Group A gets underway this weekend and the stand-out clash is a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland Junior Final – All-Ireland champions Antrim up against Fermanagh in Belfast.
Group A Round 1
Carlow v London, Sunday 5th Feb, Netwatch Cullen Park at 1pm
Carlow had a poor league campaign last year but turned things around in the championship and got to the All-Ireland Junior semi-finals. They’ll want to build on that.
Over the years London have produced good sides and it will be interesting to see what team the Exiles bring over to Carlow.
With Division 4 divided into two groups every point is crucial and a good start is what all counties want. Carlow will hope home advantage counts.
Antrim v Fermanagh, Sunday 5th Feb, Davitt Park, Belfast at 2pm
These two sides produced some entertaining clashes in the league and championship last year and this game will be no different.
Fermanagh were beaten in the Division 4 semi-final by Limerick last year and then they were defeated by Antrim, after a replay, in the All-Ireland Junior Final.
Antrim found their form in the championship last year and will no doubt look towards gaining promotion this year.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland