Gaels will take all the beating

• senior LACKEN An Leacain After struggling in Declan Rowley's first season last year, Lacken will be looking for a big improvement. They benefitted from an injection of young talent from their busy underage system and recent league results have been promising. Rowley has experimented with former county forward Finbar O'Reilly at centre half-back and while they face a tricky opener against Castlerahan, it's winnable, especially if Ray Galligan can hit form at full-forward. Possible dark horses for a decent run. Manager: Declan Rowley Star player: Trevor Crowe One to watch: Niall McKiernan Last season: Group stage Prediction: Quarter-final CASTLERAHAN Caisleán Reathain On paper, Castlerahan are one of the strongest sides in the county. However, they have choked in summer in recent years, walking into an ambush against a fired-up Denn in the 2009 quarter-final. Despite the presence of the likes of Oisin O'Connell, Enda Mulvey, Cian Mackey and Ronan Flanagan, (the latter two, admittedly, having been tied up with the county for some matches) the scoring rate before last weekend's mauling of Redhills was one of the lowest of any top eight side in all three ACFL divisions. Their defence is strong and has been anchored well by Sean Brady. Will fancy their chances of coming through the group stage but will get nothing easy from Lacken, Killygarry or neighbours Crosserlough. Manager: Paddy Sheanon Star player: Ronan Flanagan One to watch: Fergal Flanagan Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Quarter-final LAVEY Leamhaí Lavey have suffered from 'Second Season Syndrome' this year and have looked jaded in the league, which is no surprise given that they were in action right up until December 2009. Very strong down the middle but they may struggle for scores at this level. The race for second place in their group will be the tightest of all and, coming off two timely league wins, they might be peaking in time. The feeling is, however, that the step up will be too much for this season. Manager: Mick McCormack Star player: Joey Jordan One to watch: Shane Tierney Last season: Intermediate Champions Prediction: Group stage CAVAN GAELS Gaeil an Chabháin Gunning for five-in-a-row for a reason - the dogs on the street know that Cavan Gaels are the team to beat. While they have lost some talented young players to the US on J1s, the Gaels still possess a very strong squad, with vast experience and a winning mentality. Could they be vulnerable? Possibly, although there is a suspicion that they will up their game when needed, such as in the first 20 minutes of last season's final against Denn. They'll face stiffer challenges this time round but look primed to go all the way once more. The bookmakers' odds of 1-2 tell their own story. Don't be surprised to see the champions pushed harder than they have been for some years, however. Manager: Gareth Coyle Star player: Sean Johnston One to watch: Sean Reilly Last season: Champions Prediction: Champions BALLINAGH Béal atha na nEach For a variety of reasons, Ballinagh's stock has been in free-fall since 2006-2007 when their young side won the ACFL Division One title and then stormed to Ulster IFC success. They actually would have started this season back in the Intermediate ranks but for a successful plea to the board for re-instation. Minus Under 21s Niall McDermott and Paddy Carroll (who are summering in San Francisco) and with Cian McDermott, a key man back in 07, still out of the picture, they look unlikely to make a major impact on this championship. In what will be a dogfight in Group 3, they may not make it through. Manager: Brian Comesky Star player: Padraic O'Reilly One to watch: David Finnegan Last season: Relegated (granted reprieve) Prediction: Group stage RAMOR UNITED Reamor Aontaithe Another side who looked to be building well but have struggled since making the last four two years ago. Ramor have a solid core of talented young players but their league form (three wins from 13) has been dire. Lost by a point to Lavey last weekend and a repeat of that result would see them out. However, natural scoring forwards such as Paddy McNamee, Jack Brady and the enigmatic Ado Cole - a player with huge potential but a lack of consistency - are priceless. Denn showed last year that league form can be misleading and Ramor could just squeak second place behind the Gaels. Manager: Kevin McDonnell Star player: James McEnroe One to watch: Ado Cole Last season: Group stage Prediction: Quarter-final DENN An Dinn Silenced the doubters by reaching a second county final last year but it'll be very, very difficult to do it again. Short on options up front, Denn may struggle this season, despite the presence of Martin Cahill (who worryingly missed the Ramor league match through injury), the stand-out player on the club scene for two years now. Only a fool would write off a battle-hardened squad such as Denn's but they will be up against it in a horribly-tough Group 2, especially with young forward Darren Costello a doubt for the Gowna match. Manager: Damien O'Reilly Star player: Martin Cahill One to watch: Dean Hyland Last season: Runners-up Prediction: Group stage GOWNA Loch