Hint of a goal for Dublin as Niall Scully's effort falls short but Gavin Mulreaney claims the ball bravely.

Caolan McColgan kicks Donegal's fourth wide at the other end.

Third Donegal wide, this time from the boot of Michael Langan.

Ryan McHugh drops an effort short of the target and into the hands of Evan Comerford.

Dublin come forward in response and Lorcan O'Dell wins a free just outside of the 'D'.

Con O'Callaghan takes it and bizarrely goes short and holds possession, Dublin end up shooting from further out and leave the effort short...

This is unbelievable kicking from Gavin Mulreaney and it's a second two-pointer in a row for the Donegal goalkeeper.

Peadar Mogan lands Donegal's second wide of the game.

Donegal have a free just outside of the arc and Gavin Mulreaney is coming forward once again.

Mulreaney strikes for two points and nails it, orange flag waved.

Gavin Mulreaney leaves a 45 short and wide for Donegal.

Con O'Callaghan with Dublin's first from two-point range.

O'Callaghan follows up with a score from a 45.

Ryan McHugh with the opening point.

Game on at Croke Park as the rain sheets in.

late changes for Donegall as Finnbarr Roarty and Ryan McHugh come in for Paul O'Hare and Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhride, while Michael Langan replaces Kieran Gallagher in attack, so let's give you the teams again.

Dublin: Evan Comerford; Eoin Murchan, Sean MacMahon, David Byrne; Robert Shaw, Nathan Doran, Eoin Kennedy; Ethan Dunne, Tom Lahiff; Killian McGinnis, Niall Scully, Brian Howard; Paddy Small, Con O'Callaghan, Lorcan O'Dell.

Subs: Hugh O'Sullivan, Greg McEneaney, Eoghan O'Callaghan, Conor Tyrrell, Paidi White, Cian O'Connor, Kevin Stephenson, Luke Breathnach, Sean Guiden, Sean Bugler, Jack Lundy.

Donegal: Gavin Mulreaney; Caolan McColgan, Brendan McCole, Finnbarr Roarty; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Peadar Mogan; Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee; Daire O Baoill, Shane O'Donnell, Ciaran Moore; Conor O'Donnell, Michael Langan, Shea Malone.

Subs: Padraig Mac Giolla Bhride, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Ultan Doherty, Paul O'Hare, Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhride, Mark Curran, Turlough Carr, Kevin Muldoon, Conor McCahill, Kieran Gallagher, Eoin McGeehin.

It's back to Croke Park for Donegal for the first time since their All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry back in July.

Seven of the team that started that day are back in the first 15 today, while ten of those who featured are in the full squad.

There's still no Michael Murphy or Oisin Gallen and life begins without Patrick McBrearty after his retirement, Shea Malone makes his first league start after impressing in the Dr McKenna Cup, kicking 2-1 in last years decider.

Gavin Mulreaney also starts between the sticks in the absence of Shaun Patton.

For Dublin, it's a first league game in charge for Ger Brennan and a first return to HQ after leading Louth to the Leinster title here last season.

There's a host of league debuts, while seven of the side that started the All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Tyrone are back in for the 2026 opener.

Dublin: Evan Comerford; Eoin Murchan, Sean MacMahon, David Byrne; Robert Shaw, Nathan Doran, Eoin Kennedy; Ethan Dunne, Tom Lahiff; Killian McGinnis, Niall Scully, Brian Howard; Paddy Small, Con O'Callaghan, Lorcan O'Dell.

Subs: Hugh O'Sullivan, Greg McEneaney, Eoghan O'Callaghan, Conor Tyrrell, Paidi White, Cian O'Connor, Kevin Stephenson, Luke Breathnach, Sean Guiden, Sean Bugler, Jack Lundy.

Donegal: Gavin Mulreaney; Caolan McColgan, Brendan McCole, Paul O'Hare; Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhride, Caolan McGonagle, Peadar Mogan; Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee; Daire O Baoill, Shane O'Donnell, Ciaran Moore; Conor O'Donnell, Kieran Gallagher, Shea Malone.

Subs: Padraig Mac Giolla Bhride, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Ultan Doherty, Finnbarr Roarty, Ryan McHugh, Mark Curran, Turlough Carr, Kevin Muldoon, Conor McCahill, Michael Langan, Eoin McGeehin.

Image source, BBC Sport

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI at Croke Park

Conditions are absolutely brutal here in Croke Park, you know when it's nasty for the media on level seven of the Hogan Stand that it is 300 times worse for the players on the pitch.

Lashing rain and a strong breeze towards the corner of the Davin Stand had a big say on the Meath-Derry game.

It certainly feels like January here in Croker.

In hurling, Antrim lead Wexford 0-9 to 0-6 at the break in their Division 1B opener at Wexford Park.

Earlier today, Down fell to a 2-18 to 1-11 defeat away to Carlow in their 1B fixture.

A Liam Savage goal helped Down into a four-point lead at the break, but Carlow struck for 2-3 early in the second period before Down lost Ruairi McCrickard to a red card as the hosts pulled clear for the win.

Derry had a tough afternoon in Division Two, falling to a 5-23 to 0-12 defeat at home to Kerry, while Louth were 1-20 to 1-15 winners over Armagh in Division Three.

In Division Four, Cavan were 3-13 to 1-13 winners over but Monaghan fell to a 2-20 to 0-8 home defeat to Sligo.

In the first game at Croke Park, Meath took the points in Division Two with a 0-19 to 1-13 win over Derry.

Paul Cassidy grabbed the Derry goal early, but Meath led by three at the break and aided by 0-7 from Jack Flynn, the Royals prevailed.

Image source, Inpho

Hello and a very warm welcome as we begin our GAA coverage for 2026.

The shadowboxing of pre-season is now over, so it's time to step it up a gear as the National Leagues begin in earnest.

Last year, Kerry claimed the Division honours in football, while Cork won the hurling title, so will Munster dominate in 2026 once again or will be see fresh contenders emerge?

Our coverage begins today at 17:00 with live text updates from the big Division One football clash at Croke Park as Dublin host Donegal, while at 18:00, Tyrone begin their Division Two campaign at home to Kildare - a game you can watch live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport NI website.

We'll also keep you informed of the latest from the other games taking place today, so you don't need to go anywhere.

We can't wait to get started, so sit back and enjoy.

Image source, Getty Images