Antrim

Manager:Liam Bradley (second year)

Titles:Ulster 10 (1951)

Last year:Lost Ulster final to Tyrone, All-Ireland qualifier round four to Kerry

NFL position:1st Div Three and finalists

If Wexford had last season’s most difficult second album, Antrim are about to release this year’s with the added expectation of promotion to Division Two and a club All-Ireland. Last year’s Ulster final was over early but Antrim refused to roll over and ensured respectability. Defeat in the NFL final to Sligo was a warning though that their relentless possession game needs more economy in the finish.

Armagh

Manager:Paddy O'Rourke (first year)

Titles:Ulster 14 (2008), All-Ireland 1 (2002)

Last year: Lost Ulster q-f to Tyrone, lost qualifiers round one to Monaghan

NFL position:2nd Div Two and winners

There is a growing confidence in Armagh based on the latter performances in the league and the return to form of Steven McDonnell in the Division Two final. Ronan Clarke is also on the way back and Aaron Kernan is playing well in a reconfigured half-forward line. Centrefield lacks the consistency of the Paul McGrane years but under Paddy O’Rourke they look reinvigorated.

First Match:versus Derry

Carlow

Manager:Luke Dempsey (second year)

Titles:Leinster 1 (1944)

Last year:Lost Leinster prelim round to Louth, lost qualifier rd one to Donegal

NFL position:6th Division Four

Another stagnant league campaign, which saw Carlow situated closer to the bottom than the top of Division four, combined with a daunting injury list leaves Luke Dempsey’s team facing an uphill struggle.

The return of Thomas Walsh to face the team with which he spent three years in exile is a plus but also balanced by the likely loss of forwards Eric McCormack, JJ Smith and Daniel St Ledger.

First Match:versus Wicklow

Cavan

Manager:Tom Carr (second year)

Titles:Ulster 39 (1997), All-Ireland 5 (1952)

Last year:Lost Ulster s-f to Antrim, lost qualifier rd two to Wicklow

NFL position:5th Division Three

Trod water in the league but, despite injuries, managed good wins against Wexford and Offaly as well as beating championship opponents Fermanagh. Seán Johnston is back after missing the league to link up with Cian Mackey and Dublin exile Gareth Smith and the defence is bolstered by the return from handball of Paul Brady but centrefield is uncertain.

First Match:

versus Fermanagh

Clare:

Michael McDermott (first year)

Manager:

Titles:Munster 2 (1992), All-Ireland none.

Last year:Lost Munster s-f to Limerick. Lost qualifier round two to Donegal..

NFL position:3rd Division Four.

Despite an agonisingly close call on promotion, Clare can take much from the season to date. Michael McDermott, who also took Kilmurry to the All-Ireland club final, has them well organised and hard to penetrate with the lowest goal concession in the entire NFL (just one) and a scoring machine in David Tubridy. On the more accessible side of the draw, there’s plenty to aim at.

First Match:versus Waterford

Cork

Manager:Conor Counihan (third year)

Titles:Munster 37 (2009), All-Ireland 6 (1990)

Last year:Munster champions. Lost All-Ireland final to Kerry.

NFL position:2nd Div One and winners.

The pressure point for Cork is that nothing other than the All-Ireland will do this year. More reassuring is the range of Conor Counihan’s options but with consistency still an issue you’d wonder would he prefer XV 24-carat starters to an 18-carat panel. Graham Canty and John Miskella are needed back after injury. Barring injury, this season’s chief requirement will be mental.

First Match:versus Kerry/ Tipperary

Derry

Manager:Damian Cassidy (second year)

Titles:Ulster 7 (1998), All-Ireland 1 (1993)

Last year:Lost Ulster s-f to Tyrone, lost qualifier round three to Donegal

NFL position:7th Div One and relegated

A full campaign of experimenting last season and Damian Cassidy got the team to a league final. This time around they’re relegated. It’s a low-key run-in to the Armagh match but the return of Enda Muldoon is a welcome development on the injury front. Settling on, and implementing the system that will maximise the return from the Bradleys, remains the key and has proved elusive.

First Match :versus Armagh

Donegal

Manager:JJ Doherty (second year)

Titles:Ulster 5 (1992), All-Ireland 1 (1992)

Last year:Lost Ulster q-f to Antrim, lost All-Ireland quarter-final to Cork

NFL position:3rd Division Two

Left behind in the all-Ulster scramble for promotion from Division Two, Donegal at least stabilised after a championship to forget last year and JJ Doherty has moved to bring in some of the under-21s.

