The teams to beat...

One to Watch: Darren Gallagher

Prediction: Longford will not be hampered by any Mullinalaghta distractions this season. O’Byrne Cup final success has seen to that. Could be dark horses to finally push out of Division 3 after a lengthy spell.

V Louth: Round 1: Sun 26th Jan (A)

One to Watch: Conor Sweeney

Prediction: The departure of their talismanic full forward Michael Quinlavin provided a sigh of relief across the division. Tipp are not the force they once were however with successful All-Ireland minor winning manager Power back at the helm, they’ll still be a handful.

Round 2: Sun 2nd Feb

Division 4 champions last season. Yet another team that will feel they don’t belong in the lower tiers. New manager Rory Gallagher will look to that pedigree and try to grind his way out of the division with some unattractive football only he might find mid table-ness for his troubles.

V Louth: Round 4: Sun 23rd Feb (A)

Manager: Terry Hyland

Last Meeting: All-Ireland Qual 2018: Leitrim 0-25 Louth 1-12, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada

One to Watch: Donal Wyrnn

Prediction: Incredible feat for the minnows to get out of the basement division last season. Terrible early year form does not bode well for their upcoming campaign. Will need everything to go their way just to even have a chance of survival.

V Louth: Round 5: Sun 1st Mar (H)

Manager: Ronan McCarthy

Last Time: NFL 2 2018: Cork 2-11 Louth 0-10 Pairc Ui Rinn.

One to Watch: Ian Maguire

Prediction: Boasting the best panel in the division and like Longford, no club distraction with Nemo out. Cork welcome back Ciaran Sheehan in their ranks at full forward an ex AFL team mate of Ciaran Byrne. They should make their stay in the division a short one.

V Louth: Round 6: Sun 15th Mar (A)