Undoubtedly one of the most famous – or infamous, depending on whicb way you view it – media interactions in the history of the Premier League was when Kevin Keegan absolutely lost the plot during the season in which his Newcastle United were engaged in a protracted title tussle with Manchester United.

The Magpies boss’s principle gripe, seemingly, that Alex Ferguson made what was, in fairness, not only a fairly bland observation but a fairly accurate one too. Namely, that Leeds United seemed to bust a gut to try and beat the Red Devils more than any other.

That’s what rivalries are all about. If ever there was a Meath player who couldn’t go the extra inch against Dublin, there would be something seriously wrong. Anyway, as it happens, my guess is that Keegan couldn’t hack the pressure he and his team found themselves under.

Now, it seems highly unlikely that Kildare manager Glenn Ryan’s job is even remotely under threat, but there were certainly echoes of Keegan’s outburst in the Round Tower’s clubman’s post match comments after his charges had given Dublin a bigger fright than many have for more than a decade.

Look, there was at least a level of credence to the points he raised, but he may as well have been urinating against the wind and hoping not to get covered in splash. Of greater concern, though, should be the fact that he may end up regretting stirring the pot in view of the historic draw for the newly formatted Sam Maguire and Tailteann Cup competitions.

Yes, you’ve guessed it folks, the Lilywhites are staring down the barrell of crossing paths with Dessie Farrell’s side once again. Or at least that will be the most promoted theory, though Mickey Harte et al are entitled to have plenty to say about that.

If Dublin do make it 13 in a row at provincial level, in the off chance they might be short a bit of motivation, you can be sure Ryan’s comments will be on a loop in the blue dressing room.

Also occupying what was drawn as Group Three will be whoever comes out on the wrong side of the Galway-Sligo encounter and the team usurped by the Tribesmen last time out, Roscommon.

Group Four is definitely the one loaded with landmines as it comprises whoever wins Ulster (Derry or Armagh), with respect, most likely Clare as Munster runner up, Monaghan and Donegal.

In Group One, Mickey Harte’s Louth could well see themselves going toe to toe with All Ireland Champions Kerry – or if the Wee County are not Dublin will be – as well as National League Div. 1 winners Mayo and a Cork side who, although losing out to Clare, had been showing signs of an upturn taking hold.

Finally, Group Two houses whomever wins Connacht, loses Ulster, Tyrone and last season’s Tailteann Cup winners, Westmeath. I don’t know about you, but the prospect of either Armagh-Tyrone or Derry-Tyrone has the new system sold to this observer strraight away.

Not to mention the prospect of Dublin-Kerry, Kerry-Mayo or Cork-Kerry. The draw has been done, the wait is almost over, let the games – all 72 of them between the two competitions – begin.