own half, before adding the grace note with a 39th minute point.

Another Galway burst when Comer, Finnerty, and Walsh raised white flags put the locals 2-15 to 0-12 ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

Despite being under duress Roscommon did stay defiant with Conor Daly palming a 63rd minute goal.

Substitute Diarmuid Murtagh added a second goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time, but by then sufficient Galwegian damage had been inflicted.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 1-6 (1f, 245s), Rob Finnerty 0-5, Patrick Kelly 1-0, Damien Comer 0-3, Johnny Heaney 0-2, Kieran Molloy, Cillian McDaid, and Paul Conroy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Roscommon: Conor Cox 0-5 (3fs), Conor Daly and Diarmuid Murtagh (1f) 1-1 each, Ultan Harney 0-3, Donie Smith 0-2 (1f), Ciaráin Murtagh, Cian McKeon, Cathal Heneghan, and Enda Smith 0-1 each.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Liam Silke, Seán Kelly, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Cillian McDaid; Paul Conroy, Matthew Tierney; Kieran Molloy, Patrick Kelly, Johnny Heaney; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Brian Stack, Conor Daly; Conor Hussey, Niall Daly, Ronan Daly; Ultan Harney, Eddie Nolan; Ciaráin Murtagh, Enda Smith, Cathal Heneghan; Cian McKeon, Donie Smith, Conor Cox.

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).