GROUP C

Geradlines

Manager: Wayne Callan Go-to-guy: Jim McEneaney Group rivals: St Patrick’s & Dundalk Gaels 2017: Quarter-final Last 3: L - Dreadnots 2-15 : 0-5 L - Naomh Mairtin 2-15 : 3-10 W - Sean O’Mahony’s 0-13 : 0-12 Verdict: Life after Eamon McEneaney hasn’t been easy at McGeough Park. Injuries have been less than kind to his successor Wayne Callan and they appear to be heading for at least a relegation play-off in Division 1. Fortunately for them neither of their opponents have been setting the world alight either, but they could still find this group too hot to handle.

St Patrick’s

Manager: Gerry Cumiskey Go-to-guy: Daniel O’Connor Group rivals: Geraldines & Dundalk Gaels 2017: Quarter-final Last 3: W - St Mary’s 1-12 : 0-14 L - Newtown Blues 0-16 : 1-8 W - Geraldines 1-15 : 0-6 Verdict: With Paddy Keenan, Eoin O’Connor and Owen Zamboglou missing at least the group stages and potentially the whole summer, it’s a big ask to expect the former kingpins to challenge for Joe Ward. And yet they should have what it takes to get out of this group and with a kind draw are capable of reaching the last four. By that stage would their travelling brigade return?

Dundalk Gaels

Manager: Malachy O’Rourke Go-to-guy: Gerard McSorley (right) Group rivals: Geraldines & St Patrick’s 2017: Beaten finalists Last 3 (Div 2): L - Clan Na Gael 1-9 : 0-9 L - Sean O’Mahony’s 2-4 : 0-9 D - Mattock Rangers 0-11 : 1-8 Verdict: Seeing out the remainder of 2018 is going to be a trying task for the Dundalk Gaels club in the wake of Conor Morgan’s tragic passing. Football just won’t seem quite so important this summer for a side that embarked on a fairytale ride all the way to last year’s final. If they can rekindle some of that form this group is manageable, but that will be easier said than done.