Championship days.

The draws for the 2019 All-Ireland senior hurling and football championships took place on RTÉ on Thursday night. Yes, the 2018 season has only just finished up. Yes, we're still basking in the glory of the great year that was and yes, we're looking past the pre-season dead rubbers, the National Leagues and we're already focusing on the sunny summer Sundays with the smell of championship in the air. Michael Lyster returned to the RTÉ couches for the occasion, and he was joined by Anthony Daly and Henry Shefflin to cast their eyes on the hurling season that lies ahead, while Ciaran Whelan and Tomás Ó Sé were there to discuss the football side of things. In the football, Leinster will more than likely be another cakewalk for the Dubs. Ulster will be typically competitive as will Connacht while Cork will be bidding to find their groove again in Munster. After all the talking, here's the draws that were made. Emlyn Mulligan was honest to a fault when he heard Leitrim would be drawn against Roscommon in the first round of the Connacht Championship.

"It's very hard to motivate yourself...Since I've started playing, Sligo are the only team bar London and New York that we've ever beaten. That's why I was so anxious to get them there...It doesn't get any easier," he said.

https://twitter.com/RTEgaa/status/1050472058956599297

Mulligan has in the past led calls for a 'B' championship. His statement this evening only underlines that point further.

Munster football

The path is clear for a Cork Kerry final, though Tipperary and Clare will fancy their chances of changing the guard. https://twitter.com/GaaClare/status/1050476963096391681

Leinster football

What's there to be said about Leinster? https://twitter.com/RTEgaa/status/1050473347807555584

Connacht football

Mayo are heading to New York. https://twitter.com/LeitrimGAA/status/1050472450385940482

Ulster football

The most competitive of them all. Tyrone v Derry in Prelim round. Quarter finals: Antrim v Tyrone/Derry, Cavan v Monaghan, Down v Armagh, Fermanagh v Donegal.