The Leinster Council has stayed true to the GAA's word that more championship matches should be staged away from Croke Park.

Offaly take on Louth today in the opening clash of the 2005 Leinster football championship and even though the Faithful men are huge favourites to advance, the Wee County believe the form book will have no say in today's encounter at Pairc Tailteann, Navan.

Dublin could face great rivals Meath as early as the quarter-finals of the 2005 Leinster football championship, following last night's provincial draw.

THE DRAWS for the Bank of Ireland football and Guinness hurling provincial championships for 2005 will be televised on RTÉ 2 on Sunday at 7.30pm.