Tailteann Cup permutations: All you need to know

SATURDAY 1 JUNE

Group 1
Longford v Waterford, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 2pm
Kildare v Leitrim, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 6pm

Group 2
Wexford v Tipperary, Netwatch Cullen Park, 3.30pm

Group 3
Fermanagh v Laois, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 3.45pm
Wicklow v Carlow, Parnell Park, 3.45pm

Group 4
Limerick v London, Parnell Park, 1.30pm

SUNDAY 2 JUNE

Group 2
Down v Offaly, Kingspan Breffni, 1.45pm
Sligo v Antrim, Kingspan Breffni, 4pm

ONLINE
Live blog/score updates on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app.

TV
Sligo v Antrim is live on GAAGO. Highlights on The Saturday Game and The Sunday Game, 9.30pm, RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

RADIO
Live updates on RTÉ Radio 1’s Saturday and Sunday Sport.

WEATHER
Saturday: Dry with sunny spells in most areas, although it will be cloudy at times near northern coasts. Highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees with light northerly winds.

Sunday: Sunday is looking cloudier but largely dry. Highest temperatures of 17 to 22 degrees generally but cooler towards northern coasts. For more go to met.ie.

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16 down to 11….and then New York are welcomed

And so we’ve arrived at the concluding round of the group stage, a step closer to knowing who’ll join previous winners Westmeath and Meath on the roll of honour.

The top team in each group will progress to the last eight, where they will have home advantage.

The second-placed team in each group shall have home venue in the preliminary quarter-finals and will be joined there by only three of the best-placed third-placed teams. The fourth spot here will be taken by New York.

The criteria for deciding the best three across the four groups shall be determined using the following criteria:
(i) Total number of points
(ii) Score difference subtracting the total scores against from the scores for
(iii) Highest total score for
(iv) Highest total goals for
(v) Lowest total goals against(vi) a play-off

In the event of teams finishing on equal points, the tie shall be decided by the following means and in the order specified below:
(i) Where two teams only are involved – the outcome of the meeting of the two teams in the group
(ii) Score difference – subtracting the total scores against from the total scores for
(iii) Highest total score for
(iv) highest total goals for
(v) A play-off

The draw for the preliminaries, which will broadcast live on RTÉ Radio’s Sunday Sport at 5.40pm, shall be subject to the avoidance of repeat pairings from the group stage.

The preliminary quarter-finals will take place on Saturday 8 June. A week later, on Saturday 15 June, the quarter-finals are down for decision.

Croke Park will stage the semi-finals on Sunday 23 June, with both games live on RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and on RTÉ Radio’s Sunday Sport.

The 2024 Tailteann Cup final will take place ahead of the first All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park on Saturday 13 July, with live coverage on RTÉ television and radio.

What we know already

Down are through to the quarter-finals. Wins over Limerick and London means they can’t be dislodged from top spot in Group 4 on the head-to-head rule even if they were to lose to Offaly on Sunday. As for the Faithful, currently on zero points, they can’t progress any further, as points gained in beating the Mournemen would not be enough when it comes to the head-to-head with either Limerick or London.

As for the team sitting in third spot most that’s most vulnerable, Longford, still pointless and with a scoring difference of -21, have a lot to do if they are to emerge from Group 1.

Kildare and Leitrim will battle it out for top spot, with the Lilywhites’ scoring difference much superior if things should finish at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

Both Longford and Waterford will have to shoot the lights out if they are to have any hope of another day out.

Similar scenario in this group, with Sligo and Antrim in a winner-takes-all clash to decide top spot. The Yeats County have put up so big scores so far and that will be in their favour should parity be the outcome at Kingspan Breffni.

Wexford, who lost narrowly to Antrim the last day, will be looking to put struggling Tipp to the sword and so guarantee progression.

Unbeaten Fermanagh know that if they avoid defeat to Laois, they’ll advance as group winners. The O’Moore must win to claim top spot.

Wicklow, still without a point, simply have to beat Carlow if they are to avoid another season where they have failed to reach the knockout stage.

Down already home and hosed with regard to a quarter-final berth. All eyes then on Parnell Park where London and Limerick meet in the battle for second. The Exiles’ scoring difference is marginally better if things finish level in Donnycarney.

Watch The Saturday Game this weekend from 10.55pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

Watch an All-Ireland SFC double-header, Meath v Kerry (2pm) and Derry v Armagh (4pm), on Sunday from 1.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on Sunday Sport with RTÉ Radio 1