Who will be celebrating football championship glory this year? Here, we examine the credentials of each team. Senior Athlone: While defeat was their lot in last year's county final replay, the Shannonsiders could still reflect on what was their most successful year since 1999. They came through the group stages unbeaten and were impressive semi-final winners over Coralstown/Kinnegad. However, they were always struggling to stay apace with a resurgent The Downs in the drawn and replayed finals. With Dubliner John Foley committed to the club for another year, Athlone will have their sights set on going the full distance this season. Playing their league football in Division 2 is a big drawback, but Athlone have always been a championship team and are capable of making amends for last year's disappointment. Ballymore: Bearing in mind that the last time they were a senior club they were relegated after just one season, Ballymore's priority for 2004 will be to consolidate their senior status. Few gave them a chance of winning last year's intermediate championship, but their tremendous battling qualities saw them defeat a fancied Rosemount in the final. There are no easy games in Ballymore's group and they couldn't have asked for a tougher opener against county champions The Downs. Ballymore will battle to the last, but whether or not they will have enough quality to stay up remains to be seen. Castledaly: After a memorable 2002 in which they qualified for their first ever senior final, Castledaly failed to live up to expectations last year, exiting the championship race at the group stages. They recorded victories over St. Mary's and St. Malachy's, but neither win was achieved with much conviction. This year, the south county outfit - under the tutelage of former Offaly star Vincent Henry - will be keen to prove that 2002 wasn't a flash in the pan and that they have what it takes to challenge for the big prize. The Downs and Athlone will be the two fancied sides in their division, which means that Castledaly may have to slug it out with Coralstown/Kinnegad and St. Loman's for the third spot. Coralstown/Kinnegad: Went through the group stages unbeaten last season before succumbing rather tamely to Athlone in the semi-final. However, the year still had a silver lining for Coralstown/Kinnegad who captured the Feis Cup and under 21 'B' titles. The Meath-border outfit have been in transition for the past number of years and with young players such as Eamonn Fleming, Niall Kilmartin, Enda Leonard and Fergal Dardis showing great promise, they could be about to challenge for Flanagan Cup honours again. But the championship draw hasn't been kind this year and they'll have to work extra hard to reach the knock-out stages. Garrycastle: The Athlone club's bid for a three in-a-row of county titles ended with an abysmal performance against Mullingar Shamrocks in last year's quarter-final. Without key players such as Dessie and Gary Dolan, Seanie Donoghue and Padraig Rattigan, they were only a pale shadow of their former selves and Shamrocks took full advantage. Ominously for their rivals, though, Garrycastle are expected to be back to full strength this year, while manager Martin McCabe has added former Mayo goalkeeper John Madden to his backroom team. The green and reds finished last season on a high by retaining their league title and are sure to have a major say in the destination of this year's championship. Moate All-Whites: So poor has Moate's form been in recent championships that they have failed to progress beyond the group stages since lifting the Flanagan Cup in 1997. A severe shortage of young talent has meant that they have struggled in recent seasons and all the indications are that they are in for another difficult year. Last year, Moate were in danger of being involved in another relegation play-off until they pulled off a surprise victory against Garrycastle. But since then, their scorer-in-chief Ger Heavin has transferred to Sligo outfit St. Mary's and there are major question marks about John Murray's fitness. They need to take points from their games against St. Malachy's and Tubberclair if they are to steer clear of the 'drop zone'. Mullingar Shamrocks: Last year's semi-final defeat to The Downs still rankles with the Shamrocks faithful. After coasting to victory over Garrycastle in the quarter-final, they entered the tie as favourites, but were well beaten by the more purposeful black and ambers. Shamrocks are going through a transitional phase at present and new manager Sean Finnegan is likely to blood a number of youngsters, including some of last year's successful minors, in the coming season. The club's appearance in last year's junior final reflects its strength in depth and it is hard not to see them figuring at the business-end of the championship again. St. Loman's, Mullingar: After two relatively successful years under PJ Carroll, St. Loman's took a major step backwards last year, losing three of their five group matches. But for a victory over Tyrrellspass in their final game, they would have faced the prospect of a relegation play-off. On the plus