2018 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DONEGAL
Manager: Declan Bonner
Last year: Finished third in Division One
IF NEW manager Declan Bonner’s approach to the McKenna Cup is anything to go by, expect a strong campaign from Donegal in Division One.
Bonner’s emphasis on attack and his fielding of a strong panel seen his side past Armagh into the McKenna Cup final and they could also mount a strong push for the National League decider.
The likes of Paddy McBrearty and Nathan Mullins, who have started the year with a spring in their steps, and the returning Ciarán Thompson will be key if fielded week-in, week-out.
Too many draws edged out Donegal out of contention for a final spot last year. Bonner will be looking at turning those stalemates into victories.
Verdict: Second
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Kerry (A); Sunday, February 4: v Galway (H); Saturday, February 10: v Dublin (A); Sunday, February 25: v Kildare (H); Saturday, March 3: v Tyrone (A); Sunday, March 18: v Monaghan (A); Sunday, March 25: v Mayo (A)
DUBLIN
Manager: Jim Gavin
Last year: Finished first in Division One, beaten by Kerry in final
DOES the fact Jim Gavin’s men finished bottom of their O’Byrne Cup group earlier this month with a single point signal the demise of the Dubs? It’s doubtful.
Gavin likes to field experimental sides at this time of year, with results very much a secondary consideration in the hunt for new talent.
Five of last year’s All-Ireland U21-winnin squad were involved in the O’Byrne Cup and, out of those, Colm Basquel in particular may expect to see involvement in the National League. Basquel racked up 1-6 in the draw with Offaly and again impressed in the defeat to Wexford, kicking some excellent scores in the process.
It is unlikely Dublin will be finishing rock bottom of this particular group.
Verdict: Third
Fixtures
Saturday, January 27: v Kildare (H); Saturday, February 3: v Tyrone (A); Saturday, February 10: v Donegal (H); Saturday, February 24: v Mayo (A); Saturday, March 3: v Kerry (H); Sunday, March 18: v Galway (A); Sunday, March 25: v Monaghan (H)
GALWAY
Manager: Kevin Walsh
Last year: First in Division Two, beat Kildare in final
Promoted as winners of Division Two and beaten All-Ireland quarter-finalists last summer, Galway will feel very comfortable with their place at this year’s top table.
They’ve had an encouraging start to 2018 with three wins from three in the FBD Insurance League and a place secured in next month’s final against Roscommon.
Dessie Conneely and Robert Finnerty have starred for the westerners in preseason, while forward Damien Comer will be expected to make an impact in the spring.
Stepping up a gear will be the theme for Walsh and his panel this year and a comfortable final position in Division One will help towards that aim.
Verdict: Fourth
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Tyrone (H); Sunday, February 4: v Donegal (A); Sunday, February 11: v Mayo (H); Sunday, February 25: v Kerry (A); Sunday, March 4: v Monaghan (H); Sunday, March 18: v Dublin (H); Sunday, March 25: v Kildare (A)
KERRY
Manager: Éamonn Fitzmaurice
Last year: Second in Division One, beat Dublin in final
THE Kingdom were motoring along nicely last year until they met Mayo. Inflicting defeat on Dublin in the National League final, cantering to the Munster Championship, dismissing Galway in an All-Ireland quarter-final, then the wheels fell off. Consequently, Éamonn Fitzmaurice may be wary of a storming start this time around.
Kerry declined to take part in this month’s McGrath Cup, so Sunday’s opener against Donegal in Killarney will provide the first real indication of Fitzmaurice’s approach for the year ahead.
Verdict: Fifth
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Donegal (H); Saturday, February 3: v Mayo (A); Sunday, February 11: Monaghan (A); Sunday, February 25: v Galway (H); Saturday, March 3: v Dublin (A); Saturday, March 17: v Kildare (H); Sunday, March 25: v Tyrone (A)
KILDARE
Manager: Cian O’Neill
Last year: Second in Division Two, beaten by Galway in final
THIS is Kildare’s first season back in the top flight since 2014, after back-to-back promotions. Three in-a-row All-Ireland champions Dublin at Croke Park is what will serve as their reinitiation ceremony this Saturday night.
The Lilywhites have had a poor start to the year, losing both their group games in the O’Byrne Cup, to Louth and Longford respectively.
Two home games following what must appear an impossible ask at Headquarters may give them a chance to stabilise their campaign, but they will have to do it without Keith Cribbin and Jimmy Hyland. Neither the experienced Cribbin or Hyland are expected back until the middle of February.
