Colm O'Rourke has lauded the Tailteann Cup as a 'massive success so far' ahead of its semi-finals at Croke Park on Sunday.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, the Meath legend added his voice to the growing number of pundits who have been won over by the inaugural second-tier competition.
He said: "The Tailteann Cup is a competition I've always wanted to see in the GAA. I thought it could have had a bit better promotion but the players and counties have embraced it.
"It'll be fantastic for them to get to Croke Park this Sunday. And it will be great for the supporters of those counties who never get to see their own playing on the big field.
"For me, it's been a massive success so far."
There's been a noticeably swift turnaround in the prevailing sentiment around the competition since games have actually gotten underway.
The widespread negativity around it, which even included managers in it such as Mickey Harte, has quickly dissipated once it became clear that players weren't en masse opting to go travelling for the summer once they were knocked out of the Championship.
Instead, fans have been treated to properly intense battles with no lack in quality either as players like Leitrim star Keith Beirne and Cavan midfielder Thomas Galligan have lit it up so far and provided scores worthy of any end of season highlight reel.
As for who will lift the cup, Galligan's side have been favourites from the off.
They'll face Sligo in the first of Sunday's double-header which throws in at 1:45 pm. Westmeath and Offaly then meet from 4.
O'Rourke tipped Cavan to come through in the first match while he was less sure regarding the outcome of the second one but reckoned Niall Darby's unfortunate cruciate injury might tip the scales in the Lake County's favour.
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