Gamhna Word is that Dermot McCabe is back and firing well for Gowna, which is an absolutely massive boost. The men from the lough shore have built a reputation on making much from small resources but they have struggled to replace some of their experienced old guard. Had they been in any other group, Gowna may have came through and gathered some momentum but logic dictates that they are unlikely to qualify ahead of either Denn, Mullahoran or the Rorys. Unlikely, but not impossible... Manager: Ciaran Brady Star player: Mark McKeever One to watch: David Hyland Last season: Group stage Prediction: Group stage CUCHULAINNS Cuchullains Cuchulainns have been leaking scores at an alarming rate in the league, conceding an average of over 0-15 per match. Their recent championship pedigree is unremarkable but they find themselves in the weakest group with only one real danger, Kingscourt. Redhills have been decimated by absentees and Blackwater Gaels are unlikely to amount to much, meaning Cuchulainns should make the second stage, despite the absence of Eugene Keating (US). Manager: Owen Farrelly Star player: Conor Smith One to watch: Adrian Taite Last season: Group stage Prediction: Quarter-final kingscourt Realta Dún na Rí Let's not get carried away. Kingscourt are live contenders for sure but have they really the firepower to go a long way? Their league performances would suggest they have. They have scored, on average, 17.1 points per game while conceding just 10.8. Yes, leagues are for playing and championships are for winning but the Stars have pedigree and football is cyclical. They're a coming side for sure and have a clean bill of health for a change, but they must translate league consistency on to the big day. Their time is near, but not yet nigh. Rumour has it they may have a welcome returnee to boost the cause as well... Manager: Dudley Farrell Star player: Barry Reilly One to watch: Shane Grey Last season: Group stage Prediction: Semi-final REDHILLS Cnoc Rua The border side looked like a team to watch when they coasted to Intermediate success in 2008 with a team packed full of teenagers. However, with Rory Dunne, Oisin Minagh, Paddy Gumley and Mark Kelly unavailable, they will be up against it this year. League results have been poor after a bright start and while they should have too much for Blackwater Gaels, it's hard to see Redhills - who provided Cavan Gaels with their sternest test last season - going far this time around. Everything depends on their clash with Cuchulainns... Manager: Mickey Cadden Star player: Colin Reilly One to watch: Turloc Mooney Last season: Quarter-finals Prediction: Group stage CROSSERLOUGH Cros ar Loch The Lough survived in senior ranks by the skin of their teeth in a replayed relegation play-off last year but, judging on results, have made little improvement. The club has been decimated by withdrawls in recent seasons and they will find it hard to grab a win in Group 1. Manager: Martin McHugh Star player: Jonny Crowe One to watch: Barry McKiernan Last season: Group stage Prediction: Group stage KILLYGARRY Coill na Gearraí Killygarry should have been in at least one county final in recent years but have fallen at the penultimate hurdle on three occasions. Under manager Damien Mone and trainer Colm Donnelly, they have worked as hard as ever this season but the feeling is that Killygarry are a few players short and nothing new has emerged. Jamie Coffey won't be featuring this year and while the likes of goalkeeperPatrick Galligan and defender Padraig Cahill have been playing well, an over-reliance on Martin Reilly in attack could be their downfall. Manager: Damien Mone Star player: Martin Reilly One to watch: Daryl McKenna Last season: Semi-finals Prediction: Group stage BELTURBET Beal Tairbirt The loss of Brendan 'Bud' Fitzpatrick to the US is a big blow for the Rorys, who have been going well in the league (eight wins from 12). The presence of Jason O'Reilly, who is playing as well as ever, is an enormous plus for Belturbet, who are the one team in the county who have a positive record against Cavan Gaels. If they can come through Group 2, they should go well. Manager: Gary Donohoe Star player: Jason O'Reilly One to watch: Niall Reilly Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Semi-final MULLAHORAN Mullach Odhrainn Mullahoran are a powerful side this year. Dermot Sheridan and Christy Sheils form an excellent platform at midfield while the Bradys - Paul, Philip and Danny - provide the firepower up front and Killian Brady and Seanie Smith complete a strong spine. The loss of Ciaran Sheils, Eddie O'Reilly and Michael Brady could be the difference for the Dreadnoughts but at least two of those could yet return should they make it through a tough group stage. Fired up and hungrier than ever, Mullahoran will take a lot of beating. Manager: Darren Chapman Star player: Paul Brady One to watch: Enda O'Reilly Last season: Semi-final Prediction: Finalists • INTERMEDIATE KILLESHANDRA Cill na Sean Rátha The Leaguers will be throwing it all on the line this summer, having more or less ignored the championship in favour of league promotion in 2008. Declan McKiernan's strength and Tomás O'Reilly's ball-carrying