The Junior Football Championship gets underway this weekend and we assess the favourites, contenders and outsiders.
Favourites
Clonmore are the outright favourites to win the Junior Championship having already won the Division 3A title.
They were comfortable victors, wrapping up the league crown with a number of games still to play.
Ballyhegan and Collegeland, both relegated along with Clonmore last year, lead the chasing pack.
Ballyhegan finished second in the Division 3A league table, beating Collegeland on the final day of the campaign.
Collegeland won the Junior Championship back in 2019 and that experience could stand to them this summer.
Eire Og had a solid league campaign and were the first team to overcome eventual champions Clonmore.
They finished in fourth position but showed they have enough quality in their ranks to trouble the top teams.
Contenders
St Michael’s have been building nicely over the last couple of years and will be a real force if they’re at full strength.
The knockout championship done them no favours over the last few years, but they’ll be eyeing up a championship run.
Lissummon reached the Junior Championship final last season, losing out to Derrynoose in the decider.
They suffered relegation to Division 3B along with Dorsey in the league, so both will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes.
An Port Mor were crowned Division 3B league champions and that leaves them in a good place heading into the championship.
Clann Eireann IIs have a nice blend of youth and experience in their group and could be a side to cause a few upsets.
Outsiders
Clady were unfortunate to miss out on promotion to Division 3A this year, drawing with Thoams Davis on the final day when a win was required.
Still, they showed good improvement from last year and they’ll hope to nail down at least one championship win.
Killeavy IIs are guaranteed progression to the knockout stages of the competition having been drawn into the group of three.
O’Hanlon’s have made massive strides this season and like Clady, will be hoping to pick up a championship victory.
Thomas Davis and Mullabrack are both in Group A, so at least one of the teams will reach the play-offs.
