Kerry and Cork got their championship campaigns up and running; Cavan and Armagh couldn't be separated in Clones while Kildare advanced to a Leinster SFC semi-final showdown with Dublin. Here is our football team of the week...

1. Stephen Ryan (Clare)

Beaten by 22 points by Kerry 12 months ago, Clare closed the gap to six this year and ‘keeper Ryan was central to their improved showing.

2. Nathan Walsh (Cork)

The Douglas clubman was one of three debutants in the Rebel County’s starting 15 and he marked the occasion with an impressive performance.

3. Jason McLoughlin (Cavan)

McLoughlin was the standout back on the Cavan team throughout their extra-time thriller with Armagh.

4. Jason Foley (Kerry)

Kerry’s second-half performance against Clare has raised plenty of question marks but Foley got through a solid shift in defence and also raised a white flag at the opposite end of the field.

5. Mattie Taylor (Cork)

The all-action half-back kicked two points as Cork made light work of Limerick at Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday evening.

6. Jack Sherwood (Kerry)

With Peter Crowley (cruciate) and Paul Murphy (ankle) unavailable to start against the Banner, the Firies man stepped up to the plate in the number six jersey.

7. Aidan Forker (Armagh)

The tight-marking Forker held Martin Reilly scoreless, was involved in the build-up to his team’s goal and chipped in with a point for good measure.

8. Jarlath Og Burns (Armagh)

Delivered an exhibition of midfield play and scored 1-2 in the process before concussion brought his participation to an end.

9. Fergal Conway (Kildare)

The hard-working Conway registered 1-1 as the Lilywhites saw off the determined challenge of Longford at the second attempt.

10. Tommy Moolick (Kildare)

Moolick’s efforts were rewarded with three points in Kildare’s 11-point success at O’Connor Park.

11. Ruairi Deane (Cork)

Deane had a hand in both of Brian Hurley's goals and scored one himself against the Treaty County.

12. Jamie Malone (Clare)

Malone underlined his talent with a return of three points against the Kingdom

13. Cian Mackey (Cavan)

Introduced as a 47th minute substitute in Clones, Mackey saved the Breffni County on not one, but two occasions.

14. Ben McCormack (Kildare)

Kildare supporters will be hoping that McCormack can reproduce a similar performance against Dublin next Sunday.

15. James O’Donoghue (Kerry)

A hamstring injury forced the former ‘Footballer of the Year’ off the pitch in the 52nd minute but not before he had 1-1 on the board.

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