ability will be key while Daniel Luby has been playing well in a new position in the forward line. Won't lack for commitment or physicality but, although they have been strengthened by the return of Paddy King, a lack of a foil for McKiernan up front could be their undoing in a very tough group. Manager: Ciaran O'Reilly Star player: Declan McKiernan One to watch: Shane O'Reilly Last season: Group stage Prediction: Group stage DRUMGOON Droim Dhúin Drumgoon are the envy of many clubs in this county in that they possess a strong, mobile midfield in Michael McDonald and Jim McNally. In defence, Michael Hannon is a key performer along with Paul McEnroe while Keith Fannin is outstanding in attack and is consistently one of the highest scoring forwards in Cavan. The players are there, then, and there is a nice blend of youngsters in the mix as well. League form is solid (fourth in ACFL Division Two) and they could be dark horses. Manager: Tony Brady Star player: Keith Fannin One to watch: Conor Moynagh Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Quarter-final DRUMLANE Droim Leathan Surprise packages in ACFL Division Two, the Sons of O'Connell have been magnificent in the league, going unbeaten in their first 11 matches. Anchored by John O'Dowd at full-back and brother Dane around the middle, they are an improved side and seem to have sorted out their scoring problems, with Darragh Seagrave coming back into form, Daryl McConnell chipping in with scores and Barry Corrigan and Barry Cunningham reliable as ever. Will be expected to come through Group 1 with Ballymachugh, Drung and Knockbride. The big danger for the Milltown men is that they may have peaked too early in the season. Manager: Ollie Fay Star player: Daryl McConnell One to watch: Gary Tubman Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Finalists BALLYMACHUGH Baile Mhic Aodha Word coming from Sheelin Park is that Ballymachugh's preparations haven't been the best. They sit sixth from bottom in Division Three and it would be a shock if they were to emerge from Group 1. Manager: Stephen King Star player: Gavin Smith One to watch: Michael Halton Last season: Group stage Prediction: Group stage KNOCKBRIDE Cnoc Bhríde Knockbride have plenty of experience and no shortage of firepower - they are second highest scorers in ACFL Division Two , averaging just over 13.5 points per game. Always hard to beat, they should go well should they qualify from Group 1. They beat eventual finalists Cootehill in the group last year and with John Tierney reportedly flying, they will go well. Manager: Larry McEntee Star player: Larry Reilly One to watch: Niall McCabe Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Semi-final DRUNG An Drong The return of Barry Watters is a huge boost to Drung, who enjoyed a good run last year after coasting to the JFC title in 2008. Ciaran Galligan's athleticism at midfield will be crucial too but this may not be enough for a side languishing rock bottom of Division Two with just a single win to their name. Will find it very hard against Knockbride or Drumlane and will be relying on Ballymachugh to do them a favour. Manager: Michael Tynan Star player: Barry Watters One to watch: Stephen Fay Last season: Semi-final Prediction: Group stage BALLYHAISE Béal Atha Héis Perennial contenders who were caught 'on the hop' by an excellent Redhills side in '08 and were stunned by a youthful Lavey in last year's quarter-final. Definitely have the talent, with a solid defence built around Sean McCormack, Barry Kelly and Brendan Lyons and a good midfield pair in Ray Cullivan and Barry McCrudden. Kevin Tierney has the potential to run up huge tallies at this level and if he gets any support, this could be Ballyhaise's year. Manager: Barry Tierney Star player: Ray Cullivan One to watch: Kevin Tierney Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Champions BUTLERSBRIDGE Droichead an Bhuitléaraigh The Bridge have struggled to adjust to life in Division Two and their league form has been patchy at best following on from an excellent campaign last year in Division Three. Padraig McGearty, who is travelling, is a huge loss to the Bridge. Their other stalwarts such as Mark Shannon, Noel McPhilips and Michael Fitzpatrick are still good players but have plenty of miles on the clock and although there is some young talent there, notably the powerful Fergal Flanagan and brother Senin, it would be an impressive performance were they to come through a group containing Ballyhaise, Drumgoon and the Leaguers. Manager: Phelim Plunkett Star player: Darren Fitzpatrick One to watch: Fergal Flanagan Last season: Junior champions Prediction: Group stage BAILIEBOROUGH Coill an Chollaigh The Shamrocks are another side who have found the step up from the basement to Division Two a tough one. Shoewd in last year's IFC that they have plenty of young talent and no shortage of heart but the absence of the injured Alan O'Mara and David Rooney and towering midfielder Ollie Kelleher - tied up with college commitments in Scotland - has been a massive loss this year. Have only three wins in Division Two but, interestingly, only the top three have scored more than the Shamrocks and that ability