Paul Rouse: Sam draw promises thrills but too much Tailteann torpor

There is a great month of Sam Maguire football to look forward to. By contrast, there is little enough that excites about the Tailteann Cup.

TAILTEANN CUP: Offaly, Sligo, Fermanagh and Laois will surely fancy a long run in the competition. Possibly Antrim too. Time will reveal just how seriously any county is taking the whole endeavour. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

It is somewhat ironic that the last instalment of the current structure of the All-Ireland SFC should finally throw up groups which promise spectacle and jeopardy.

The structures change for next year and there is a chance now that this final spin of the round-robin groups of four, where three qualify, will actually offer great excitement.