side, Loman's finally got their hands on the under 21 'premier' championship title after staging an incredible comeback against Tubberclair in the final. The success was an important breakthrough and should ensure that Loman's enter the 2004 championship in a confident frame of mind. Should make the knock-out stages, despite being drawn in a tough group. St. Malachy's: The 2001 intermediate champions comfortably consolidated their position in the senior ranks last year with a victory over St. Mary's and draws against Mullingar Shamrocks and Tubberclair. They were also unlucky to lose to Castledaly. Given the strength of hurling in the area, St. Malachy's have done remarkably well to get to the position they are now in. They have some exceptional young players among their ranks and will feel reasonably confident of beating Moate All-Whites and Tubberclair in this year's championship. But a place in the knock-out stages would appear to be beyond them. The Downs: After years out of the limelight, The Downs reclaimed their place as the top club in the county last year with an unexpected success. Few could argue that they weren't deserving champions after a campaign which saw them chalk up six victories and two draws. Despite their impressive form, they entered the county final against Athlone as underdogs, but over the two games, were clearly the better side. The black and ambers' success was built on their unrivalled fitness and wonderful work ethic. For this, team trainer Ray Smyth deserves a lot of credit. They will fight tooth and nail to hold onto their crown in the coming season, but the fact that they have lost the element of surprise will make their task all the more difficult. Tubberclair: Despite being one of the youngest and most promising teams in the county, Tubberclair surpassed most people's expectations last year by reaching the quarter-final in what was their first season back in the top flight. They also captured the Division 2 league title and were desperately unlucky to lose the under 21 'premier' championship final to St. Loman's. Once again, the draw has been kind to Danny Sammon's charges and they will fancy their chances of joining Garrycastle and Mullingar Shamrocks in the knock-out stages. However, Tyrrellspass might have something to say about that. Tyrrellspass: Touted as potential champions at the outset of the year, Tyrrellspass finished bottom of their group and only retained their senior status by virtue of a relegation play-off victory over neighbours St. Mary's. It was a situation the 'Tidy Town' should never have found themselves in given the talent they have at their disposal. While many of their key players are pushing on, it would be foolish to write off Tyrrellspass' chances this year. The Glennon brothers, Denis and David, are capable of tormenting the strongest of defences, while a fully fit Martin Flanagan can be unstoppable at this level. After last year's slump, Tyrrellspass will feel they have a point to prove and they could be dark horses for the championship. Intermediate Ballinagore: Were never at the races in last year's championship, despite beating Caulry and Mullingar Shamrocks. Matters were compounded when they lost their Division 2 league status. The Brosnasiders are currently rebuilding under manager Liam McDaniel and it will take time and patience for them to become a force again. Ballynacargy: Relegated from the senior ranks at the end of 2002, 'Bal' were expected to mount a serious challenge for intermediate honours last year. But they struggled to find their form and failed to make the knock-out stages. Don't appear to be as strong as they were in the late 1990s, but are still capable of beating any intermediate team on their day. Bunbrosna: Gave a good account of themselves last year and would have reached the knock-out stages but for a costly defeat to Milltownpass. The Longford-border outfit are improving all the time and with Cormac McCormack and Peter Tormey both available to them this year, they could be dark horses. Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall: Took two steps backwards last year after making great progress in 2002. Finea have the potential to bounce back in the coming season, but a far greater effort will be required from everyone. Daniel McDermott's return after a lengthy injury lay-off is a big boost, but should the Castlepollard hurlers have another successful year, it could spell more trouble for Jim Mahon's charges. Caulry: Managed just one win from seven outings on their return to the intermediate ranks last year, though had the consolation of capturing the junior 'B' title. The Mount Temple men were badly hit by summer emigration last year and if they're to make an impact in the coming year, they'll need to keep their best players at home. Kilbeggan Shamrocks: Despite winning Division 3 of the All-County League, 2003 will be remembered as a disappointing year for the maroon and whites whose championship interests were ended by Ballymore. But with former Westmeath and Cavan manager Mattie Kerrigan now at the helm, Kilbeggan will be expected to make a bold bid for championship honours in the season ahead. Killucan: Under the guidance of former Railway Cup player Dermot Brady, Killucan qualified for the knock-out stages without too much bother last year before losing to eventual intermediate winners Ballymore by a point in the quarter-final. With players of the calibre of Padraig Leavy and John Shaw in their ranks, they should be good enough to reach the knock-out stages again. Maryland: Showed a welcome return to form last year, beating teams such as Kilbeggan and Milltownpass en route to a semi-final defeat to Rosemount. The Drumraney men will fancy their chances of making an even bigger impact in 2004, although the departure of Richie Browne to Shannonbridge will make their task more difficult. Mullingar Shamrocks: As usual, their progress will depend on the number of players available to them. Their prospects in recent years have been hindered by key players being lost to the senior team. Suffered seven straight defeats last year and could prove to be the whipping boys once again. Milltown: After much rebuilding, the Rathconrath men returned to the intermediate ranks after a memorable junior championship success last year. When Milltown were last promoted in 1996, they struggled badly, but they would appear to be better equipped for the rigours of intermediate football this time around. Milltownpass: Despite being hit by a spate of retirements in recent seasons, they reached the knock-out stages again last year where their interests were ended by Maryland. New manager Jim Whelehan has plenty of young talent to work with, but they may lack the experience to win a championship at this stage. Rosemount: Appeared to be on course for a return to the senior ranks until they came up against a battling Ballymore team in the championship decider. As a seasoned Division 1 league outfit, Rosemount should be a cut above the rest, but this hasn't proven to be the case in recent years. Need a few new faces to give them that extra push. St. Mary's, Rochfortbridge: After eight years in the senior ranks, St. Mary's are facing up to the reality of intermediate football this year. Like Rosemount, they play their league football in Division 1 but, of course, this doesn't guarantee success in the championship. However, with players of the calibre of Damien Healy, David Mitchell and Damien Gavin in their ranks, they are sure to be serious contenders. Shandonagh: Were a much-improved team last year under manager Cormac Davey, topping their group before losing to Ballymore by a point in the semi-final. Their achievement in retaining the Intermediate Cup would also suggest that they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2004. Tang: After reaching the intermediate final in 2002, the south county outfit suffered a major dip in form last year, losing four of their six group games. Need a fully-fit Paul Conway if they are to have any chance of progressing beyond the group stages in the year ahead. Junior (exclusive junior clubs only) Ballycomoyle: Were victorious in four of their eight group games last year, but still failed to make the cut for the semi-finals. However, will fancy their chances of reaching the knock-out stages this season. Delvin: Endured another difficult year in 2003, recording just one championship win at the expense of St. Fintan's/Multyfarnham. Unlikely to improve in the coming year, especially now that the hurlers are operating at senior level. Loughnavalley: Was 2001 a once-off for Loughnavalley? Supporters are entitled to ask themselves that question after another disappointing campaign last year. Will need to show a major improvement if they are to pose a threat to the stronger junior clubs. St. Fintan's/Multyfarnham: 2003 was another poor year with no wins to celebrate. Are in heavy transition at the moment and until they have a more settled side, won't make an impact. St. Joseph's: Last year's championship favourites came a cropper against Mullingar Shamrocks in the semi-final. The Streamstown/Horseleap outfit are capable of bouncing back in the coming year, but whether they have what it takes to go for the jugular is questionable. St. Paul's: Alongside St. Joseph's, they will be expected to figure at the business-end of the championship. After losing narrowly to Caulry and Milltown in the last two semi-finals, could this be the year when they secure a final berth? Predictions Senior: The Downs' surprise success last year suggests that the championship has never been so open. The black and ambers will be hard pushed to hold onto their crown with the likes of Garrycastle, Athlone, Mullingar Shamrocks and Coralstown/Kinnegad around. Intermediate: While St. Mary's and Rosemount are the joint-favourites, Kilbeggan's odds have shortened considerably following the appointment of Mattie Kerrigan as manager. Milltownpass, Shandonagh, Killucan and Ballynacargy could also have a major say. Junior: With the second and third teams of senior clubs entering this year, it would appear that the only exclusive junior clubs in with a chance of taking the silverware are St. Joseph's and St. Paul's. Tweet

Most Read Stories