GROUP B

Clan Na Gael

Manager: Mark McCann Go-to-guy: Conall McKeever Group rivals: St Bride’s & Mattock Rangers 2017: Beaten finalists Last 3 (Div 1): W - Dundalk Gaels 1-9 : 0-9 W - St Mary’s 2-16 : 2-8 L - Cooley Kickhams 0-21 : 2-12 Verdict: After losing yet another IFC final in 2017 this is the group they did not want down as the prospect of an early exit is all too real, which is exactly what happened in 2016. Form has been solid but first game will be absolutely crucial.

St Bride’s

Manager: Pearse Murphy / Paul Kirk Go-to-guy: Emmet Kirk Group rivals: Clan Na Gael & Mattock Rangers 2017: Quarter-final Last 3 (Div 1): W - Sean O’Mahony’s 2-8 : 1-9 L - Cooley Kickhams 0-14 : 1-9 W - St Patrick’s 1-12 : 1-11 Verdict: Struggled initially in Division 1 after winning promotion last year, but warmed to the task and secured their status with a game to spare. That relieves a lot of pressure but this is a nightmare draw and they could be the odd ones out this time around.

Mattock Rangers

Manager: John Kennedy Go-to-guy: David Reid Group rivals: Clan Na Gael & St Bride’s 2017: Semi-final Last 3 (Div 1): W - Newtown Blues 0-11: 0-4 L - Dreadnots 4-15 : 3-11 D - Dundalk Gaels 1-8 : 0-11 Verdict: Will be very wary of their Division 1 rivals, but have shown the best form of the three, securing an O’Donnell Cup semi-final spot with a game to spare. Should progress, but whoever comes with them will still be a major threat along with Cooley Kickhams.