We played likes of Dublin, Kerry and Cork last year and it's what we need

DURNIN DESPERATE FOR LOUTH TO KEEP MIXING IT AT THE TOP TABLE

- KARL O'KANE

FOR Kildare and Louth the stakes could hardly be higher as they face into a straight shoot-out for the final golden ticket to Gaelic football's biggest party.

This weekend one of them will drop down to the Tailteann Cup for the summer and the other one will march on into the All-Ireland series.

It's as stark and simple as that.

For Louth, after four years of serious progress, failing to make the All-Ireland series would be a major setback.

The system has let Louth down.

There is no way Clare should have a ticket to the All-Ireland for a third year in a row by virtue of defeating Division 4 Tipperary and making a Munster Final.

Clare finished five places behind Louth in the League and will remain in Division 3 next year, while the Wee County will be in Division 2 for a fourth year in a row in 2026.