1. KILKENNY (no change)

How will the Cats cope with the absence of JJ Delaney, Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan, Henry Shefflin, Aidan Fogarty and David Herity? That's the big question on everyones lips as we count down the days to their Leinster SHC opener on Sunday, June 21st. They diced with relegation in Division 1A but expect Brian Cody to have them purring when they start out on their quest for a 36th All-Ireland success.

2. TIPPERARY (no change)

Last year's defeated finalists have plenty to prove in the months ahead. Eamon O'Shea's charges restored pride in the jersey in last year's All-Ireland final draw and replay but their recent league semi-final exit to Waterford was a set-back. They await the winners of Clare and Limerick in the Munster SHC semi-final on Sunday, June 21st.

3. WATERFORD (up 6)

The form team in the country at the moment. The Deise celebrated a third league title success following their win over Cork last Sunday and, on the back of their much talked about defensive gameplan, they have developed a winning habit which sets them up nicely for the championship. Derek McGrath has a nice blend of young and experienced players at his disposal.

4. CORK (no change)

Cork's players have a lot of soul searching to do following their lack-lustre showing against Waterford in Semple Stadium. Describing the 0-17 to 1-24 defeat as a 'rap on the knuckles', Jimmy Barry-Murphy, and Rebel supporters, will demand a major improvement when they renew acquaintances with the Deise in Thurles on Sunday, June 7th.

5. LIMERICK (down two)

The Shannonsiders failed to build on last year's spirited All-Ireland SHC semi-final showing against Kilkenny in Division 1B. TJ Ryan's men finished in the silver medal position in the table and were left to rue a shock defeat at the hands of Offaly. David Breen (ankle) is an injury concern ahead of their Munster SHC clash against Clare on May 24 but, on a more positive note, All-Star defender Seamus Hickey and Kevin Downes should be both fit to start.

6. CLARE (no change)

Clare have made the headlines for all the wrong reasons so far this year and their off-field woes were compounded when they suffered the ignominy of relegation to Division 1B. They didn't go down without a fight, however, and manager Davy Fitzgerald will have been greatly encouraged by that fact. They will be men on a mission come championship time.

7. GALWAY (no change)

It's a make or break year for Anthony Cunningham as Galway manager and their league form, they won two of their five games, suggests he has a lot of work to do to mould the Connacht outfit into genuine All-Ireland contenders. Their cause will be helped by the return of the experienced Niall Healy who missed last season because of a cruciate ligament injury.

8. DUBLIN (no change)

Ger Cunningham's rein as Dublin senior hurling supremo got off to a promising start and the Metropolitans can be relatively pleased with their run to the semi-final stages of the league. They will be hoping for a massive improvement on last year's championship showing when they get underway against Galway on Sunday, May 31st.

9. WEXFORD (down 4)

Liam Dunne's side played second fiddle to neighbours Waterford when promotion to Division 1A was at stake. In the Leinster SHC, the Model County are waiting to see who finishes as runners-up in the round-robin series. Talented young forward Jack Guiney is on record as saying they don't want to be remembered as a 'flash in the pan' following last year's championship heroics against Waterford and Clare.

10. OFFALY (up 1)

There was evidence of green shoots of recovery in Offaly's Division 1B displays. The Brian Whelahan coached team's highlight was the 1-21 to 0-21 round 4 victory over Limerick. They can look forward to their championship opener against the winners of the round-robin series with confidence.

11. ANTRIM (up 1)

The Saffrons deserve enormous credit for the manner in which they bounced back from the embarrassment of relegation from Division 1B. Their last gasp Leinster SHC victory over Laois last Sunday was badly needed and they approach this weekend's fixture against Westmeath with a pep in their step.

12. LAOIS (down 2)

Seamus 'Cheddar' Plunkett must rally his troops after they conceded an injury-time penalty in the 3-22 to 5-17 defeat to Antrim in Ballycastle. The O'Moore County can't afford another slip up as they chase a top two finish in the round-robin series.

