Championship football is a completely different animal to League, and with the opening rounds of the Provincial Championships upon us, it's time for an update in our Football rankings. See how your county has fared since our last standings in March.

1. DUBLIN (no change)

Last year's All-Ireland champions retained their Division 1 League title in magnificent fashion, cruising to a 3-19 to 1-10 victory over Derry. Jim Gavin's men also showed their battling qualities in the league semi-final when they turned an 8 point deficit into a seven point win. They start their All-Ireland defence on Sunday but it may be later in the year before they are really tested.

2. MAYO (up 1)

Despite a slow start to the League, last years defeated All-Ireland finalists captured form towards the latter stages with impressive wins over Cork and Derry. James Horan's side also came agonisingly close to defeating Dublin on their home patch, only for an injury time goal from Eoghan O' Gara to force a draw. After easing to victory in the Big Apple in the first round of the Connacht SFC, they face a Roscommon side that look in far better shape than twelve months ago when Mayo took them apart. That said, it seems inevitable that we'll see them in Croke Park at the business end of the year.

3. CORK (down 1)

Brian Cuthbert's new-look Cork team have gone from strength to strength this year and after a fantastic 2-18 to 1-11 win over Munster rivals Kerry in the League, appear to be in the driving seat to capture the Provincial spoils. After topping the Division 1 table, the Rebels lost out to Dublin in the semi-final. However, an early two goal blitz had the Dubs rattled and there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. If Brian Hurley and Colm O' Neill can hit top form, this young Cork side can genuinely challenge.

4. MONAGHAN (up 3)

Monaghan have continued where they left off in 2013. Malachy O' Rourke's side sealed a second successive promotion in the League in fine circumstances following a 1-16 to 1-10 League final win over Donegal. With only one defeat all season, they look to be primed and ready for the defence of their Anglo Celt crown against Tyrone.

5. TYRONE (no change)

Tyrone's second half meltdown in the drawn Ulster SFC quarter-final against Down gave just cause for concern in the Red Hand County, but the convincing replay win has left Mickey Harte's men well prepared approaching their quarter-final outing against Monaghan. That replay means they go into next week's game with two additional matches played than the current Ulster champs which is a major advantage. Don't write the Tyrone boys out as All-Ireland challengers just yet…

6. DONEGAL (no change)

A 1-11 to 0-11 victory over Derry in the Ulster SFC quarter-final lhas given Donegal fans new-found confidence and hope for Jim McGuinness's charges. Donegal gave a team performance characteristic of the 2012 All-Ireland winning side against an in-form Derry and will now fancy their chances in their semi-final clash with Antrim. The attacking from deep of Leo McLoone, Frank McGlynn and Karl Lacey coupled with omnipresent danger their full forward line possesses shows the 2012 champs could pose a major threat again this year.

7. DERRY (down 3)

A strong showing in the Division 1 League saw Brian McIver's men claim second spot. Defying the odds, they proved their merit with a 2-15 to 1-16 win over Mayo in the League semi-final. The highlight of the campaign was a resounding 1-16 to 0-13 triumph over the seemingly imperious Dubs. However, a heavy reversal against Jim Gavin's side in the league final followed by a defeat to Donegal in their Ulster SFC opener has left the Oak Leaf County facing the scenic route of the qualifiers. Despite their three-point provincial loss, Derry can take confidence from their first half showing and will feel as though they can still challenge come the latter end of the Championship.

8. KERRY (no change)

An inconsistent Division 1 League season which saw them rip apart Tyrone, 3-15 to 0-9, and get trounced by Cork, 2-18 to 1-11, will have Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice scratching his head. The Gooch-less Kerry have shown that, at their best, they can put up big scorelines but are never too far away from a collapse. Cork look best placed to claim the Munster title but depending on what Kerry side turn up, the Kingdom could easily spring a surprise.

9. MEATH (up 2)

The Royal County's bid for promotion to Division 1 was cut short following a disappointing defeat to Armagh on home ground, but improved performances against Donegal and Down, which saw them take seven points out of their last four league game, will give Mick O'Dowd hope facing into their Leinster SFC opener. Meath should negotiate Carlow which would set up a semi-final clash with either Louth or Kildare. That match would most likely define the Royals' season as they crave another opportunity to face their bitter rivals Dublin in a Leinster decider.

10. KILDARE (up 2)

A strong start to the year saw the Lily Whites claim the O'Byrne Cup and open their Division 1 League campaign with a victory over Mayo. Since then, Jason Ryan's team have struggled and despite recording a win over neighbours Westmeath, still couldn't avoid relegation. Kildare now face Louth in the Leinster SFC quarter-final and Kildare fans will be hoping there isn't a repeat of 2010. Ryan's forces are still well capable of reaching a Leinster final but it is unlikely that they will have the power to dislodge the Dubs from their Leinster perch.

11. DOWN (down 1)

The Mournemen showed indifferent Division 2 League form and were somewhat of an unknown entity coming into the Championship. However, James McCartan's men showed the form which saw them inflict a defeat on Donegal and earn a draw with Monaghan when facing up against the fancied Tyrone in the Ulster SFC first round. Boosted by a superb second half display, Down came within a minute of advancing to the next round, only for Sean Cavanagh to break their hearts with a last minute equaliser. A disappointing showing in the replay has forced Down to go through the back door where they have the ability to enjoy a good run.