to split the posts could see them make the last eight. Manager: Andy Scannell Star player: Declan Reilly One to watch: Niall Kelly Last season: Semi-final Prediction: Quarter-final CAVAN GAELS Gaeil an Chabhain It's hard to make a prediction on the Cavan Gaels second string. Having failed to get past the last four in last season's JFC, you would think that they would struggle up a grade buit closer inspection shows that they gave eventual champs Butlersbridge their closest test last year. That said, they will be missing a few young players this time around and while no Gaels team can be ruled out generally, Bailieborough and Cootehill should have too much for them. Manager: George Crowe Star player: Levi Murphy One to watch: Patrick Heslin Last season: JFC semi-final Prediction: Group stage DRUMALEE Droim an Laoí The return of Michael Brennan is a huge boost for Drumalee, as is the availability of Brendan Smith and Daragh Gaffney, who has been studying in Scotland. Defensively, they have been poor in the league but there is usually a surprise package in this grade and Drumalee, for whom the fit-again Kevin Donohoe has impressed, could be it, providing the quarter-final draw goes their way. Should top Group 4, a three-team group, and were the only team to beat Lavey last season, remember... Manager: Mickey Lee Star player: Michael Brennan One to watch: Craig Sheridan Last season: Group stage Prediction: Semi-final KILL An Cill The Rathluden men are the great survivors. They have hung on in Intermediate ranks through a few lean years since winning the JFC title over a decade ago and are now moving in the right direction, with a number of promising young players in their squad. A good league run has catapulted them to fifth in Division Two, their best performance for a number of years. They are a resilient bunch, are tough to beat and could scrape through Group 4 at the expense of Laragh United. Manager: Thomas Duffy Star player: Pearse McKenna One to watch: Anthony Brady Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Quarter-final COOTEHILL An Muinchille All has not been that well with the Cootehill squad this season, with reports suggesting that there has some behind the scenes upheaval. If they can get it right, they are a strong outfit at this level. Having reached the final in '09, they don't lack experience and have a strong spine to the side in the likes of solid full-back Barry McGahan, Joshua Hayes, John McCutcheon, Brian Sherlock and Paul McCarney, a target man who has been playing further out the field this season. Will be fancied to come through Group 3. Manager: John Brennan Star player: John McCutcheon One to watch: Dean Connolly Last season: Finalists Prediction: Quarter-final KILLINKERE Cillin Ciar The Killinkere club suffered two tragedies in recent times and all concerned deserve great credit for keeping the show on the road. The club have reached mid-table in the ACFL Division Two standings and could get by Bailieborough in what looks a very open Group 3. Manager: Sean Finnegan Star player: Martin Reilly One to watch: Emmet Fitzsimons Last season: Group stage Prediction: Quarter-final LARAGH UNITED Leathrach Aontaithe Laragh parted company with their manager in the early part of the season and brought in Francis Clarke (Bailieborough). Their league form has been poor (seven defeats in Division Three) but they find themselves in a soft-looking three-team group with Drumalee and Kill. Qualification is possible, but they'll need to up their game. Manager: Francis Clarke Star player: Colin Oates One to watch: Liam Brady Last season: Group stage Prediction: Group stage • JUNIOR MUNTERCONNACHT Muintir Connacht The Meath border side had a terrific underage programme in the late 90s which produced a number of the club's star performers such as Tommy Brady, Peter Cullen and forward John McCabe, who played with Cavan in the McKenna Cup earlier this season. Stephen Sheridan, a skilful half-forward who was joint captain on the recent Under 21-winning side (amalgamated with Ramor United), is another important player on a side which is capable of beating any in the junior ranks on its day. Munterconnacht are the third-highest scoring side in the county this season but that will probably not be enough in the toughest of the junior groups. Manager: James Cole Star player: John McCabe One to watch: Stephen Sheridan Last season: Group stage Prediction: Quarter-final CORNAFEAN Corr na Feinne The Reds have done nothing of note since winning the JFC title back in 2001. They stunned Drumgoon that day but since that they haven't threatened to make another breakthrough. However, league form has been encouraging, with ten wins from 13 matches, and they have a decent blend, with the experienced Art McSeain and Eamon Reilly along with young guns such as Cormac Geoghegan (an excellent finisher) and county panellist Mark Johnston. They are in a strong group with Shannon Gaels and Swad though and will be up against it if those two are on their game. Manager: Gerry Cadden Star player: Mark Johnston One to watch: Gary Sheridan Last season: Semi-final Prediction: Group stage KILDALLAN Cill Dallian The west Cavan club are a progressive outfit who