RTÉ Set for Monaghan–Mayo Showdown in All-Ireland Championship

RTÉ Sport will roll its cameras into St Tiernach's Park for one of the standout ties of the opening weekend of the All-Ireland Football Championship, as Monaghan welcome Mayo in a heavyweight first-round clash.

That game, fixed for a 4pm throw-in, anchors a busy fortnight that will launch the summer campaign with a mix of old rivalries, fresh storylines and a packed TV slate.

Provincial Kings Back in Action

The road begins on Saturday, 30 May, with Leinster champions Westmeath stepping straight back into the spotlight. They host Cavan in Mullingar, a 5pm start that will test how quickly the champions can turn from provincial glory to national grind.

The evening then swings north. Newly-crowned Ulster winners Armagh return to the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, where they face Derry at 7.15pm. A provincial title in the bag, a dangerous neighbour in town, and no room for a hangover.

Both of those ties, along with Dublin’s outing, will be shown on GAA+, giving viewers a full look at how the provincial form translates when the All-Ireland pressure arrives.

Dubs on Home Ground

On Sunday, 31 May, Croke Park takes centre stage again. Dublin meet Louth at 2.30pm, a fixture that carries its own edge after recent encounters between the counties. The wide expanses of Jones’ Road, the familiar blue wave, and a Louth side desperate to prove they belong in that company.

Before that, the day in Croke Park actually starts much earlier.

The Lory Meagher Cup final between Longford and Leitrim opens proceedings at 12.30pm, a showcase moment for two counties chasing silverware and a statement on the hurling ladder.

Monaghan–Mayo Draw the Spotlight

Later that afternoon, attention swings back to Clones. RTÉ returns to St Tiernach's Park for Monaghan v Mayo, a 4pm throw-in that feels tailor-made for live television.

The Farney men, on home turf, up against Andy Moran’s side, who know all about navigating high-stakes championship days. It’s the kind of pairing that can tilt a season before June has properly settled in.

Finals Day for Ring, Under-20 and Lory Meagher

The Christy Ring Cup decider also finds its stage. Kerry and Derry meet at Croke Park on Saturday, 30 May at 3pm, another curtain-raiser that will matter deeply to both camps as they chase honours in hurling’s middle tier.

That is followed by the Dalata Hotel Group GAA Football All-Ireland Under-20 Championship final, with Kerry facing Tyrone at 5pm. A clash of traditions, and a glimpse of the next wave ready to break into senior football.

By the time Dublin and Louth close out the Croke Park weekend, and Monaghan and Mayo lock horns in Clones, the shape of the early All-Ireland landscape will already be shifting.

The fixtures are set. Now it’s over to the players to decide who really looks built for summer.