​Armagh hoping to bounce back to Division 1

ARMAGH

Manager: Kieran McGeeney

2023: Division 1 – Seventh

Having dined at the top table for three years, Armagh won’t want to spend too long in the second tier.

However, things didn't go as planned last season, and following one-score defeats against Roscommon, Kerry, Galway and Tyrone, Armagh were relegated and must begin the process of fighting their way back up.

The Orchard County are without goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty and defender James Morgan through injury, but they are boosted by the return of some key players who missed time last year including Tiernan Kelly, Niall Grimley, Mark Shields and Ciaron O'Hanlon.

They are especially boosted by the return of Oisin O'Neill, who played his first competitive fixture for Armagh since April 2022, when he starred with 0-7 in their Dr McKenna Cup win over Tyrone earlier this month. O'Neill won the Armagh Senior Club Player of the Year for 2023 for his exploits with Crossmaglen, and he will be a huge addition to Kieran McGeeney's panel.

Armagh used 38 different players in the McKenna Cup and young talents such as Sean Conlon and Peter McGrane will be hopeful that their positive displays will earn them more playing time during the league campaign.

Verdict: Armagh will be hoping to make a swift return back to Division 1.

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CAVAN

Manager: Raymond Galligan

2023: Division 3 – Winners

Cavan are under new management in ex-goalkeeper Raymond Galligan, and he will be hoping to pick up where Mickey Graham left off, and steer his county to safety.

The Breffni County had a stellar league campaign last year, as they finished second in Division 3 with five wins from seven, before winning the title in Croke Park.

In the Championship, Cavan have played Tailteann Cup football in the last two years, so they will be hopeful of consolidating a place in the All-Ireland Championship.

Verdict: Cavan's priority will be staying up, but they will provide a tough test for every team they play.

CORK

Manager: John Cleary

2023: Division 2 – Fourth

Traditionally one of the heavyweights, Cork haven’t played in Division 1 since 2016, so will be desperate to get back there with promotion this season.

Last year they finished mid-table in Division 2, but a strong Championship campaign in which they defeated Mayo and Roscommon en route to reaching the last eight left fans of the Rebels optimistic for 2024.

It remains to be seen how much one can read into pre-season games, but a very strong showing in the McGrath Cup sets Cork up well to hit the ground running in their league campaign.

Verdict: Cork are the most likely team to usurp favourites Armagh and Donegal in the promotion hunt, but will probably fall short in third place.

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DONEGAL

Manager: Jim McGuinness

2023: Division 1 – Eighth

After a tumultuous 2023, Donegal were given a shot in the arm with the news that their 2012 All-Ireland winning manager Jim McGuiness has returned to manage his native county once again.

The Tír Chonaill County saw their best ever player Michael Murphy retire, were relegated from Division 1 and dispatched in Ulster by Down in a difficult season last year, but McGuinness comes with a high reputation and is expected to turn things around.

They still boast plenty of quality with players like Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen, Caolan McGonagle and more, and will be hard to stop from getting promoted.

Verdict: Donegal will be expected to push for promotion.

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FERMANAGH

Manager: Kieran Donnelly

2023: Division 3 – Runners-up

After three years in Division 3, Fermanagh were promoted last year and will be hopeful of staying in the second tier.

Manager Kieran Donnelly has done well with the squad at his disposal, but a heavy defeat to Derry in Ulster last year showed that they have a lot of work to do before they can compete with the top sides.

Verdict: Fermanagh will be fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.

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KILDARE

Manager: Glenn Ryan

2023: Division 2 – fifth

Kildare played in Division 1 as recently as 2022 and boast quality forwards such as Daniel Flynn and Jimmy Hyland, but they may just fall short against the teams at the top end of Division 2.

Glenn Ryan’s men finished in mid-table in Division 2 last season, before they gave Dublin a fright in Leinster losing by two points, showing that they can compete with anybody when they’re on their game.

Verdict: One of the Division's stronger teams, Kildare could make a push for promotion but will likely finish mid-table.

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LOUTH

Manager: Ger Brennan

2023: Division 2 – Third

Louth were one of the surprise stories of the league last year, as they came up from Division 3 and having won four of their first six games, they were in the hunt for promotion heading into the final round of games, but just missed out.

However, it's a new era for Louth, with Mickey Harte departing for Derry. New manager Ger Brennan will be hopeful of picking up from where Harte left off, but on paper Louth may have the weakest squad in the division.

Verdict: Last year's success will be difficult to replicate and Louth are expected to struggle.

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MEATH

Manager: Colm O'Rourke

2023: Division 2 – Sixth

Heading into their fourth straight year of Division 2 football, Meath will be hopeful that last year’s Tailteann Cup win serves as a catalyst for a strong 2024 season.

All-Ireland Championship football is already secured which may take some of the pressure off them heading into the league this year, and whilst they aren’t a bad side, there may be four or five better teams than them in the division.

Verdict: A mid-table finish seems most likely for the Royal County.

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