12. ROSCOMMON (up 2)

Division 3 of the League was very much a two horse race and it was the Rossies who took the honours in the League final, beating Cavan 1-17 to 0-18. John Evans' charges have proven too strong for all comers thus far, yet the question marks still remain on how they will fare against the top teams around the country. That query will be answered when they face Mayo in the Connacht SFC semi-final this weekend. They will be hoping for a better showing than last year's 0-21 to 0-9 drubbing.

13. CAVAN (down 4)

Having gained promotion from Division 3 of the League, Cavan now turn their attention to their Ulster SFC quarter-final outing against Armagh. Cavan will take confidence from last year's fixture, where Martin Dunne inspired them to a 1-15 to 1-11 triumph. It is unlikely Armagh will be as tactically naïve this time round, but the recent return of Cavan's successful u21 panel to the senior setup will please manager Terry Hyland.

14. LAOIS (up 2)

Laois have gone about their business quietly and secured a solid mid-table position in the Division 2 League. A win over Wicklow in their Leinster SFC first round has set up a quarter-final with Dublin. Unfortunately, it is difficult to see Tomas O Flathartha standing any chance against the men from the capital but they could still enjoy a decent run through the qualifiers.

15. GALWAY (up 2)

After a slow start, Galway managed to hold on to their Division 2 League status by the skin of their teeth. The signs were ominous for Alan Mulholland's team after they suffered a 1-20 to 0-8 hammering to Laois. Subsequent victories over Down and Armagh have their season back on track and after breezing past London in their Connacht SFC opener, they are just one match from the Connacht final. The easier side of the draw has given them a semi-final fixture with Sligo which you would expect them to advance from.

16. ARMAGH (down 3)

A good start to the league ultimately ended with relegation for Paul Grimley's forces, who now face a repeat of last year's Ulster SFC fixture when they play Cavan this weekend. Armagh players will have a point to prove and it's difficult to call who will emerge victorious.

17. LOUTH (up 2)

Despite a dismal league campaign which saw them fail to win a match, Aidan O'Rourke's team came good with a victory over Westmeath in their Leinster SFC first round. They now face Kildare in the quarter-final which may be a bridge to far, but the Wee County will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

18. WESTMEATH (down 3)

A miserable League campaign for the Lake County was compounded by a Leinster SFC first-round defeat to Louth. Paul Bealin will be wondering how he can turn things around as his year just goes from bad to worse, with eleven straight competitive defeats since the start of the year.

19. TIPPERARY (up 1)

Things are looking up for Peter Creedon's side this year. Tipperary sealed promotion from Division 4 of the League and have since went on to secure their first Munster SFC victory in 11 years with a win over Limerick.

20. SLIGO (up 6)

A mid-table finish saw them retain their Division 3 status for next year. Pat Flanagan's men now await Galway in their Connacht SFC semi-final where it's difficult to see them springing an upset.

21. WEXFORD (down 3)

Failing to reach the level of previous years, Aidan O' Brien will be disappointed that his charges finished mid-table in Division 3. They now face Longford in a tricky Leinster SFC opener with the winners on course to meet Dublin in a semi-final.

22. FERMANAGH (down 1)

The Erne County enjoyed a solid Division 3 League campaign where they managed to finish in third spot. However, a surprise defeat to Antrim in the Ulster SFC quarter-final will have manager Pete McGrath scratching his head at how it all went wrong.

23. CLARE (down 1)

A good defensive record has helped Clare to secure promotion from Division 4 of the League. Not yet in line to challenge Cork or Kerry in the Munster SFC but there have been some signs of progress for the Banner County. They will be favourites to overcome Waterford in their first round of championship.

24. LONGFORD (no change)

Jack Sheedy won't have fond memories of the 2014 Division 3 League. However, victory over Offaly in their Leinster SFC opener has given them a chance to get their season back on track. They now face Wexford to advance to the semi-final and that's a game which could go either way.

25. ANTRIM (up 7)

Despite showing no signs of promise in their Division 4 League campaign, the Saffrons took everyone by surprise when they overcame Fermanagh, 2-18 to 3-13, in the Ulster SFC quarter-final. A semi-final meeting with Donegal will be one to look forward to for Liam Bradley's men.

26. LIMERICK (down 1)

After avoiding relegation to Division 4 of the League, Limerick were put to the sword by Tipperary in the Munster SFC in convincing fashion.

27. LEITRIM (down 4)
Failure to gain promotion from Division 4 of the League and a heavy defeat to Roscommon in the Connacht SFC has put a dampener on Leitrim football. A good u21 championship and second half showing against the Rossies, however, augers well.

28. WICKLOW (up 1)

Despite an unbeaten League season, the Garden County failed to win promotion to Division 3 of the League. An early departure from the Leinster SFC courtesy of Laois means it could be a short summer for Harry Murphy's charges.

29. OFFALY (down 2)

A dismal year for Offaly has seen them fail to win a single match in league or championship. The Faithful County were relegated from Division 3 of the League and fell to Longford at the first hurdle of the Leinster SFC.

30. WATERFORD (no change)

There hasn't been much for Waterford fans to cheer about this year. They open the Munster SFC campaign against Clare, to whom they lost 3-10 to 1-9 in their League opener.

31. LONDON (down 3)

London have failed to show any signs of last year's form. A poor League showing and a drubbing at the hands of Galway in the Connacht SFC is all they have to show for their efforts.

32. CARLOW (down 1)

Finishing bottom of the Division 4 League says it all for the Barrowsiders. An opening Leinster SFC fixture against Meath won't help matters.

33. NEW YORK (no change)

May saw New York heavily beaten by last year's All-Ireland finalists in the Connacht SFC. For all that, there is still plenty to be said for keeping them involved in the championship. Tweet

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