The football Championship starts in earnest this weekend with big games in 3 of the 4 provinces. In Ulster Tyrone and Down renew rivalries in Omagh while in Connacht Mayo await the winners of division 3 champions Roscommon and FBD league two in a row winners Leitrim in Dr Hyde park. Not too far away in Glennon brothers Pearse Park Longford host Offaly while in Aughrim Wicklow welcome Laois – that match is live on Off the Ball . On Saturday night Westmeath host Louth as the two teams look for their first meaningful win of the season having failed to earn victory in any of there respective league matches.

 PJ Ward is well placed to talk about football matters in the midlands having won a Leinster minor title with Westmeath and having represented then Maroons as well as Offaly at senior level , Ward who’s now coaching Mountmellick in Laois also has experience of the Connacht Championship after playing for New York during his time in America.  The Kilbeggan man previews this weekends match with me.