A RECORD number of 117 teams will compete in this year's FBD Barton Cup, the most popular team event on the Leinster calendar. This is an increase of three on last year, with new clubs Kilkea Castle, Vartry Lakes and Celbridge/Elm Hall entering for the first time. Stackstown will open the defence of their title against Craddockstown in the preliminary round while last year's runners-up, Lucan, will begin with a home tie against Royal Tara. Vartry Lakes are away to Delgany in the preliminary round while Celbridge/Elm Hall and Kilkea Castle have home advantage against Ashbourne and Old Conna respectively.

Preliminary round matches must be played on or before April 18th.