Hectic schedule for ‘Super8s’

ROSCOMMON’S clash with Tyrone will get the eagerly-awaited ‘Super 8s’ series under way in Croke Park on Saturday at 5.0.

This encounter will act as the curtain-raiser to the other Group 2 game between Dublin and Donegal, with both matches expected to be televised.

In the new quarter-final series, two groups of four teams replace the traditional four knockout ties.

“It’s exciting for all teams. There will be demands and twists and turns over the next four weeks,” said Galway manager Kevin Walsh of the new format.

The following day, Headquarters will host a Group 1 double-header, starting with Kildare v Monaghan (2.0) – followed by the mouthwatering clash between Kerry and Galway.

The precise details of the fixtures will be confirmed by the CCCC today.

The following weekend (July 21-22), the games return to the road, with all four provincial winners playing away from home.

A two-week gap separates rounds two and three – when the teams who came through the qualifiers will play their round of away fixtures.