SEÁN MORAN
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? The league has been hugely important ever since the calendar year format and qualifiers were introduced 15 years ago. Kerry and Dublin are exemplars with five doubles won between them – and I would expect a sixth by the end of September.
Dublin to do the double?
Dublin have a problem, which is that because of the lack of competition in the province – and this has been a difficulty for Mayo as well – they get no free shots at the qualifiers. They will also miss both the Footballer of the Year and the best full back in the game. That said there's little evidence the field can take advantage.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year's award? If Dublin are to retain the All-Ireland it's likely the role of Cian O'Sullivan will be highlighted in the absence of O'Carroll and McCaffrey. He's still the team's best defender with his ability to organise and make the right decisions invaluable to Jim Gavin's team.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? It's such a restricted field that it's rare to get bolters and with the field so open at present I don't expect to see any county doing significantly better than expected.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
Waterford have risen incrementally since last year and have established consistency of performance as well as the gradual introduction of quality younger players. In an open championship, their rise can continue to its zenith.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
Shane Bennett played and scored a goal for Waterford in last year's All-Ireland quarter-final and started the semi-final at only 18. He's been a revelation in the league.
KEITH DUGGAN
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? It's as important as a team wants to make it. Kerry have won All-Irelands after displaying indifferent league form. Dublin have won and lost All-Irelands after dominating in the spring. Not getting relegated is the most important part.
Dublin to do the double?
This year revolves around the projected meeting of Kerry and Dublin in the semi-final. Have a feeling that when it comes to the definitive minutes, Dublin will feel the absence of Rory O’Carroll and Jack McCaffrey. So no back-to-back: Kerry to stop them. Which is not to say Kerry will win the All-Ireland.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year's award? Haven't a notion. If Dublin do complete the back-to-back, it will almost certainly mean another towering contribution from James McCarthy. The POTY tends to go to the winning team, which isn't always fair. Michael Murphy is outrageous value at 25/1.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? Waterford alone lifted the decibel levels last year and will continue to do so. They have a great shot at winning this summer but may have to wait a season or two to deliver.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
Tipperary because they tend to get their act together every few seasons and have an enviable depth of talent. Clare’s momentum is beginning to look irresistible while Waterford are the team that all neutrals will want to win.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
John McGrath has been impressing since winning minor with Tipp in 2012: and he was eye-catching at corner forward during a stop-start league campaign.
MALACHY CLERKIN
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? It was certainly compelling at times. It probably set in concrete the fact that the All-Ireland will likely come down to three teams. For all their progress, who can the likes of Monaghan, Roscommon or Tyrone feasibly beat in high summer?
Dublin to do the double?
Beating Kerry in a semi-final and Mayo in a final isn’t impossible – as they showed last year – but that full-back line needs work and it won’t be tested until the last week of August. They look the best side but still vulnerable to an ambush from one of the other pair. Maybe Mayo.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to and win this year’s award?
If you were picking now, James McCarthy would sail home. But if Mayo do win it out, then it’ll be one of theirs. Diarmuid O’Connor has grown game by game and if Mayo can convince him not to do all his best work in his own half, he’s a serious contender.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? Waterford can win an All-Ireland but I have my doubts. Brilliant young hurlers having the time of their life but they still go through periods where goals are beyond them.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
Kilkenny because we’ve been wrong enough times to know better than to argue against them. The league semi-final was a shambles but every team is allowed one of those – even Kilkenny. If they can get all their players back, nobody can match them.
IAN O’RIORDAN
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? It's surely no coincidence the last time Kerry treated the league so importantly was 2009, when they also won the All-Ireland. It's no secret anymore that the championship is not separate to league form but an extension of it.
Dublin to do the double?
There is still the elusive factor in winning back-to-back All-Irelands, although the very fact it’s eluded this Dublin team means they may be better prepared than ever to achieve it. The only team capable of stopping them are Kerry.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year’s award?
There is a naturally extensive list of candidates here, from several counties, but my predictive pick for the potentially most capable, popular and deserving is Colm Cooper.
What county swill make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? For noise and indeed progression it has to be Clare, the Davy Fitz-Donal Og Cusack pairing proving an unexpected hit already, with fresh heights to come this summer.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
Waterford. Well that’s the hope anyway, coming from a purely neutral perspective, because as a team Waterford boast both the ability and desire, providing most things go their way. It promises to be an exciting journey nonetheless.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
The hurling championship finds less room for old men with every season. Kilkenny’s Liam Blanchfield is clearly poised to leave his mark at some stage.
EAMON DONOGHUE
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? It's important to finish strongly and bring momentum into early summer. But the league's importance must be judged on a case-by-case basis. Peaking too soon can prove costly down the line particularly in the more competitve provinces.
Dublin to do the double?
David Byrne and John Small offer their own qualities but Dublin’s departing duo are two of the best footballers in the land. Still though, the champions remain by far the most complete team and unless Kerry discover something fresh in attack they will fall short again.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year’s award?
Philly McMahon was the country’s best footballer in 2015 and if he can clean up his act off the ball and continue his form I see him picking up the award. Cian O’Sullivan is another in peak form and the cog in the Dublin machine.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? Clare will have a competitive summer, their confidence has taken a drubbing in recent seasons with a number of near misses - but their league progress will have brought the buzz back.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
Tipperary. Last year they underperformed in the semi-final. A new management team could freshen things up, and with their squad at the optimal age I see them edging the Cats.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
Shane Bennett is a joy to watch, he’s a dynamic inside forward who has a bit of everything. If his league form carries Waterford will be blessed.
