CARLOW
Shane Curran’s Carlow meet Tipperary to kick off their league campaign in a Division Four that promises to be as tight as ever. The new man in charge oversees a side that just missed out on promotion last year.
Paired with Fermanagh, Wicklow and Laois in the Tailteann Cup, The Dolmen County finished with just one point from three matches, although a draw with eventual finalists Laois has aged well.
Aaron Amond, brother of FA Cup cult hero Pádraig, is proof that an eye for goal runs in the family.
Manager
Shane Curran
Last year
Finished fifth in Division Four. Exited Tailteann Cup at group stage.
Fixtures: Tipperary (H), Waterford (A), Wexford (A), Limerick (H), Wicklow (A), Longford (H), London (A).
LIMERICK
In Jimmy Lee’s first season, Limerick were relegated without firing a punch, losing seven from seven. Though after a 16-point hiding at the hands of Down in round two, they were beaten by a point twice.
Picture by Hugh Russell
It’s been downhill since promotion to Division Two and the first ever Gaelic games penalty shootout win over Clare.
It’s been over 1,000 days since the Treaty’s last league win.
But a solid Tailteann Cup run with wins over Tipperary, London and Offaly could have signalled a revival. The only way is up.
Manager
Jimmy Lee
Last year
Relegated from Division Three. Successful run to Tailteann quarter-final, beaten well by Sligo.
Fixtures: Longford (A), Wexford (H), London (A), Carlow (A), Tipperary (H), Wicklow (A) Waterford (H).
LONDON
It hasn’t been a bad off-season for London. The newly completed Hazelwood Centre resembles the first ever floodlit GAA facility in the English capital.
Ruairí Rafferty starred as Tara were knocked out of the All-Ireland Junior Championship by Muff’s Naomh Pádraig, while another London man grabbed a goal as Connacht beat Leinster back in October.
A man by the name of Liam Gallagher in Croke Park. Now you’re raging you missed it.
They will improve on last year, but a promotion race looks beyond The Exiles.
Manager
Michael Maher
Last year
Seventh in Division Four. Beaten by Antrim in Tailteann preliminary quarter-final.
Fixtures: Wexford (A), Wicklow (H), Limerick (H), Tipperary (A), Longford (H), Waterford (A), Carlow (H)
LONGFORD
Mike Solan’s appointment has brought new life to Longford, with the Mayo man highly regarded by clubmate Andy Moran amongst others.
Having run for the Mayo job in 2022, he was pipped at the post, and now his target will be bringing Longford back to Division Three.
Although arguably in the toughest Tailteann group last year, they will have been disappointed to lose all three matches, particularly against Waterford.
Manager
Mike Solan
Last year
Fourth in Division Four. Group stage exit from Tailteann Cup.
Fixtures: Limerick (H), Tipperary (A), Wicklow (A), Waterford (H), London (A), Carlow (A), Wexford (H).
TIPPERARY
2024 was not kind to Tipperary football. And with the retirement of star forward and The Premier County’s record appearance maker in championship football - Conor Sweeney - new manager Philly Ryan will look to unearth some new talent.
Tipp’ won just one Division Four match last year, against Longford, as they drew with Waterford and London.
That said, Loughmore-Castleiney’s run to the Munster SFC final should help Ryan and co turn over a new leaf.
Manager
Philly Ryan
Last year
Sixth in Division Four. Beaten by Limerick in Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-final.
Fixtures: Carlow (A), Longford (H), Waterford (A), London (H), Limerick (A), Wexford (A), Wicklow (H).
WATERFORD
So often the doldrum boys in recent years, Waterford got a huge lift in sneaking a draw against Munster rivals Tipperary last spring.
But better was to come as Tom O’Connell dispatched two goals to claim victory in the Munster Championship, The Déise’s first win in the competition since 2010.
Former Meath defender Paul Shankey has instilled new life into this side and he is sure to have coaxed some club stars into the intercounty game. Anything north of four points would be mighty progress.
Manager
Paul Shankey
Last year
Bottom of Division Four. Group stage exit from the Tailteann Cup.
Fixtures: Wicklow (A), Carlow (H), Tipperary (A), Longford (A), Wexford (H), London (H), Limerick (A).
WEXFORD
A 4-19 0–08 rout of Carlow in Leinster was a stirring result in a competition Wexford have not won since 1945, even with the Mattie Fordes, Ciaran Lyngs and Ben Brosnans of this world leaving their mark.
What followed was a decent showing against Louth, but a winless Tailteann Cup campaign ended with a loss to Tipperary in front of a measly crowd described as ‘200 at best’.
An iffy penalty call cost them in defeat to Leitrim in last year’s league. Promotion will be their sole focus.
Manager
John Hegarty
Last year
Third place in Division Four. Group stage exit from the Tailteann Cup.
Fixtures: London (H), Limerick (A), Carlow (H), Wicklow (H), Waterford (A), Tipperary (H), Longford (A).
WICKLOW
In his third year in The Garden County, it feels like make-or-break for Oisin McConville. It’s difficult to know what exactly success entails, but promotion is an absolute certainty in that category.
It’s believed Wicklow fared well against Division One opposition in the form of Galway and Dublin in recent challenge matches. A further fixture with Armagh fell foul of the weather, but those opponents are a statement of intent.
Kevin Quinn has been a real star at full-forward, and Andy Maher - Wicklow Player of the Year a few seasons back - has opted back into the panel.
A famous win over Westmeath last year is also fresh in the memory.
Manager
Oisin McConville
Last year
Relegated from Division Three. Defeated by Down in the Tailteann Cup quarter-final.
Fixtures: Waterford (H), London (A), Longford (H), Wexford (A), Carlow (H), Limerick (H), Tipperary (A)
Predicted league table
1. Wicklow*
2. Longford*
3. Limerick
4. Carlow
5. Wexford
6. Tipperary
7. Waterford
8. London
* = promoted