Mickey Harte has conceded that Leinster football is now stronger than Ulster.

While Ulster has been widely hailed as the Mecca of competitive football since the arrival of Tyrone and Armagh as perennial All-Ireland contenders in the 'noughties and also with Down, Derry and Donegal going all the way in the early 'nineties, O'Neill County boss Harte suggests in his column in today's Irish News that the balance of power has shifted back to the Pale:

"While we in Ulster like to boast of having the most competitive championship of all the provinces, I believe on this occasion we might well have to defer to the contest in Leinster.

"With the All-Ireland champions residing there and the Division Two, Three and Four champions all in the mix, it is hard to argue against the fact that the overall balance of power has moved to the eastern province.

"With Wexford having gained promotion along with champions Longford to Division Two, it means that no less than five of the teams from that province (Westmeath, Louth and Laois being the others) will play their football in that division next season.

"With Kildare now joining the Dubs in the top division, this surely gives Leinster the highest rating within any of the provinces in terms of anticipated competitive fare.

"Add in the inevitable desire for the Royals to redeem some pride and it is clear that this will be one of the most hotly-contested Leinster campaigns for some years." Tweet

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