In Division 4 Kilkenny return to the league with a meeting at home to Limerick, while Leitrim look to start on a bright note at home to Derry.
Leitrim v Derry – Sunday 22nd January, Aughawillan at 2pm
Leitrim got to the semi-final of the league last year but lost out to eventual winners Offaly, after extra-time. They claimed the Connacht Intermediate title but failed to make an impact in the All-Ireland championship.
Under new manager Jonny Garrity, Leitrim will want to make an impression in the league and have the players to do that.
Derry had a poor league and Junior championship campaign last year. They won’t want a repeat of that.
Kilkenny v Limerick – Sunday 22nd January, Kilkenny Training Centre Dunmore at 2pm
After a three year absence Kilkenny are back in the National League. Their opening game is a tough one; Limerick at home. The Treaty County were beaten by Offaly in the Division 4 last year while they lost out to Fermanagh in a fantastic game in the All-Ireland Junior semi-final.
Limerick will want to go one further in the league this year and will want to start their campaign with a good result away to Kilkenny.
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