Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Third seeds Derry to spice up All-Ireland series group draw

The strength of the third seeds – particularly Derry – for the All-Ireland series group stage is likely to result in a group of death, according to former Kerry manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice.

The group stage draws in both the Sam Maguire and Tailteann Cup will be made tomorrow.

With the football championship in full swing, the outcome of the upcoming provincial finals will decide who is placed as first and second seeds.

Cavan, Cork, Meath and Westmeath are among the fourth seeds, but it is the calibre of the teams in pot three that will make for intriguing viewing.

Derry's bid for a third successive Ulster title was derailed by Donegal, but they remain strong All-Ireland contenders. Provincial rivals Tyrone, off the back of an extra-time defeat to Jim McGuinness’ side, and Monaghan are also in the mix, with the Ulster trio joined by Roscommon.

The third seeds will be on the road to respective provincial winners in their opening game.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Fitzmaurice said the third seeds will have a big say in the outcome of the respective groups.

"When you look at seed threes - Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan and Roscommon - whoever is going from that bowl in with a provincial winner and a provincial runner-up, particularly whichever group ends up with Derry coming at them, it will make for interesting viewing.

"There will be a bit of excitement and will give shape to the next month, six weeks."

Speaking on the Sunday Game, former Cavan player Cian Mackey said the Oak Leaf County remain a formidable side despite their Ulster setback.

Peter Canavan and @CianMackey cast their eye over the groups for the All-Ireland round-robin phase and were asked whether a side seeded third could go far #rtegaa #gaa #allirelandfootball