Verdict: Seventh
Fixtures
Saturday, January 27: v Dublin (A); Sunday, February 4: v Monaghan (H); Sunday, February 11: v Tyrone (H); Sunday, February 25: v Donegal (A); Sunday, March: v Mayo (H); Saturday, March 17: v Kerry (A); Sunday, March 25: v Galway (H)
MAYO
Manager: Stephen Rochford
Last year: Fifth in Division One
MAYO’S first team panel were otherwise engaged on a squad holiday to Malaysia until the final game of the FBD League, so manager Stephen Rochfort says the winter rust will take a while to shake off.
However, that first game back for the stars of the west resulted in victory over Sligo and there was little rustiness on show from the likes of Aidan O’Shea on the day in Ballina. Jason Doherty, Diarmuid O’Connor and Evan Regan also starred in that win and they should be rearing to go for Sunday’s opener against Monaghan.
Another midtable finish may suit Rochford’s men down to the ground ahead of the summer.
Verdict: Sixth
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Monaghan (A); Saturday, February 3: v Kerry (H); Sunday, February 11: v Galway (A); Saturday, February 24: v Dublin (H); Sunday, March 4: v Kildare (A); Sunday, March 18: v Tyrone (H); Sunday, March 25: v Donegal (A)
MONAGHAN
Manager: Malachy O’Rourke
Last year: Fourth in Division One
THE Farney men were far from impressive in the Dr McKenna Cup, a solitary win over Queen’s University keeping them off the bottom of their group.
Jack McCarron did perform creditably though, kicking eight points in the home defeat to Donegal and they will need the likes of himself on form if they remain comfortable in the top flight.
O’Rourke’s side began last year’s league campaign in storming fashion, sandwiching away wins against Mayo and Kerry either side of a home draw against Cavan. They could do with something similar this time around to calm any early season nerves.
Verdict: Eighth
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Mayo (H); Sunday, February 4: v Kildare (A); Sunday, February 11: v Kerry (H); Saturday, February 24: v Tyrone (H); Sunday, March 4: v Galway (A); Sunday, March 18: v Donegal (H); Sunday, March 25: v Dublin (A)
TYRONE
Manager: Mickey Harte
Last year: Sixth in Division One
BLITZED their way to last year’s Ulster Championship and the All-Ireland semi-finals before exiting meekly to the Dubs, 2018 could provide the definitive answer on whether Mickey Harte can ever again build an All-Ireland winning team with Tyrone.
He will have to do so without the likes of the retired Seán Cavanagh, Joe McMahon, Justin McMahon and, for the opening stages of the National League, the club-committed Colm Cavanagh.
Having strolled into next month’s Dr McKenna Cup decider against Donegal, early signs are Tyrone should have no trouble competing at the top table yet again.
Verdict: First
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Galway (A); Saturday, February 3: v Dublin (H); Sunday, February 11: v Kildare (A); Saturday, February 24: v Monaghan (A); Saturday, March 3: v Donegal (H); Sunday, March 18: v Mayo (A); Sunday, March 25: v Kerry (H)
DIVISION TWO
CAVAN
Manager: Mattie McGleenan
Last year: Seventh in Division One, relegated
NEWLY appointed Cavan captain Dara McVeety has said he is only interested in playing alongside men who are totally committed to the county and they will need this level of commitment if they are to stand a chance of going straight back up to Division One.
Alongside relegation, Cavan suffered the ignominy of a first round exit from the Ulster Championship and a second round Qualifier defeat in 2017.
If 2018 is to be any better, they will need to buck the trend of their McKenna Cup campaign, finishing bottom of their group, with a sole win, against St Mary’s College, to their name.
Verdict: Eighth
Fixtures
Saturday, January 27: v Clare (A); Saturday, February 3: v Louth (H); Saturday, February 10: v Meath (H); Sunday, February 25: v Cork (A); Saturday, March 3: v Down (H); Sunday, March 18: v Roscommon (A); Sunday, March 25: v Tipperary (H)
CLARE
Manager: Colm Collins
Last year: Fifth in Division Two
THE Banner have a couple of games under their belt thanks to them being one of the three sides who chose to participate in this year’s McGrath Cup. They ran Cork close in the deciding game, losing out to a late goal.
Manager Colm Collins has been particularly impressed with the early season form of forwards Éimhín Courtney and Conor Finucane. He could do with them bringing their shooting boots for the opening game against Cavan this weekend.
Clare escaped relegation from the second division on scoring difference last season and a strong start may help them to a more comfortable finish this time around.
Verdict: Fifth
Fixtures
Saturday, January 27: v Cavan (H); Sunday, February 4: v Meath (A); Sunday, February 11: v Tipperary (H); Sunday, February 25: v Down (A); Sunday, March 4: v Clare (H); Saturday, March 17: v Cork (A); Sunday, March 25: v Louth (H)
CORK
Manager: Ronan McCarthy
Last year: Fourth in Division Two
CORK probably had as good a 2017 as could’ve been expected, comfortable in Division Two, losing to Kerry in the Munster final and pushing Mayo all the way before bowing out in the Qualifiers.
