Anglo Printers JFC

Dowdallshill v Roche Emmets THURSDAY 8.15 CLAN NA GAEL

It would be one of the shocks of the season if Dowdallshill managed to kick off their campaign with a win here.

Roche will have designs on the going deep into the summer and they’ll be in no mood for an upset on the oening night of the 2018 Championship.

The ‘Hill will look to keep it tight for as long as possible, but Roche should start with a victory.

Verdict: Roche Emmets

Stabannon Parnells v Dundalk Young Irelands SATURDAY 6.00 THE GROVE

The favourites for Christy Bellew could have been handed easier start, but they’ll still be fancied to see off Stabannon’s challenge in Castlebellingham on Saturday.

The Dundalk men will also feel that a win here will go a long way to securing top spot in the group which could be crucial when the open draw for the quarter-finals is made.

Verdict: Dundalk Young Irelands

St Nicholas v Lannleire FRIDAY 7.00 GAELIC GROUNDS

Another one-sided contest is anticipated in Drogheda as the Nicks look to cause an massive upset against a side they actually beat in the Junior final in the ‘Noughties.

Lannleire reached the last four last season and will that this grou affords them a chance to repeat that feat this summer.

They should get journey off to a smooth start by dispatching the Nicks here.

Verdict: Lannleire

Naomh Malachi v Sean McDermotts FRIDAY 8.15 LOUTH VILLAGE

One of the harder contests in the junior grade to call this weekend as the sides would appear evenly matched on league and recent championship form.

Neither camp have genuine Christy Bellew aspirations, but this could a long way to deciding who emerges from the four-team group.

Mals are possibly in slightly better form at the moment and get a tentative nod.

Verdict: Naomh Malachi

Cuchulainn Gaels v Westerns SUNDAY 1.00 DOWDALLSHILL

Westerns may have legitimate concerns about not being properly tested in the group stages this year and what effect that might have the team come the knockout stages.

They should pass this opening test without too much fuss and they’ll also be hort favourites against Wolfe Tones in the second outing. They will certainly wnat to avoid an upset at all costs.

Verdict: O Raghallaigh’s