ANTRIM and Ulster champions Dunloy begin their drive for five on Sunday afternoon against last season’s intermediate championship winners Clooney Gaels.
Gregory O’Kane’s men have been the dominant force in the Saffron county in recent years, winning the last four senior championship titles, and then breaking through the glass ceiling of the Ulster Club championship in 2022.
The provincial championship had proved to be a stumbling block in years gone by, but Dunloy finally got over the line last winter.
The season ultimately ended in heartache, however, as Ballyhale Shamrocks of Kilkenny proved too strong on All-Ireland final day and dashed Dunloy’s dreams.
But they remain the team to beat in Antrim and with the likes of Ryan Elliot, Conal Cunning Keelan and Kevin Molloy, Dunloy have some of the best players in the county to call upon.
No team has ever won five titles on the trot, so the Ulster champions will be hoping to carve out another piece of history by the end of the campaign.
Clooney Gaels will have home advantage and will hope that they can give a good account of themselves at senior level.
This evening, St John’s host O’Donovan Rossa to kickstart the action in Group 1 in Corrigan Park and this one could prove to be the closest game of the weekend.
St John’s finished in fourth position in the Division 1B table, while O’Donovan Rossa ended their campaign just one point ahead of tonight’s opponents.
Home advantage is huge in championship games, so the Johnnies will be hoping it counts for something in the opening round.
League champions Loughgiel get their championship campaign underway on Sunday afternoon as they travel to St Enda’s.
The Shamrocks, who once ruled the roost in the Saffron county, haven’t claimed the championship crown since 2016.
They’ll certainly be eager to change that stat this season and have plenty of talent in their ranks to ensure they remain a top contender for the title.
The Glengormley side have never got their hands on the Volunteer Cup in their history and face an uphill battle in Group 2.
They begin their championship campaign on home turf, which could prove a big help.
Cushendall, last year’s beaten finalists, are also in the same section and they will be favourites for an opening day win against Ballycastle.
