Colm O'Rourke's All-Ireland qualifier and Tailteann Cup predictions

All-Ireland football qualifiers - round 1

Saturday

Cork v Louth, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm

Cork did very well against Kerry in Munster for 50 minutes. When Seán Powter and Micheál Martin had to go off it was definitely a significant loss for them. They ended up with a heavy defeat but I think it would have given them hope.

Louth have had a great year, winning Division 3 of the Allianz League. Cork at home though should win.

Verdict: Cork

Mayo v Monaghan, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, 4pm

That's the best game on Saturday. Both of these sides would have ideas of going a good bit further.

Mayo are still reliant on a lot of those old warriors but they were very poor against Galway in the championship, and in the league final against Kerry.

Monaghan, beaten by Derry, couldn't pick their way through the Derry defence even though they had a lot of possession. Mayo won the corresponding league match by two points but I think Monaghan could go to Castlebar, it's not a fortress anymore, so I'll tip Monaghan.

Verdict: Monaghan

Clare v Meath, Ennis, 6pm

It certainly wasn't the most exciting game when the met in the league. It was a rather turgid, finishing up 0-10 to 0-09 for Meath.

It may not be an open or exciting game of football again but I hope for a Meath win. It will be difficult down there in Ennis.

Verdict: Meath

Sunday

Armagh v Tyrone, Athletic Grounds, 1.30pm

A great game altogether. When they met in the league back in February it was like an early St Valentine's Day massacre. There were five sent off, and Armagh won by two goals.

Tyrone haven't been going well, they could do with a bit of freshness. Maybe bringing in the likes of Ruairí Canavan, who was such a star for the U20s in their All-Ireland campaign.

Whoever wins this one will be a