Tonight’s fixtures (8.0 unless stated) DONNCHADH BOYLE
BORD NA MÓNA O’BYRNE CUP Dublin v Offaly, Parnell Park, B Cawley (Kildare)
With the bulk of last year’s successful Dublin panel on holiday, stand-in boss Paul Clarke will once again take charge as the shadow side look to defend the O’Byrne Cup. Twelve months ago, Niall Scully staked a claim that would lead to an appearance in the All-Ireland final and Clarke will be hoping for something similar here. Stephen Wallace got his reign in Offaly off to a strong start as they hit 3-16 last weekend against Wexford.
Verdict: Dublin
Kildare v Louth, Hawkfield, F Smyth (Offaly)
Kildare showed plenty of promise in 2017 and Cian O’Neill’s side will look to build on that but will have to do so without the retired Ollie Lyons. Pete McGrath’s reign as Louth boss got off to a losing start against Longford last weekend.
Verdict: Kildare
Carlow v Meath, Netwatch Cullen Park, S Mulhare (Laois)
Turlough O’Brien and Carlow got their year off to a winning start last weekend and they face a Meath side here who have turned to David Gallagher as a goalkeeping option after both of last year’s stoppers departed the county panel.
Verdict: Meath
McKENNA CUP
Tyrone v Antrim, Athletic Grounds, E McFeely (Donegal)
All eyes will be on Tyrone to see if new forwards coach Stephen O’Neill can add a new dimension to their play. Red Hand supporters will have to travel to find out, with the game having been switched to the Athletic Grounds. Verdict: Tyrone
Cavan v St Mary’s, Kingspan Breffni Park, F Faloon (Armagh)
St Mary’s are back in action after their brilliant win in the Sigerson Cup. Mattie McGleenan is back in the Cavan hot-seat for a second season. Verdict: Cavan
Down v Armagh, Páirc Esler, S Laverty (Antrim)
Down were one of the surprise packets of last season and are boosted by the return of Niall Madine to the set-up. Armagh and Kieran McGeeney are set to be without the likes of Oisin O’Neill, Jamie Clarke and Stefan Campbell for the new year.
Verdict: Down
Derry v UUJ, Owenbeg, C Mooney (Down)
Damian McErlain takes charge of Derry but will be without the Slaughtneil contingent for the early part of the season.
Verdict: Derry
Donegal v Queen’s, Ballybofey, J Lewis (Fermanagh)
Declan Bonner gets his reign as Donegal manager under way but he has already indicated that the likes of Neil McGee and Michael Murphy will be given an extended break. Verdict: Donegal
Fermanagh v Monaghan, Brewster Park, S Hurson (Tyrone)
Rory Gallagher starts his Fermanagh reign against his county man Malachy O’Rourke who is in charge of the Farney men for a sixth season. Verdict: Fermanagh
WALSH CUP Laois v Kilkenny, O’Moore Park, 7.0, J Heffernan (Wexford)
Kilkenny start life after Michael Fennelly as Brian Cody faces into his 20th season in charge. Verdict: Kilkenny
Wexford v Carlow, Hollymount, J O’Brien (Laois)
All eyes will be on Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford to see if he can build on the promise of 2017.
Verdict: Wexford
Meath v Dublin, Abbotstown,
D Hughes (Carlow)
A meeting of old rivals but all the interest here comes from the fact that former football manager Pat Gilroy (left) takes charge of the Dublin hurlers for the first time against a Meath side who saw off Antrim last weekend.
Verdict: Dublin
CONNACHT FBD FL Sligo v Galway, Tourlestane, 7.0
Galway have mixed youth with inexperience in their first team of the New Year with Sean Andy Ó Ceallaigh, who impressed in the AllIreland U-21 final defeat to Dublin last year, named at full-back. Sligo start life under Cathal Corey.
Verdict: Galway
Leitrim v Roscommon, Leitrim Centre of Excellence, 7.0
Connacht champions Roscommon are boosted by the return of the likes of Cathal Cregg, Niall Daly, Ronan Daly and Conor Daly to the panel. Leitrim have Brendan Guckian in charge once more.
Verdict: Roscommon