Paul Flynn's football championship predictions

This weekend, we kick off the group stages of the All-Ireland series, and while there's a lot of talk about meaningless games, every team competing is going to want to get off to a winning start.

The carrot is to get through to the quarter-finals directly and cut out that preliminary quarter-final game - and also gaining home advantage.

So there are incentives built into it, and that will mean these games will be competitive.

In Killarney, we've got Kerry versus Mayo. What a game to start us off. Kerry have been very clinical so far; Mayo were excellent through the league and have had a nice little break to work on a couple of things - like their offensive structure against the set defence.

ALL-IRELAND SFC FIXTURES

I'm going to go with Kerry. They're really coming into things at the right time.

You wouldn't write off Mayo, but I just think Kerry will pip this one.

We also have a big game involving Galway and Tyrone. Tyrone were excellent against Monaghan in the first half - and indeed for a lot of that game at Healy Park.

Galway meanwhile have been excellent all season, really consistent. Their defensive structure is working, their forward organistaion is working. The one area I think Galway have to work on - and Tyrone have to go after - is kickouts.

Tyrone are very strong in midfield and if they can force them long, Conn Kilpatrick and Brian Kennedy will create some contests. I'm predicting a Galway win this time, but it will be really interesting to see how Tyrone respond to their break.

Next up we have Clare and Donegal. This is a huge game for both teams. Donegal are obviously having a very difficult season. Clare on the other hand have had a positive run of things.

Obviously, getting a tough beating from Kerry the last