New manager Ronan McCarthy will be expecting more from his troops this time around though, beginning with a promotion tilt from Division Two.
The Rebels won the McGrath Cup with stand-in captain Ian Maguire at the helm and they will be expecting to get the show on the road with an opening day win against Tipperary.
Verdict: Second
Fixtures
Saturday, January 27: v Tipperary (H); Sunday, February 4: v Down (A); Sunday, February 11: v Louth (H); Sunday, February 25: v Cavan (H); Sunday, March 4: v Meath (H); Saturday, March 17: v Clare (H); Sunday, March 25: v Roscommon (A)
DOWN
Manager: Éamonn Burns
Last year: Sixth in Division Two
ESCAPING relegation by the skin of their teeth in 2017 thanks to a final day draw with Cork, Down fans will be expecting a more competitive campaign in Division Two this time around.
The Mourne men displayed reasons for optimism in their final McKenna Cup group game win over Ulster University. In an eight-point victory, Connaire Harrison, Shay Millar and Niall McParland all impressed, while Aaron Morgan and Conor Poland also had good runouts.
Manager Éamonn Burns has identified areas to work on going forward, and that work will begin in earnest against Pete McGrath’s Louth.
Verdict: First
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Louth (A); Sunday, February 4: v Cork (H); Sunday, February 11: v Roscommon (A); Sunday, February 25: v Clare (H); Saturday, March 3: v Cavan (A); Sunday, March 18: v Tipperary (H); Sunday, March 25: v Meath (A)
LOUTH
Manager: Pete McGrath
Last year: First in Division Three, beaten by Tipperary in final
WEE County manager Pete McGrath is confident his side can hold their own in Division Two, despite being up against some traditional giants of the game.
Louth finished top of Division Three last time out and would probably look at survival in the second flight as an extremely successful campaign.
McGrath begins his league campaign in charge of Louth at home to home county Down, and there would be no better time to prove themselves capable of taking a scalp or two.
Tadhg McEnaney could be key for Louth if they are to establish themselves in Division Two.
Verdict: Sixth
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Down (H); Saturday, February 3: v Cavan (A); Sunday, February 11: v Cork (A); Sunday, February 25: v Roscommon (H); Sunday, March 4: v Tipperary (A); Sunday, March 18: v Meath (H); Sunday, March 25: v Clare (A)
MEATH
Manager: Andy McEntee
Last year: Third in Division Two
THE Royal county have started 2018 as they mean to go on, topping their group in the O’Byrne Cup and defeating Longford in a semi-final penalty shootout to set up next month’s decider against Westmeath.
Among the players who have impressed in preseason are James McEntee, Joey Wallace and Cillian O’Sullivan, while corner-forward Pádraig McKeever will again be expected to play a big part in their campaign.
Manager Andy McEntee will be aware how tough a division they are in this year, but a promotion tilt can’t be completely ruled out of the question.
Verdict: Fourth
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Roscommon (A); Sunday, February 4: v Clare (H); Saturday, February 10: v Cavan (A); Saturday, February 24: v Tipperary (A); Sunday, March 4: v Cork (H); Sunday, March 18: v Louth (A); Sunday, March 25: v Down (H)
ROSCOMMON
Manager: Kevin McStay
Last year: Eighth in Division One, relegated
ROSCOMMON will be targeting first time promotion back to the top flight and their FBD League performances have suggested they are raring to go ahead of this weekend’s league openers.
Cathal Cregg will feature for the Rossies in the league campaign after an 18-month absence, while Diarmuid Murtagh, Enda Smith, Conor Daly and Ciarán Murtagh may all play key roles for Kevin McStay’s side.
Verdict: Third
Fixtures
Sunday, January 28: v Meath (H); Sunday, February 4: v Tipperary (A); Sunday, February 11: v Down (H); Sunday, February 25: v Louth (A); Sunday, March 4: v Clare (A); Sunday, March 18: v Cavan (H); Sunday, March 25: v Cork (H)
TIPPERARY
Manager:
Last year: Second in Division Three, defeated Louth in final
THE Premier county opted out of this year’s McGrath Cup competition to focus completely on preparations for the National League.
Whether this focus goes in their favour, or whether a lack of game time proves debilitating in the early stages of an extremely competitive Division Two, we will begin to find out this weekend.
Tipperary picked up silverware in the form of the Division Three title last year, beating fellow social climbers Louth in final, but any chance of a league final this time around looks out of the question.
Verdict: Seventh
Fixtures
Saturday, January 27: v Cork (A); Sunday, February 4: v Roscommon (H); Sunday, February 11: v Clare (H); Saturday, February 24: v Meath (H); Sunday, March 4: v Louth (H); Sunday, March 18: v Down (A); Sunday, March 25: v Cavan (A)