Division 1A

(All matches at 2.30 unless stated)

Clare v Meath, Cusack Park - Cyril Lyons looks to have been spared a haemorrhage of experienced players and has even regained PJ O'Connell. Local word has it that Clare are going to take this League seriously. What this exactly means will hardly become much clearer during tomorrow's clash with newcomers Meath.

Limerick v Antrim, Gaelic Grounds, 2.30 - Limerick should be one of the NHL's more ambitious counties as Eamonn Cregan tries to blend under-age talent with the fading ranks of Munster medallists. Antrim are embarked on a similar job of reconstruction, a task complicated by the absence of the Dunloy players. Home win.

Offaly v Galway, Birr - Offaly, never to the forefront of NHL enthusiasts, have had their appetite further depressed by the League's early start and their lengthy but ultimately disappointing championship run last year. Galway's new manager Noel Lane is on notice that success in the League means nothing in the county, but he will need the opportunity to uncover a few new players. They should get their title defence off to a winning start.

Division 1B

Laois v Wexford, Rathdowney 2.0 - Two counties who could end the season very familiar with each other. Wexford had an edge last weekend in the Walsh Cup and with Laois in the midst of gruelling training routines, the recent pecking order should be confirmed.

Waterford v Derry, Dungarvan, 1.30 - Derry's performances will be of interest this League as a gauge of how far championship success has brought them on. Waterford should win providing they can survive all that unpleasantness at the turnstiles over the admission price.

Division Two

Westmeath v London, Mullingar, 1.00 - London's fortunes have slid in recent years and this doesn't have the look of a new dawn. Roscommon v Carlow, Athleague - Two counties who have dropped out of senior, but it was more of surprise in Carlow's case as the result of this should indicate.

Armagh v Kerry, Athletic Grounds, 1.30 - After the stunning football encounters of last summer, this promises to be, umm, less stunning. Kerry morale is low, but that won't save Armagh. Wicklow v Down, Arklow - Good win for Wicklow in the Kehoe Cup puts them in a positive frame of mind for the visit of a below-strength Down. Could be a home win.

Kildare v Louth, Newbridge - Kildare also did well in the Kehoe Cup and should start the League accordingly against newcomers Louth.

Division Three

Fermanagh v Longford, Enniskillen - Away win; Leitrim v Monaghan, Carrick-on-Shannon - Ditto; Cavan v Tyrone, Breffni Park - How badly Tyrone took some of last year's batterings will determine whether Cavan have a chance here.