Championship excitement builds as draw made

Expectation and excitement builds each spring as the championship draws throws up a selection of great contests, and 2014’s draw was no different. 

At the Kilmore Hotel on Monday night, champions Ballinagh discovered they are to open their title defence with a tough encounter against Cuchullains in the Round 1 proper of the Senior Championship. Arguably, the tie of the draw is between Gowna and Cavan Gaels. Both are recent champions and have shared many of the titles over the last two decades. New Gaels manager Peter Canavan’s team will be strengthened by the likely inclusion of star forward Seanie Johnston. Other attractive senior championship fixtures sees Ramor Utd take on Denn while 2012 champions Mullahoran take on Lavey.
The Kingscourt v Castlerahan game in the preliminary round should prove to be a great game, with both teams eager to impress from the off with a victory. Killeshandra will play Killygarry in the other preliminary round.
That this preliminary round system offers a back door chance to enter Round 1 proper, will also give an interesting perspective on how these teams are shaping up for the challenges ahead.
With Cavan football in a very good place at present, the county team pushing for promotion and that we have the GAA President elect on home turf all feeds into the scenario of 'great expectations’ on and off the field of dreams.
The Intermediate Championship also looks set to give the fans lots to enthuse about. The preliminary games pit Swanlinbar against Butlersbridge, while in game B, Cavan Gaels play Cootehill. There is also a back door system here, as the losers enter a play off in round one.
A young Belturbet team are also set to face the might of Kill which should give the Rorys plenty of incentive to give it a real go.

Senior Championship 2014

17 Teams

Preliminary Rd (A)
Game A Killeshandra v Killygarry
Game B Kingscourt v Castlerahan
(Winners of Game A & B through to Round 1)

Preliminary Round (B)
Game C Loser Game A v Loser Game B
(Winner of Game C through to Round 1- Loser of Game C eliminated)

Round 1 (16 Teams)
1. Killeshandra or Killygarry v Lacken
2. Kingscourt or Castlerahan v Redhills
3. Winner Game C v Drumalee
4. Crosserlough v Drumgoon
5. Mullahoran v Lavey
6. Ballinagh v Cuchulainns
7. Gowna v Cavan Gaels
8. Ramor Utd v Denn

Intermediate Championship 2014
14 Teams

Preliminary Round
Game A Swanlinbar v Butlersbridge
Game B Cavan Gaels v Cootehill
(Winners of Game A & B through to Round 1)

Round 1 (12 Teams)
Kill v Belturbet
Drumlane v Killinkere
Laragh Utd v Shercock
Bailieborough v Game A winners
Game B winners v Drung
Mountnugent v Ballyhaise

(6 Winners of Round 1 qualify for Quarter Finals - 6 losers of Round 1 + 2 losers of Preliminary Round play off for remaining 2 Quarter Final Places)

Junior Championship 2014
10 Teams

Group A Group B Group C
Corlough Arva Knockbride
Templeport Ballymachugh Kildallon
Cornafean Munterconnaught Shannon Gaels
Maghera ------ ------

(3 Group winners qualify for Semi-Final - 3 Group runners up play off for remaining Semi-Final place)