Hot on their heels are familiar contenders like Salthill-Knocknacarra, Maigh Cuilinn, and Tuam Stars, each eager to disrupt the champions’ dominance.
Below, we break down all four groups and make some early predictions as to who might emerge from the round-robin and push toward Frank Fox glory.
Group A: Headline act in round 1
Saturday’s heavyweight clash between Salthill/Knocknacarra and Mountbellew/Moylough is the pick of the opening round games. On squad depth and quality, the city club look well placed to challenge for honours once again and will expect to hit the ground running with a plethora of county stars in their ranks including Rob Finnerty and John Maher.
Mountbellew/Moylough, on the other hand, have struggled to replicate their 2021 championship-winning form. Long-term injuries to key men like Mícheál Daly and Patrick Kelly have been significant setbacks, though the return of Eoin Finnerty from Australia is a timely boost. Still, they will need to show a level of form that has been missing for some time to trouble Salthill under new boss Fergal O’Donnell – a former Roscommon captain and joint-manager.
Elsewhere, 2024 intermediate champions St Michael’s enter with a new management setup following the departure of the steadying hand of Michael Hughes. It could take time for them to find their rhythm at this level. Oughterard, on the other hand, have shown upward momentum in recent seasons. How they adapt under new rules and new management will be closely watched, especially given their recently pragmatic playing style.
Prediction: 1. Salthill/Knocknacarra 2. Mountbellew/Moylough 3. Oughterard 4. St Michael’s
Group B: Maigh Cuilinn set the standard
Four county final appearances in five seasons underlines Maigh Cuilinn’s remarkable consistency, though consecutive losses to Corofin still sting. With Cathal Clancy continuing in the manager’s role, they look settled and strong. The presence of Seán Kelly, Peter Cooke and Dessie Conneely ensures they remain top contenders.
They open their campaign against neighbours Bearna, now managed by Cosmos Gilmore, who brings recent inter-county experience from Longford. Bearna struggled last year and were dragged into relegation; anything more than relegation playoff this season would be progress.
In the other tie, St James’, under the dual management of Darragh Leonard and Eoin Concannon, continue to produce exciting talent. The O’Neill brothers stand out, but they will be tested by a Killannin outfit who will be hoping the U-19 title in 2023 can spring them to new heights. Whoever wins here will likely provide Maigh Cuilinn with their sternest group challenge.
Prediction: 1. Maigh Cuilinn 2. St James’ 3. Killannin 4. Bearna
Group C: North Board rivalries renewed
With four North Board clubs, this group promises intensity. Tuam Stars, buoyed by a Division One league title, look well positioned under Dave Donnellan’s stewardship. The addition of Jack Grugan adds scoring power to an attack already led by the evergreen Jamie Murphy.
They will meet a young Claregalway side in round 1, guided by former Castlegar hurling boss Austin Sammon, now tasked with extracting results from a promising panel. While youth is on their side, experience might tip the balance Tuam’s way first time out.
The other clash is no less intriguing. Dunmore MacHales arguably should have beaten Maigh Cuilinn last year in Athenry, and a win there might have completely changed the complexion of their season. Annaghdown, meanwhile, may feel their best chance at silverware has passed - but with Damien Comer in form and the new rules favouring isolated full-forwards, few defenders will relish that match-up.
Prediction: 1. Tuam Stars 2. Annaghdown 3. Dunmore MacHales 4. Claregalway
Group D: Corofin the team to beat (again )
It is hard to see anything other than Corofin topping this group. Even with a change in management and Gary Delaney taking over, the five-time All-Ireland champions remain the team to beat. Any of the remaining three teams will likely be scrapping for second place.
Monivea-Abbey may be targeting damage limitation in their opening fixtures and focusing on must-win games against Milltown and Naomh Anna Leitir Móir. The latter continue to rise and can point to back-to-back league promotions as proof of progress.
Milltown, despite challenges with rural depopulation and an ageing squad, remain resilient and capable of an upset. Whoever wins between Milltown and Naomh Anna should be nicely poised to reach the knockouts making this a crunch clash from the off.
Prediction: 1. Corofin 2. Naomh Anna Leitir Móir 3. Milltown 4. Monivea-Abbey