Michael Murphy’s displays continue to eclipse the rest of the team but they remain vulnerable to the pace and power of the elite counties, as was demonstrated by Cork last year.

First Match:versus Down

Down

Manager:James McCartan (first year)

Titles:Titles: Ulster 12 (1994), All-Ireland 5 (1994)

Last year:Lost Ulster prelim to Fermanagh, lost qualifier rd 3 to Wicklow

NFL position:1st Div Two and finalists

A sound first year to date for James McCartan, who may even have been pleased by the league final defeat if it takes the steam out of expectations. Attack has benefited from the return home of Martin Clarke, allowing Benny Coulter more space, and centrefield should be fine with Dan Gordon and Ambrose Rogers available. But defence is a work a progress.

First Match:versus Donegal

Dublin

Manager:Pat Gilroy (second year)

Titles:Leinster 49 (2009), All-Ireland 22 (1995)

Last year:Leinster champions, lost All-Ireland quarter-final to Kerry

NFL position:3rd Division One

Pat Gilroy’s bold strategy of ripping up a team that earned a highest league placing for 11 years. With Paul Griffin injured, club mates Rory O’Carroll and Cian O’Sullivan have been promising in defence. In attack Bernard Brogan has form and Kevin McMenamon has come through probation with flying colours. Judgement adjourned until August at earliest.

First Match:versus Wexford

Fermanagh

Manager:Malachy O'Rourke (third year)

Titles:Ulster None. All-Ireland None

Last year:Lost Ulster q-f to Cavan, lost qualifier round one to Wicklow

NFL position:7th Div Three, relegated

After nearly winning Ulster two years ago Fermanagh are now booked into Division Four next season. The panel is in a state of flux with experienced players who missed the league through injury and other commitments starting to drift back and some going in the other direction. Malachy O’Rourke has got good results out of the team in Brewster Park but they must travel for this year’s opener.

First Match:

versus Cavan

Galway

Manager:Joe Kernan (first year)

Titles:Connacht 44 (2008), All-Ireland 9 (2001)

Last year:Lost Connacht final to Mayo, lost qualifier round four to Donegal

NFL position:5th Division One

After a fitful league campaign Galway are already out of the traps with a stuttering win in New York. Joe Kernan is dealing off much the same pack as Liam Sammon with familiar strengths – attack particularly with Pádraic Joyce back and Michael Meehan’s injury clearing up – and weaknesses, centrefield where the team has struggled for a number of years.

Next Match:versus Sligo/ Mayo

Kerry

Manager:Jack O'Connor (second year)

Titles:Munster 71 (2007), All-Ireland 36 (2009)

Last year:Lost Munster semi-final (replay) to Cork, All-Ireland champions

NFL position:4th Division One

For all the lamentations about departures after last year’s All-Ireland the team will still field an attack with Cooper, Donaghy and Declan O’Sullivan and a defence with two Ó Sés. Well capable of making August, they know their way blindfold from there. But can Jack O’Connor maintain hunger in a team largely on course for a record seventh successive All-Ireland final?

First Match:versus Tipperary

Kildare

Manager:Kieran McGeeney (third year)

Titles:Leinster 12 (2000), All-Ireland 4 (1928)

Last year:Lost Leinster final to Dublin, lost All-Ireland quarter-final to Tyrone

NFL position:6th Division Two

Either Kieran McGeeney has been ruthlessly driving championship preparation oblivious to the NFL or injuries derailed the league campaign. Need Dermot Earley fit and back to last year’s form. If the first-choice team isn’t fit they’ll struggle but if most are available, and despite unreliable finishing, the path to a Leinster final is open.

First Match:versus Louth/ Longford

Laois

Manager:Seán Dempsey

Titles:Leinster 6 (2003), All-Ireland none

Last year:Lost Leinster s-f to Kildare, lost qualifier round two to Down

NFL position:5th Division Two

The enigma of Laois's failure to translate underage accomplishment into some sort of senior presence continues. Morale doesn't seem great after another mediocre league. They'll be going in against a team (Meath or Offaly) with one match under their belts but Pádraig Clancy has reportedly impressed after his NFL sabbatical.

Leitrim

Manager:Mickey Moran (second year)

Titles:Connacht 2 (1994), All-Ireland None

Last year:Lost Connacht round one to Roscommon, lost qualifier rd one to Longford

NFL position:5th Division Four

A frustrating league was completely overshadowed by Philly McGuinness’s untimely death. Leitrim are missing Emlyn Mulligan, last year’s top scorer and Declan Maxwell not yet recovered from a foot operation. A likely trip to Hyde Park isn’t an insurmountable barrier but the recent record against Roscommon isn’t good.

