The ominous asterisk that shaped so many Airtricity League tables over recent years may yet make a comeback.

The Dubs will be a different story altogether in the decider.

GPA national executive member Ronan Sweeney accepts players who come home from unsuccessful AFL stints face a challenging return.

Dundalk 2 Bohemians 1: Three, they say, is a magic number — and it certainly felt like it at Oriel Park last night as Dundalk players and fans jubilantly celebrated a hat-trick of league titles.

From size of stadia to size of budgets, from the number of internationals in their respective ranks to previous achievements in elite European competition — by whatever measurement you chose to compare and contrast Dundalk and Zenit St Petersburg, the two clubs seemed separated by a gulf of almost cosmic proportions going into their Europa League game in Tallaght on Thursday night.

While much of the focus on links between Mayo and Kildare revolve around Cian O’Neill - the Lilywhite manager who served as coach with the westerners when they reached the All-Ireland final in 2012 - there are other connections between the counties.

Kildare 0-24 DIT 1-7: Kildare have had a very good record in the Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup in recent years, moving clear at the top of the roll of honour with three successes already this decade and appearing in the last five finals.

Kildare GAA has regained its “financial independence” and “are masters of our destiny again” after more than two years of needing a Croke Park signatory on its cheques.

Waterford 2-9 Kildare 1-5: Waterford have endured much heartbreak since making the step-up to the intermediate ranks in 2012 but after a deserved victory over a valiant Kildare unit, they will now be preparing for top flight camogie next year.

From second-level colleges glory to All-Ireland minor and senior titles with Kerry, Jack O’Connor has seen it, done it and written the book.

There is no procrastination on Bryan Murphy’s part. But indulge us in some dawdling before we reveal the whereabouts of his loyalties this evening.

Kildare 0-16 Laois 0-16: Tommy Moolick capped off a barnstorming performance off the bench with a wonderful injury-time point to rescue a draw for Kildare at the end of a thoroughly entertaining Leinster SFC clash with Laois at O’Connor Park.

Kildare have a dreadful record against Dublin in league and championship in recent years but the Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup has proved an exception.

Brian Hurley expects to be fit for Cork’s Division 1 opener against Dublin on February 1 after being told he suffered no serious damage to his left shoulder on Sunday.

Former Kildare underage star Seán Hurley wants to follow in the footsteps of Tadhg Kennelly and conquer the Australia Football League.

Former Kildare underage star Seán Hurley wants to follow in the footsteps of Tadhg Kennelly and conquer the Australia Football League.

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Clare came within minutes of stunning Kildare at Cusack Park last night but in the end the Lilywhites' coolness in the final quarter and impressive fitness levels got them over the line.

Johnny Doyle’s retirement from inter-county football leaves a huge void in the Kildare squad.

The news last night of Johnny Doyle’s retirement from inter-county football was greeted with a predictable wave of tributes from those in the GAA community; lauding his footballing prowess and off-field persona in equal measure.

Kildare 1-22 Westmeath 0-8

Dublin dismantled Kildare’s creaking defence on their way to a resounding NFL Division One victory at Croke Park.

Kildare 1-21 Tyrone 3-16

Kerry forward Donnchadh Walsh will be training with Waterford’s senior footballers for the duration of the Allianz Football League.

Kildare 4-24 Athlone IT 0-12

Kildare 0-12 Tyrone 1-11

Former Kildare star Brian Lacey believes the county’s supporters have to get tougher on their inter-county team.

Almost exactly a year ago Robin van Persie accepted the Footballer of the Year award and declared, with a mournful look in his eye, he would “always be a Gunner” before promptly signing for Manchester United.

Injury-plagued Dermot Earley is facing an uphill battle to be fit in time for Kildare’s Leinster SFC quarter-final against Offaly on June 1.

Dublin 2-20 Kildare 2-7

Cork 1-9 Kildare 2-10

James Kavanagh has dismissed speculation he will be switching his inter-county allegiances to Galway this year.

Like the Soviets, McGuinness is first and foremost a utilitarian. His sole concern lies with how systems work, not look.

Kildare 0-13 Sligo 0-4

Cork and Armagh have both expressed surprise at the CCCC’s decision to suspend four players and fine each county board €5,000 as a result of the mass scuffle in the Athletic Grounds almost two weeks ago.

Donegal 1-12 Kildare 0-14 (aet)

HE really doesn’t want to be beating the same drum and yesterday, Kieran McGeeney seemed literally worn down by having to address another refereeing decision that cost his team so dearly.

DON’T judge Kieran McGeeney if he doesn’t pick up any silverware with Kildare this season.

Former Kildare footballer Niall Browne will make his Munster SFC debut when he lines out for Clare against Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday (throw-in 3.30pm).

KILDARE manager Kieran McGeeney has laughed off suggestions that Pádraig Ashe resigned as county chairman largely because the pair could not work together, joking that history books are currently being rewritten to blame him for The Famine.

JOHN O’LOUGHLIN has seen a lot since his first GAA training session. Having played on minor, U21 and senior Laois football teams in the same year, he also juggled hurling with the county while giving his all to club and college teams. Now 22, he’s assumed a leadership role with the footballers. Playing his club football with Dublin’s St Brigid’s, the midfielder’s experience is far greater than most of his age.