Breaking down football’s league-championship link 

LEAGUE IMPORTANCE: John Cleary would be able to have a right cut at Munster with Sam Maguire Cup qualification all but secured through the league. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Remind me again, how are the Allianz Football League and Sam Maguire Cup linked?

Seven of the 16 slots in the Sam Maguire Cup come by way of league standings. The best four are seeded third and the remaining three fourth but their identities really don’t emerge until the confirmation of the eight provincial winners and runners-up, who are first and second seeds. Meath claim a fourth seed berth by virtue of their Tailteann Cup victory last year.