13. KERRY (up 1)

The Kingdom will be mixing it with the big boys in Division 1B next year following their memorable relegation/promotion play-off victory over Antrim. Eamonn Kelly and his players enjoyed a 2-17 to 2-10 victory over Down in their Christy Ring opener last weekend.

14. WESTMEATH (up 2)

Goals from Alan Devine and Brendan Murtagh helped the Lake County shade a close Leinster SHC encounter against Carlow on a scoreline of 2-19 to 2-17 last Sunday. Afterwards, Michael Ryan declared he was "delighted to win the game".

15. CARLOW (down 2)

Despite the defeat to Westmeath, Carlow manager Pat English was satisfied with the effort of his players but the odds are now very much stacked against them finishing in the top two.

16. DERRY (no change)

The Oak Leafers finished in fourth place in the Division 2A table and scored a narrow 0-13 to 0-11 Christy Ring Cup first round victory over Mayo at Owenbeg last Saturday.

17. LONDON (no change)

The Exiles must travel to Newbridge to take on holders Kildare for the second time in a week on Saturday in the Christy Ring Cup after the sides played out a draw after extra-time last weekend.

18. KILDARE (no change)

Brian Lawlor's men secured league honours earlier on in the year and will fancy their chances of getting the better of London on home soil.

19. MEATH (up 2)

Wicklow were no match for the Royals in the first round of the Christy Ring Cup with the hosts running out convincing 1-21 to 1-5 winners.

20. DOWN (no change)

Down lost out by seven points to hot favourites Kerry in Austin Stack Park and the Michael Johnston coached outfit will be seeking an improvement against Wicklow this Saturday.

21. WICKLOW (down 2)

The Garden County make the long trip to Ballycran this weekend hoping to get the 16-point loss to Meath out of their system.

22. MAYO (no change)

The Connacht outfit gave a good account of themselves against Derry but it proved to be of no avail as they came away empty-handed from Owenbeg.

23. ARMAGH (no change)

The Orchard County's bid for an immediate return to the Christy Ring Cup got off to a promising start with a five point Nicky Rackard Cup victory over neighbours Louth at the Athletic Grounds.

24. TYRONE (up 1)

The Red Hands inflicted a 1-12 to 0-11 defeat on Donegal in the Nicky Rackard Cup last Saturday.

25. MONAGHAN (up 3)

Monaghan won three and drew two games in Division 3A and carried their good form into the Nicky Rackard Cup with a 12-point victory over Longford.

26. DONEGAL (no change)

Donegal have made steady progress under Ray Durack but, once again, Tyrone proved to be a thorn in their side last weekend.

27. ROSCOMMON (no change)

A return of 1-6 from Jerry Fallon boosted the Rossies to a 3-12 to 0-9 Nicky Rackard Cup victory over Fingal.

28. FINGAL (down 4)

The Dublin outfit will be hoping to make up for their opening round loss when they take on Louth in Dowdallshill on Saturday.

29. LOUTH (up 2)

The Wee County and Fingal couldn't be separated when the sides last met in round 5 of Division 3A last March.

30. LONGFORD (no change)

The midlanders shipped four goals against Monaghan last weekend and will entertain Donegal at home this Saturday.

31. FERMANAGH (down 2)

The Ernesiders will be hoping to make it two wins from as many outings in the Lory Meagher Cup when they take on Lancashire this Saturday.

32. SLIGO (up 2)

The Yeats County secured the Connacht bragging rights with a 4-16 to 2-12 success over Leitrim last Saturday.

33. WARWICKSHIRE (no change)

The Exiles fell to a eight point defeat against Fermanagh in round 1 of the Lory Meagher Cup.

34. LEITRIM (down 2)

Leitrim will be aiming to make amends against Warwickshire this weekend.

35. LANCASHIRE (no change)

Lancashire make their debut in the Lory Meagher Cup against Fermanagh in Pairc na hEireann.

Tweet

Most Read Stories