DIVISION TWO A/Antrim v London: There's something depressing about this. London have never justified their presence in the competitive intercounty schedules but Antrim looked to be in the process of long overdue resurrection three years ago.

Saturday: Casement Park, 2.0

Since then that has been blighted by interclub squabbles, the departure of manager Brian White and recently compounded by clumsy anti-GPA posturing by the county board.

Sunday: Louth v Offaly, Drogheda

Offaly are back in the lower disisions for the first time since Paul O'Kelly (one of Tommy Lyons's selectors) last faced into management with the county. It proved a useful springboard then but O'Kelly wouldn't appear to as strong a pick as was the case six years ago. Louth have been up and down over the past year with that agonising qualifier reverse against Meath offset by the good vibes emanating from Mattock Rangers' run in the club championship.

Leitrim v Limerick, Cloone

A desirable next step in Liam Kearns's plan has to be promotion for Limerick. After the very creditable championship run there has to be progress if momentum isn't to be lost. Leitrim are in a weak cycle at present and will need all of Declan Rowley's astuteness to mount a challenge.

Wicklow v Westmeath, Aughrim

The colourful Wicklow venue will be a particularly unwelcome sight for Luke Dempsey. After the great progress made in 2001 there was good opportunity for Westmeath to sign a long-term tenancy in Division One but injuries and misfortune undermined their inaugural season at the top and made it a short stay. Wicklow have regressed since the good results of two years ago and got a demoralising trimming from Kerry in last summer's qualifiers. Without debilitating suspensions John O'Leary (right) will hope to improve things a bit this time around.

DIVISION TWO B

Carlow v Longford, Dr Cullen Park

A great crowd watched Longford in the O'Byrne Cup final last week but it wasn't the team's best performance. Surprisingly given the talent up front, it was the defence that caught the eye. Paul Barden's pace is a problem for anyone but finishing was a problem for the attack in general and centrefield struggled to cope with Demot Earley and Aidan McHugh. Still the mood will be fairly upbeat. Hard to know where Carlow stand at present. In occasional flashes the county has made an impact - winning the O'Byrne Cup in 2002 - but the sense endures that commitment to the county is still a struggle for the best players.

Tipperary v Clare, Ardfinnan

Re-run of last week's McGrath Cup final, which Tipperary were slightly fortunate to take to extra time. With Declan Browne on board Tipp can give anyone a game but the county has tended not to shine in the league.

Clare had a long Division One residency but have gone back in recent seasons.

Wexford v Waterford, Enniscorthy

Room for manoeuvre in Waterford is limited but there were some good displays in last year's league and qualifiers. Wexford have to put behind them the trauma of missing promotion on the last day of last season although the championship performances against Dublin and Tyrone were encouraging. Under Dom Twomey's new management they're back at the starting line but can maintain competitiveness.

Derry v Monaghan, Ballinascreen

For the first time in a decade Derry are in Division Two, having established a great NFL record - four titles - in that time. Mickey Moran has a fairly big reconstruction job on his hands so relegation might prove to be a blessing. Colm Coyle's Monaghan carry injuries into the campaign, which given the glut of fixtures might inhibit their chances of promotion.