NFL WEEK 1

V LIMERICK

DIV 2: DERRY Today, Owenbeg, 3pm

GETTING out of Division Two is a must for Derry this year and though they are weakened by the absence of their Glen contingent, it’ll hardly hurt them too much in the early stages with their more difficult fixtures at the end of the campaign.

Limerick’s aspirations under new boss Ray Dempsey will be more modest as survival will constitute a success after two promotions in three seasons, but it’s a big ask.

VERDICT: Derry

DIV 2: DUBLIN v KILDARE

Today, Croke Park, 5pm - TG4 KILDARE’S win over Dublin in last year’s League felt like it might be a catalyst for a slight power shift in Leinster but it proved a hopeless forecast as the Dubs made light work of them yet again in the provincial final.

It may not be as straightforward for them here but it’s impossible to see anything but a comfortable Dublin win as they eye immediate promotion back to Division One.

VERDICT: Dublin

DIV 2: CORK v MEATH

Tomorrow, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 1.30pm

PLENTY of water has flown under the bridge since the

Cork-meath rivalry reached its nadir in the late 80s, though two of the protagonists from that era face off on the sideline with John Cleary and Colm O’rourke set out on their managerial reigns.

Both counties are striving to make up ground on dominant traditional powers within their own province. Cork seem further down the road. VERDICT: Cork

DIV 2: CLARE v LOUTH

Tomorrow, Cusack Park, 2pm

MICKEY HARTE was the longest-serving manager in inter-county football until he stepped down in

Tyrone, with Clare boss

Colm Collins taking the mantle from him. He is now starting out on his 10th season with Clare.

Harte has overseen successive promotions. Keeping them in Division Two is a tall order, though, and a more experienced Clare side will be a tough nut to crack away.

VERDICT: Clare

v LAOIS Tomorrow, Markievicz Pk, 2pm LAOIS are favourites to bounce straight back from relegation but it’s far from a sure thing. Sligo to send them packing. VERDICT: Sligo

4: SLIGO

v LONDON Tonight, Wexford Pk, 7pm LONDON started last year’s NFL with a flourish before tailing off but John Hegarty can get off to a winning start at home. VERDICT: Wexford

4: WEXFORD

4: CARLOW v WICKLOW Tonight, Cullen Pk, 7pm 2023 looks like a make-or-break year for Niall Carew in Carlow. Winning games like this is a must if they are to progress. VERDICT:

Carlow

4: LRITRIM v WAT’FORD Tomorrow, Car-on-shannon, 1pm 2022 was utterly forgettable for Waterford and Andy Moran’s Leitrim side look set to pile on the misery in Carrick on Shannon. VERDICT:

Leitrim