ASHLING THOMPSON
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? I don't think you can take too much from the league. We haven't done well in it the last couple of years but we get it together and go out flying in the championship. It's more about trying new players, trying new things, like a training exercise for what's ahead.
Dublin to do the double?
I can’t see Dublin being beaten. I’d love to see Mayo win it out though. They’ve been so close so many times and it’d be great for them. Kerry and Donegal will be there or thereabouts too.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year’s award?
Donegal are a team I think will do well this year so if they’re up there then Ryan McHugh or Paddy McBrearty. But if I’m picking it right now, I say Conor McManus.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? Waterford - I think they have the potential to be the next Kilkenny. They have so many class hurlers coming through, they are going to go far this summer.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
It’s hard to look past Kilkenny winning it again. They are just so strong. I think Waterford will go well this summer but the team I really fancy to go on and win it out is Tipperary. I’ll be killed for that one.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
Shane Bennett, I just think he’s a classy hurler. He’s got a lot more in him too and it will be interesting to see what he can bring to Waterford this summer as he has so much quality.
SINEAD FINNEGAN
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? The league campaign is the building block for championship, and the more games that you get at this time of year, the better prepared you are for your opponents come the summertime.
Dublin to do the double?
I wouldn’t look past the Dubs for the championship double. They are so relentless, and even when they are not playing their finest football, they still seem to produce constant wins.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year’s award?
Conor McManus maybe, he had such an unbelievable season last year. He is without doubt one of the best forwards in the country.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? I'm going to make a bold call here and say Clare. They will go far this summer, but still not win it.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
The All-Ireland hurling champions next summer will be Kilkenny because when it comes to crunch time they just do not know how to lose.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
I’ll say Bobby Duggan for Clare. He’s been on the scene for a while now, but he’s still eligible at under-21 this summer.
DARRAGH Ó SÉ
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? We can take plenty from it. Kerry have tried a few new things with Paul Murphy and Kieran Donaghy moving around. The final got away from them but, overall, I think they come out of the league in decent enough shape.
Dublin to do the double?
Yeah, I’d say so. They’re the best team around, they have the most depth, they can even give up Jack McCaffrey and Rory O’Carroll and walk through the league. They have a fairly young age profile with a lot of pace in the team.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year’s award?
James McCarthy is the most consistent footballer in the country and I can’t remember him having a bad game in the last three or four years. He has pace and power, he’s aggressive and physical, he’s everything you want.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? Kerry of course! If it's noise you want, who better than the Kingdom to take the Leinster championship by storm?
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be? Ah, Kilkenny. When there's a flat enough field, go with the crowd who you know you can rely on. I don't think there's anyone outstanding so I'll go with Kilkenny because they're Kilkenny.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
Cian Lynch from Limerick is the one that sticks out for me. He’s Ciaran Carey’s nephew and he made a bit of a splash last summer alright but I think there’s more to come.
CIARAN MURPHY
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? Division 1 didn't tell us anything we didn't already know, but down the divisions the teams that were good in Spring will be good in summer. Cavan, Galway, and Kildare may not win their provinces but they'll win plenty of games.
Dublin to do the double?
If you gave me a 50/50 choice between Dublin on one side, and the other 31 counties on the other, I’m taking the other 31 counties. I don’t think Dublin will do it, but I’m far from sure which one of the other big three will. My vote? Mayo.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year’s award?
I suppose this means I’ll have to double down on my Mayo prediction then . . . and they’ll win nothing without Lee Keegan playing at the peak of his powers.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? Waterford always make plenty of noise, and this year will be no different. They could get to an All-Ireland final, but I don't see them quite winning it.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be?
Kilkenny, because . . . they are Kilkenny. The day will come when the desert whips around the statue of Brian Cody and his sneer of cold command, but for now we must all look on his works (yes, even Davy, ye mighty) and despair.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
Shane Bennett has been one of Waterford’s best performers throughout the league - asking 19 year olds to carry that through to championship can be daunting but he looks well equipped.
NICKY ENGLISH
Kerry back in a final. How important has the league become and what can we take from it? It's seriously important every year. It's rare to see All-Ireland teams in September who haven't been there or thereabouts in the league. Kerry looked a bit more charged up for the league this year and their key, older players look fitter.
Dublin to do the double?
The only team that can stop them is Kerry and I don’t think they will. The only doubt in my mind is the absence of Rory O’Carroll and Jack McCaffrey from Dublin’s defence but I think they’ll just about get over that.
With footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey abroad, who are you backing to win this year’s award?
James McCarthy is a super player and took on much more responsibility in the league and has become a major figure in a re-shaped defence.
What county will make the most noise without claiming Liam MacCarthy? I might have had Clare and Waterford in this category before the league but you'd have to say now that they're both likely contenders. For me it's now Limerick.
The All-Ireland hurling champions will be ?
Last year it was pretty clear that Tipperary or Kilkenny would win it but on the evidence of the league Clare and Waterford both have a chance. Kilkenny are struggling a little with starting options. For me it’s between Waterford and Tipp.
Which young hurler should we be keeping an eye on?
I saw Patrick Curran playing for St Pat’s against UCD last autumn and he was outstanding. He’s a real star of the future but I’d also mention Tipp’s John McGrath.
*Be sure to pick up your free GAA Championship Magazine in The Irish Times on Thursday - for your complete guide to the summer’s action including features such as this one from our expert team of GAA writers.
