The Joe McDonagh Cup is the GAA's most cut-throat competition

CONTENDERS: Cillian Kiely of Offaly in action against Conan Boran of Kildare during the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A final. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The Joe McDonagh Cup throws in this weekend. You could easily argue that it now stands as the GAA’s most cut-throat competition, even above the loaded Division 2 football league.

Antrim topped last year’s round-robin and yet three of their five games were decided by a margin of three points or less. The battle for the second final spot below them saw three counties - Kerry, Carlow, and Offaly - finish level on six points.