The televised clash of Mayo and Kerry under lights in Tralee next Saturday night marks the launch of the 2006 Allianz Football League which will serve up 118 games between next weekend and the final which is scheduled for Croke Park on April 23.

Tipperary defender Philly Maher will undergo another scan on his damaged knee to assess his chances of making Sunday week's Munster clash with Clare.

Kilkenny boss Brian Cody has hailed his never say die Cats team for refusing to be beaten by Tipperary in the Div 1 league final.