10 pictures that perfectly capture the opening weekend of the 2017 GAA season

After a few months away, it’s so good to have it back!

New year, new nose. It didn’t take long for Kildare’s David Slattery to be reminded of the art of war.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Boy meets ground. Longford’s Barry O’Farrell is sent tumbling during his side’s clash with Kildare.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Good to be back! Davy Fitzgerald enjoyed his first day back in the saddle as Wexford swept aside the challenge of UCD in the Walsh Cup.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Some traditions you just can’t shake. Business was brisk as the Dublin headband brigade were out in force.

Dublin fans buy headbands Ryan Byrne; ©INPHO / Ryan Byrne/INPHO Ryan Byrne; ©INPHO / Ryan Byrne/INPHO / Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Best seat in the house. Eight-year-old Kerry fan Nicky Corridon offers his encouragement during the Kingdom’s clash with Tipperary.

Nicky Corridon (aged 8) watches the game from a different perspective Tommy Dickson; ©INPHO / Tommy Dickson/INPHO Tommy Dickson; ©INPHO / Tommy Dickson/INPHO / Tommy Dickson/INPHO

The wait is over. First day out for the new campaign and the hardcore supporters pay their dues in Wexford.

Spectators look on Donall Farmer; ©INPHO / Donall Farmer/INPHO Donall Farmer; ©INPHO / Donall Farmer/INPHO / Donall Farmer/INPHO

A season ticket for new Meath boss Andy McEntee, gratefully supplied by Martin O’Halloran.

Martin O'Halloran with a new season ticket for Meath manager Andy McEntee Colm O'Neill; ©INPHO / Colm O'Neill/INPHO Colm O'Neill; ©INPHO / Colm O'Neill/INPHO / Colm O'Neill/INPHO

Putting in the hard graft in pre-season. It was standing room only as the Wexford footballers took on UCD in the O’Byrne Cup in Gorey.

A general view of Gorey GAA Grounds Donall Farmer; ©INPHO / Donall Farmer/INPHO Donall Farmer; ©INPHO / Donall Farmer/INPHO / Donall Farmer/INPHO

First day back, a cold day but no signs of rustiness from the Dubs’ Jason Whelan.

Jason Whelan and Caolan McGonagle Ryan Byrne; ©INPHO / Ryan Byrne/INPHO Ryan Byrne; ©INPHO / Ryan Byrne/INPHO / Ryan Byrne/INPHO

First day back and there’s nothing quite like a melee to get the heart racing, demonstrated here by some Cavan and Tyrone players.

Tyrone and Cavan players clash during the game Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

10 pictures that perfectly capture the opening weekend of the 2017 GAA season

New year, new nose. It didn’t take long for Kildare’s David Slattery to be reminded of the art of war.

Boy meets ground. Longford’s Barry O’Farrell is sent tumbling during his side’s clash with Kildare.

Good to be back! Davy Fitzgerald enjoyed his first day back in the saddle as Wexford swept aside the challenge of UCD in the Walsh Cup.

Some traditions you just can’t shake. Business was brisk as the Dublin headband brigade were out in force.

Best seat in the house. Eight-year-old Kerry fan Nicky Corridon offers his encouragement during the Kingdom’s clash with Tipperary.

The wait is over. First day out for the new campaign and the hardcore supporters pay their dues in Wexford.

A season ticket for new Meath boss Andy McEntee, gratefully supplied by Martin O’Halloran.

Putting in the hard graft in pre-season. It was standing room only as the Wexford footballers took on UCD in the O’Byrne Cup in Gorey.

First day back, a cold day but no signs of rustiness from the Dubs’ Jason Whelan.

First day back and there’s nothing quite like a melee to get the heart racing, demonstrated here by some Cavan and Tyrone players.

New Meath and Cavan bosses begin 2017 with success but early injury worry for Tyrone

Dublin stars on holiday in Jamaica but fringe players get job done to beat DCU in Parnell Park