All-Ireland finalists set to clash in Allianz League opener while Division One champions Derry face Ulster rivals

The opening weekend of action in the 2025 Allianz Football League will see a repeat of last summer’s All-Ireland final along with a host of intriguing first round fixtures.

Galway are set to host All-Ireland champions Armagh on Saturday, January 25, subject to the installation of floodlights at Pearse Stadium.

The sides have met four times over the course of the last three Championship campaigns with Galway ending Armagh’s season after a penalty shootout in 2022 before Armagh edged the Tribesmen in the group stages in 2023.

Read more: Down duo among GAA's greatest ever father and son duos as one Dublin legend calls it a day

Read more: No blank cheque for the redevelopment of Casement Park, says Gordon Lyons

This season’s group clash was a drawn affair in Markievicz Park while Armagh ended the campaign as champions following a 1-11 to 0-13 win at Croke Park back in July with Aaron McKay scoring the game’s only goal.

Pádraic Joyce’s men will get another crack at the Orchard men in their first competitive outing of the new season - one which could see several new playing rules adopted.

Armagh will then host Ulster rivals Tyrone at the Box-It Athletic Grounds in their first home game of the season on Saturday, February 1.

Before that, the Red Hands will begin their season with a home game against Division One champions Derry at O’Neills Healy Park on Sunday, January 26.

It will be Malachy O’Rourke’s first game in charge of Tyrone since being appointed in September, although Derry have yet to appoint Mickey Harte’s successor and remain the only inter-county football team in Ireland without a manager.

Ulster champions Donegal face Kerry in Killarney in round one with Mayo taking on Dublin in Croke Park.

As well as Armagh versus Tyrone in week two, Derry welcome Kerry to Celtic Park while Donegal host Dublin with Mayo facing Connacht rivals Galway.

The full Allianz Football League schedule has been released to counties and are provisional and subject to change.

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox