(2.0 UNLESS STATED)

Offaly v Wexford, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, N Ward (Westmeath) Kerry native Stephen Wallace takes charge of the Offaly men and comes with a strong CV, having guided the Kingdom to an All-Ireland junior title and Ardfert to a club intermediate All-Ireland. There’s a new face in charge of Wexford too with former Kildare footballer Paul McLoughlin taking over.

Verdict: Offaly

Louth v Longford, Darver, P Coyle (Meath) Denis Connerton returns as Longford manager for the third successive season but he won’t be able to call on Dermot Brady who hangs up his boots after 17 seasons. Louth will also have their first run-out under Pete McGrath.

Verdict: Louth

Wicklow v Carlow, Bray, J King (Dublin) Carlow surely bounce into a season with as much optimism as at any stage in recent years after Turlough O’Brien’s men enjoyed an extended summer in 2017. Their new season starts with a trip to Wicklow who have recruited John Evans to their cause. The Kerryman has a track record of bringing sides through the divisions and it will be interesting to see if he can repeat the trick.

Verdict: Carlow

Westmeath v Laois, TEG Cusack Park, P Maguire (Longford) Two more Leinster sides with new management. Westmeath opted for former Louth manager Colin Kelly to take charge of their promising side while Kerry-born but Portlaoise-based John Sugrue is at the helm for Laois, and he is boosted by the expected availability of Ross Munnelly for the new campaign.

Verdict: Westmeath McGRATH CUP CLARE v WATERFORD, MEELICK, P O’DRISCOLL (CORK) Colm Collins is back in charge of the Banner once more and his first task will be to find a replacement for the recentlyretired goalkeeper Joe Hayes. Tom McGlinchey is at the helm of Waterford again after they almost humbled Cork in the championship last year.

Verdict: Clare WALSH CUP ROUND 1 Carlow v Wicklow ‘A’, Netwatch Cullen Park, P Burke (Kilkenny) Wicklow will enter two teams in the preseason competitions this time around with Seamus Murphy also putting a side in the Kehoe Cup.

Verdict: Carlow

Kildare v Laois, Hawkfield, G Quilty (Kilkenny) Joe Quaid has a little bit of rebuilding to do in Kildare with the likes of David Reidy back with the Limerick set-up, but he can still pull from a 42-strong panel. Eamonn Kelly is in charge of Laois once more.

Verdict: Kildare

Meath v Antrim, Trim, A Devine (Westmeath) Meath are boosted by the return of Christy Ring Cup-winning captain James Toher after he spent a year with the footballers.

Verdict: Antrim

Offaly v Westmeath, Banagher, K Brady (Louth) Kevin Martin admits he faces a huge challenge to rebuild confidence in Offaly but the early signs are positive with some high-profile players committed to the new set-up. Michael Ryan is in charge of the Westmeath hurlers once more.

Verdict: Offaly MUNSTER SHL Clare v Kerry, Sixmilebridge, J Murphy (Limerick) Clare have included Shane O’Donnell in their side for the first outing of the new season against Fintan O’Connor’s Kerry.

Verdict: Clare Cork v Limerick, Mallow, 5.0, P Kelly (Tipperary) John Meyler takes charge for the first time since he was appointed as Kieran Kingston’s replacement. Kevin Downes in back in the mix for Limerick after his cruciate injury.

Verdict: Cork KEHOE CUP Longford v Louth, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, K Dooley (Offaly) Verdict: Longford TOMORROW KEHOE CUP Wicklow ‘B’ v DCU-St Patrick’s, Kilcoole, K Jones (Kildare) Verdict: Wicklow