ULSTER SFC: Down hosting Donegal in opener
The Ulster Senior Football Championship starts on Sunday with Down hosting Donegal.
The preliminary round game at Páirc Esler in Newry will be in front of 500 fans.
But with knockout replacing the backdoor system again, due to covid, there's added pressure for the teams.
And Down manager Paddy Tally said it was not an ideal format.
"It is a very short season," he said. "For a lot of counties in the country it's going to be a four-game season or possibly a five-game season for some so really it is a very short season.
"And really for the amount of preparation time that's put in it, it isn't really reward for the amount players do.
"I wouldn't be for it at all."
Both sides lost to Cavan last year at the semi-final and final stages respectively.
The winner of the tie will face Derry.
Down v Donegal, Sunday (1pm)