Replying To KerrymanStuckInDonegal: "The CCCC has set out the schedule for next year's Sam Maguire Cup last 16 group stages. The four provincial winners and four runners-up will have home advantage in the opening round against the third and fourth ranked teams based on their league finishes respectively. In the second round, the provincial victors, who are top seeds, travel to the lowest ranked team and the runners-up head to the third ranked side. In the final round to be played at neutral venues, the provincial winners face the provincial runners-up and the No3 seeds take on the No4 seeds. opening rounds will take place on the weekend of May 20/21. Munster Champions to be in group with Connaught Runner up. And vice versa. Ulster Champions to be in group with Leinster Runner up. And Vice versa.
Munster / Connaught Finals played weekend of May 6 / 7 Leinster / Ulster Finals played weekend of May 13/14.