Nicky Rackard Cup round one: Fermanagh v Monaghan (Enniskillen, 3.30pm)
TEN months on from their Lory Meagher success, Fermanagh have shown fleeting signs that they can compete at a higher grade.
They did miss out on promotion from Division 3B, but put up a strong display against Tyrone and won three of their four league games, admittedly against Lory Meagher opposition.
Monaghan reached the Division 3A final, but the gap between them and Christy Ring contestants Roscommon was evident on the day. The Farney should win comfortably though.
Odds: H: 2/1 D: 10/1 A: 2/5
Verdict: Monaghan
Tyrone v Mayo (Carrickmore, 3.30pm)
MAYO finished in the top half of Division 2B, above Meath and Wicklow, but find themselves in the Nicky Rackard Cup after losing last year’s play-off to Roscommon.
That was a low point for the westerners, who now understandably head the favourites’ list to lift silverware and regain their place in the second-tier. They haven’t exactly been miles ahead though, and Tyrone will like their chances of causing an upset on their own turf in Carrickmore.
Damien Casey’s scoring form will be key for the Red Hands, who came close to reaching the final last year.
Odds: H: 3/1 D: 11/1 A: 1/4
Verdict: Mayo
Fingal v Longford (Naomh Barróg, 3.30pm)
BARRING the disappointment of a heavy defeat by Louth on the final day, Fingal had a competitive league campaign that could have drawn more reward.
They were unlucky not to take anything from their games against Monaghan and Roscommon and playing a tier above Longford will stand to them. It seems not that long ago that Longford were rubbing shoulders with some of the sides now at the top end of the Christy Ring, but their decline has been quite dramatic.
They fell short of promotion, losing the Division 3B final to Fermanagh, and will do well to avoid a short Championship campaign.
Odds: H: 1/4 D: 11/1 A: 3/1
Verdict: Fingal
Armagh v Donegal (Athletic Grounds, 3.30pm)
THEY might have spent the season in the same division, but the gulf in class between these two is underlined by their respective fates in that league campaign.
Armagh crept quietly into the Division 2B final and then overcame Down to secure their promotion, which will see them start next year as Ulster’s second team, ahead of Derry and Down on the ladder.
Outside a decent opening day performance against Mayo, Donegal found it a real struggle and seven defeats, including two play-offs, mean they will ply their trade in Division 3A next year.
Ardal McDermott’s side are big underdogs heading to the Athletic Grounds and will do well to keep the margin tight.
Odds: H: 1/16 D: 16/1 A: 7/1
Verdict: Armagh
Lory Meagher Cup round one: Leitrim v Warwickshire (Ballinamore, 2pm)
WARWICKSHIRE finished bottom of 3A without a point to their name but, like Fingal, their performances probably weren’t rewarded as they might have been.
Louth (one point) and Roscommon (three points) were perhaps fortunate to overcome the Ragged Staff county, though losing a lead against 11-man Tyrone was disappointing for the English Midlands side.
Leitrim won their one home game in the Division 3B campaign, overcoming Sligo in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, but they will be underdogs here.
Verdict: Warwickshire
Louth v Sligo (Darver, 2.30pm)
LOUTH’S heavy defeat in Monaghan prevented them from reaching the Division 3A final because of that head-to-head record, but they showed enough to prove they were close to the top end of that group.
Wins over Fingal, Tyrone and Warwickshire will send them into this competition as slight favourites to win the trophy. Sligo will be no pushovers though, and had a good win over last year’s Lory Meagher winners Fermanagh on the opening day of the league.
Verdict: Louth