First Match:versus Roscommon/ London

Limerick

Manager:Mickey O'Sullivan (fourth year)

Titles:Munster 1 (1896), All-Ireland 2 (1896)

Last year: Lost Munster final to Cork, lost qualifier round four to Meath

NFL position:2nd Div Four and winners

Played their way well out of trouble in the league to secure promotion and the divisional title. Centrefield with John Galvin back from basketball and Jim O’Donovan is the hub of the team but there are also accomplished players in attack – Ian Ryan – and at the back – Johnny McCarthy. Disciplined enough to win the GAA’s Fair Play index and experienced at the business end in Munster.

First Match:versus Clare/ Waterford

London

Manager:Noel Dunning (sixth year)

Titles:Connacht None, All-Ireland None Last year: Lost Connacht first round to Galway, lost qualifier rd one to Down

NFL position:8th Division Four

The anticipated recession dividend hasn’t really materialised for London and, although manager Noel Dunning has run the rule over a fair number of players, it’s not clear this was controlled trialling and championship selections may be different. Donegal stalwart Eamonn McGee played for a while in the league after transferring but has returned to Gweedore to be available to his home county.

First Match:versus Roscommon

Louth

Manager:Peter Fitzpatrick (first year)

Titles:Leinster 8 (1957), All-Ireland 3 (1957)

Last year:Lost Leinster rd one to Laois, lost qualifier round one to Tipperary

NFL position:4th Division Three

Once again Louth’s pre-season promise fizzled out when it came to securing promotion from Division Three, although injuries played a role in that. Likely full-forward line of JP Rooney, Shane Lennon and Darren Clarke is menacing (only one county scored more goals in this season’s league) and Paddy Keenan’s credentials at centrefield well established but reservations about the defence.

First Match:versus Longford

Meath

Manager:Eamon O'Brien (second year)

Titles:Leinster 20 (2001), All-Ireland 7 (1999)

Last year:Lost Leinster q-f to Dublin, lost All-Ireland semi-final to Kerry

NFL position:4th DivisionTwo

All-Ireland semi-finalists in two of the past three championships, Meath would really benefit from winning provincial silverware. Distinctly off the pace in terms of the promotion struggle they did, however, defeat ultimate winners Armagh. With their first-choice attack – including Stephen Bray, Shane O’Rourke and Brian Farrell – they have a decent shot at the province.

First Match:versus Offaly

Monaghan

Manager:Séamus McEnaney (sixth year)

Titles:Ulster 13 (1988)

Last year:Lost Ulster q-f to Derry, lost qualifier round two to Derry

NFL position:6th Division One

Séamus McEnaney did really well to retain Monaghan’s Division One status, especially as a number of new players were given a run in the league.

The team’s main centrefielder Eoin Lennon’s fitness is a race against time but more positively they’re no longer as dependent on Tommy Freeman and won’t fear ether Armagh or Derry. But it’s another tough road to travel for the county.

First Match:

versus Derry/ Armagh

Offaly

Manager:Tom Cribbin (second year)

Titles:Leinster 10 (1997), All-Ireland 3 (1982)

Last year:Lost Leinster prelim to Kildare, lost qualifier rd one to Wexford

NFL position:6th Division Three

A mediocre league campaign did include a win over Antrim but also the worrisome concession of five goals to Louth in the immediate aftermath of Shane Sullivan’s departure from the panel and the consequent loss of structure to the full-back line. Ciarán McManus continues to toil and Niall McNamee’s class still illuminates the attack but clear outsiders against Meath.

First Match:versus Meath

Roscommon

Manager:Fergal O'Donnell (second year)

Titles:Connacht 19 (2001), All-Ireland 2 (1944)

Last year:Lost Connacht s-f to Mayo, lost qualifier round three to Meath

NFL position:8th Div Three, relegated

An ambiguous prelude to championship with the under-21s winning Connacht but the seniors continuing to slide down the NFL chute. Injuries have plagued Fergal O’Donnell, with Senan Kilbride likely to miss the season, even if Ger Heneghan and Jon Dunning are on the way back. A clear path to a first provincial final in six years but morale is low.

