Competitive Division 2

even that’s not certain – there are positions to be claimed on every line of the pitch.

With Ken O’Halloran having retired, Ryan Price will presumably start as the man in possession of the no.1 jersey as Mark White is still a teenager and Anthony Casey hasn’t had a chance to prove himself yet.

Conor Dorman was entrusted with the full-back role in both of the McGrath Cup wins, over Waterford and Clare, but like so many before him, he would appear to be better suited to playing out the field. James Loughrey is one of the older heads and didn’t play in pre-season but will surely be a vital defensive presence.

Of the defensive newcomers, Kevin Flahive of Douglas was very impressive, as a marauding wingback against Waterford and a stayat-home centre-back in the final. The league will be a step up and he’ll make the mistakes that young defenders do, but should be the better for it. Another worth a look is Cian Kiely of Ballincollig, who is the archetypal ‘new’ wing-back, as comfortable stroking a ball over the bar as he is at stopping attackers. Seán White and Kevin Crowley are two of the likeliest of those already there to make the step up to be regulars, once they can avoid injuries.

In attack, Cathal Vaughan is another who has been plagued with knocks and breaks, but if he can stay injury-free then he could have an impact, while Stephen Sherlock will provide a willingness to shoot that hasn’t always been apparent in Cork players.

Seán Powter was the standout against Waterford, driving forward from the number 11 berth, and one would think that only injury would shake him from that.

Mark Collins was at midfield alongside Maguire in Dungarvan and then a roving full-forward in Mallow against Clare. It’s a positive that the Castlehaven man gives management options, but he is generally best as a play-making half-forward – if one of the inside men is to float, John O’Rourke could be the best bet, having played the role well for Carbery Rangers over the past few years.

Apart from Roscommon, the other side relegated from Division 1 last year was Cavan. Injuries are piling up for the Breffni men, who face a tricky start to the league, travelling to Ennis to take on Clare.

The Banner are seventh-favourites to be promoted, but the odds of 7/2 show just how evenly rated all of the teams are. Last year, Clare doled out an eight-point defeat to Cork and beat Laois in the championship, so they are not to be taken lightly, as the McGrath Cup final proved.

Meath finished third in Division 2 last year, a point behind Kildare but with the gap having been three before the final round of games. A trip to Páirc Tailteann for Cork could have a lot riding on it.

Down are also likely to be in the mix but away form could ultimately count against them, while for Louth, promoted along with Tipperary last year, retaining status will be the primary aim but may prove to be a tall order. Then again, they could confound us all.