have worked hard under former Gowna ace Fergal Harten this year. They have been knocking on the door for over ten years now and have good young forwards in the form of Jason Curry and the excellent Ronan Reilly. If they can get their whole squad fit and available, they will have a good chance. Their strongest 15, which would include Aaron Duignan (returning from injury) and Colin O'Hara, who is based in Dublin, would be capable of progressing and with a new manager, they could well come through their group at least. Look out for defender Shane McPartland and forward Daragh McGovern, both teenagers who are playing very well. Manager: Fergal Harten Star player: Ronan Reilly One to watch: Darragh McGovern Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Semi-final MOUNTNUGENT Droichead Uí Dáiligh Junior finalists in 2008, Mountnugent have no shortage of quality footballers, and not just county man David Givney. The likes of Graham Patterson, Thomas Brady, David Sheridan and Stephen Smith can hold their own with any players at this level, but the big thing for Mountnugent is to find some level of consistency. They conceded a lot of scores in the league but if they tighten up at the back, the return of Givney from injury (the 21-yearold midfielder is said to be making excellent progress) should be enough to fire them into the knock-out stages. Manager: Johnny Guirke Star player: David Givney One to watch: Eoin Smith Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Semi-final MAGHERA Machaire Maghera have struggled in recent seasons and haven't shown anything to suggest that they have improved this year. They won an Under 14 title with a very impressive squad this year and building from the bottom up appears to be their best bet. Manager: Brian Galvin Star player: Tommy Tobin One to watch: Jason Fitzsimons Last season: Group stage Prediction: Group stage SHERCOCK Searcóg Shercock have put a lot of work into their underage structures in recent seasons and it is beginning to bear fruit. They have plenty of young talent and will be hot favourites to top Group 3 ahead of Maghera and Templeport. Given the right draw at the last eight stage, there is no reason why the O'Hagan Park crew couldn't make the semis or even the final, especially with the advantage of playing Division Two league football. Manager: Jody Clarke Star player: Michael Reilly One to watch: Shane Clarke Last season: Semi-final Prediction: Semi-final ARVA Armhach Arva started the league very well but have suffered a few defeats since. With a nice balance to their squad and a lot of support, the Longford-Leitrim border side could launch a decent championship campaign, beginning with a winnable group containign Kildallan, Mountnugent and Corlough. Manager: Gabriel Keogan Star player: Dermot McGlade One to watch: Kevin Bouchier Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Quarter-final CORLOUGH Cor Loch Corlough are a club on the up, with fantastic new facilities and a team heading in the right direction. They have now won five successive matches in Division Three and will be expecting a decent championship run. Manager: Ken McPartland Star player: Brendan McGovern One to watch: Barry Wright Last season: Group stage Prediction: Quarter-final SHANNON GAELS Gaeil an Sionnaine One of the real success stories in club football, Shannon Gaels are producing fine footballers at all levels. They've had three county minors in the past two years, all of them impressing at that level, and look like a coming force. Having reached a couple of finals, however, they need to make the push on to the next level as soon as possible. They have conceded an average of less than 0-6 per match, which is impressive by any standards, in reaching the summit of Division Three and if they can keep that form going, they'll be hard to stop. Manager: Eugene Walsh Star player: Eamon Reilly One to watch: PP O'Hara Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Champions swanlinbar An Muileann Iarann Swad, on paper, have one of the best panels outside of senior football, with the Cunningham brothers, Robbie Prior and Kevin Brennan superb at this level. Missing from that list is Gearoid McKiernan - the man tipped by many as a future Cavan midfielder is spending the summer in the US but demonstrated his worth by scoring 3-5 in his final league game before departing. If they are still in the race when he returns, the big 20-year-old could be the difference. Manager: John Joe Stewart Star player: Michael Cunningham One to watch: Chris Curran Last season: Finalists Prediction: Runners-up TEMPLEPORT Teampall and Phoirt Ciaran McManus, a terrific scoring forward, has been a loss for Templeport due to injury but the St Aidan's will be quietly hopeful of a good championship run. They should come through their group (they are in with Maghera and Shercock) and although league performances haven't set the world alight (four wins from 13 matches), there is a feel-good factor in the club with the opening of new facilities and underage success, and they could make the last four. Manager: Mickey Dolan Star player: Lasse Moregenroth One to watch: Seamus McWeeney Last season: Quarter-final Prediction: Quarter-final