First Match:versus London

Sligo

Manager:Kevin Walsh (second year)

Titles:Connacht 3 (2007), All-Ireland 0

Last year:Lost Connacht s-f to Galway, lost qualifier third round to Kerry

NFL position:2nd Div Three, winners

It can be argued that Kevin Walsh was lucky in snapping up an undervalued Sligo but he has delivered a significant rebound with two successive promotions and divisional titles. The forward movement and shooting accuracy as well as Stephen Gilmartin’s continuing emergence at centrefield in last month’s Croke Park defeat of Antrim were impressive, even if Mayo are now well warned.

First Match:versus Mayo

Tipperary

Manager:John Evans (second year)

Titles:Munster 9 (1935), All-Ireland 4 (1920)

Last year:Lost Munster rd one to Limerick, lost qualifier rd two to Sligo

NFL position:7th Div Two, relegated

For John Evans it wasn’t a bad shot at hanging on to Division Two status while also winning the Munster under-21 title, so Tipperary have plenty to be confident about. A bad draw sees Kerry first and then, should they win, Cork. Still the qualifiers have been a great assistance to counties in building momentum and Tipp could have best run since 2003.

First Match:versus Kerry

Tyrone

Manager:Mickey Harte (eighth year)

Titles:Ulster 12 (2009), All-Ireland 3 (2008)

Last year:Ulster champions, lost All-Ireland semi-final to Cork.

NFL position:8th Div One, relegated.

Most of the league defeats were by the narrowest of margins but getting relegated was never previously part of Mickey Harte’s script for championship preparations. Enough talent to retain Ulster title and a threat going forward but questions hang over the county’s defence. Aidan Cassidy and Conor Gormley are both losses for the opener.

First Match:versus Antrim

Mayo

Manager:John O'Mahony (fourth year)

Titles:Connacht 42 (2009), All-Ireland 3 (1951)

Last year:Connacht champions, lost All-Ireland quarter-final to Meath

NFL position:1st Div One and finalists.

How John O’Mahony manages the aftermath of the demoralising league final defeat will be important. Physical strength up front continues to be a critical deficiency, with the exception of Aidan O’Shea, as does consistency at centrefield. Connacht remains, as ever, well within their grasp but ability to step it up under pressure at All-Ireland level is still questionable.

Next match:versus Sligo

Wexford

Manager:Jason Ryan (third year)

Titles:Leinster 10 (1945), All-Ireland 5 (1918)

Last year:Lost Leinster q-f to Kildare, lost qualifier rd two (rep) to Roscommon

NFL position:3rd Division Three

Jason Ryan’s difficult second album last year was, well, difficult and already this has been a frustrating season. Despite finishing level with and beating both promoted teams, Antrim and Sligo, Wexford remain stuck in Division Three. Ben Brosnan is a promising forward and Matty Ford is back in action. Still with Dublin first up, it looks like the qualifiers.

First Match:versus Dublin

Westmeath

Manager:Pat Flanagan (first year)

Titles:Leinster 1 (2004),

Last year:Lost Leinster s-f to Dublin, lost qualifier round two to Meath

NFL position:8th Div Two, relegated

Since the start of last season’s league, Westmeath have won just one match of significance, last year’s Leinster quarter-final against Wicklow. On their third manager in the past 12 months, the county needs to stabilise. Interim appointment Flanagan knows the scene inside out and has attracted back Denis Glennon, with hopes still high for Dessie Dolan’s return.

First Match:versus Wicklow/ Carlow

Waterford

Manager:John Owens (first year)

Titles:Munster 1 (1898),

Last year:Lost Munster first round to Cork, lost qualifier round one to Meath.

NFL position:1st Div Four and finalists.

Terrific year to date for Waterford, having topped Division Four and been really unlucky in the divisional final. They have also beaten both of the counties, Limerick and Clare, on their side of the provincial draw. The return of Gary Hurney from the hurlers has also been a boost and if they maintain their composure there’s a really good shot at a first Munster final in 50 years.

First Match:versus Clare.

Wicklow

Manager:Mick O'Dwyer (third year)

Titles:Leinster none, All-Ireland none

Last year:Lost Leinster rd one to Westmeath (aet), lost qualifier rd four to Kildare

NFL position:4th Division Four

It didn’t take the Late Late to unveil Mick O’Dwyer’s attitude to the league so the enduring Division Four status isn’t a reliable guide. Like any team trying to follow a good qualifier run Wicklow need to step it up again. Weakened by Thomas Walsh’s departure and needing Leighton Glynn back in championship form they at least have Jacko Dalton free from injury.

First Match:

versus Carlow