March Madness

In United States College Basketball, the NCAA Championship comprises a total of 65 teams who compete in a straight knockout tournament. It is all played off during the month of March (with the Semi-Final and Final in the first week in April) and is universally referred to as 'March Madness'. If ever an event is worthy of that particular moniker then this is surely it.

65 College teams are invited to this Championship frenzy (from a total of 371). Because of the odd numbers involved, a preliminary round is required between the 64th and 65th seeded teams. It sounds crazy already. The knockout rounds then begin at pace, and are played in consecutive weeks until the winner emerges from the Final.

I'm wondering if the fixture-makers of the GAA have been watching US College Basketball and deliberately decided to create some March Madness of their own. In the 21 days from March 8 to March 29 there will be four rounds of NFL games. Considering we'll have been sitting idle in the three weeks leading up to this (contenting ourselves with watching All-Ireland Club games, Sigerson matches and even the odd pre-season friendly at our local club; some might even admit to attending Scór!), forcing four important games into such a short time-frame probably borders on idiotic.

But what a month it promises to be! For Derry, first up is the mighty Kerry on March 8. Barely six days will have passed before the Oakleafers find themselves in Parnell Park to face Dublin under lights. A week later Galway will travel north, and then the following Saturday night (March 28), Derry followers will make the trip across the Sperrins to watch their side in action against Tyrone in Omagh.

It is a schedule that promises to tell us a lot about Damian Cassidy's Derry side. It will give us some indication of how much progress is being made this season - we will see if the new system of play stands up to scrutiny against what is arguably the top four sides in the country. With such a hectic itinerary, squad strength will also be tested to the maximum. By the end of March, we will all have a better idea about whether this Oakleaf panel has the depth Cassidy craves.

No matter about the short time-frames between so many games, March will provide all teams with excellent preparation for the Championship. Mouthwatering is probably the best word to describe it. Let the madness begin!