Senior Brownstown: The record title holders have fallen on lean times in recent years with last season's crushing quarter-final defeat to Lough Lene Gaels demonstrating the gap that now exists between them and the main contenders. They managed just win from their four championship outings last year and that was against a Cullion team that was subsequently relegated. Brownstown do have a number of players coming through the ranks at present and given that the draw has been kind to them, they could be looking at a quarter-final spot again this year. Castlepollard: After beating Lough Lene Gaels, Clonkill and Raharney in the group stages, few would have backed against 'Pollard winning last year's championship. But their dreams of marking their centenary year with an Examiner Cup success were dashed by the Gaels in the semi-final. John Davis' men put in a huge effort last year and it will interesting to see if they have anything left in the tank this year. They are badly in need of some blood, but even allowing for this, you wouldn't bet against them featuring at the business end of the championship again. Castletown-Geoghegan: The sympathy of the county was with the black and ambers after they had the Examiner Cup snatched from their grasp by Lough Lene Gaels last year. The question now is how will they response to that traumatic loss? Will we see a more determined Castletown in 2003, or could it be that they won't have recovered from last year's disappointment? Despite the events of last September, Castletown have a lot to be upbeat about with the successes at minor and under 16 level undoubtedly adding to their options. Good enough to top the weaker of the two groups and to end their 13-year championship famine. Clonkill: Never quite managed to rediscover the form last year which swept them to outright success in 2001. They came through a tricky quarter-final against St. Oliver Plunkett's before succumbing to Castletown-Geoghegan's four-goal blast at the penultimate stage. On the plus side, Clonkill enjoyed a remarkable year at underage level, winning no fewer than six championships, including an under 21 title. The green and golds have never had so much young talent at their disposal and team manager Pat O'Toole will have his sights fixed on regaining the Examiner Cup this year. Lough Lene Gaels: Just when it seemed their best days were behind them, the Gaels regained the top prize in stunning fashion last year. Their amazing county final victory over Castletown proved once again why they can never be written off. The Gaels have now won five of the last seven championships on offer and have only once failed to reach a county decider (2001) in that time. That is remarkable consistency by any standards and there is nothing to suggest that they won't be back in the showpiece game again next September. The effects of wear and tear is likely to be their biggest enemy, though. Raharney: The Deelsiders just about retained their senior status by virtue of their relegation play-off victory over Cullion after a replay. These are difficult times for Raharney, with no senior championship success since 1994. They have produced a number of talented underage teams in recent years and, while the favourable draw should see them remain a top flight side, they still have a long way to go before they can consider themselves serious championship contenders again. Ringtown: The Whitehall-based outfit lived up to expectations last year by winning the intermediate championship, albeit after a replay against Crookedwood. Encouragingly, a number of the successful minors from 1999 figured in the triumph and they will be expected to take on even greater responsibility in the coming season. Consolidation is likely to be the height of Ringtown's ambitions this year and there can be no excuses if they can't achieve this operating from the weaker of the two championship groups. St. Oliver Plunkett's: After garnering a hatful of titles in 2001, last year turned out to be an annus horribilus for Plunkett's with the untimely death of club chairman Ben Kelly overshadowing events on the playing field. For once, the Plunkett's silverware cabinet was empty at the end of last year, though they did contest the minor final. At senior level, the Mullingar oufit reached the quarter-final where they succumbed rather tamely to Clonkill. A club of enormous potential, they should be pushing Castletown hard for top spot in a group that also contains Ringtown and Raharney. Intermediate Crookedwood: The 'Wood showed a big improvement last year, winning the Intermediate Cup and only losing to Ringtown in the championship final after a replay. Their excellent work at underage level appears to be paying off and they won't be too far away from an intermediate title this year. Cullion: After scaling the dizzy heights of a first ever senior final appearance in 2001, Cullion must start from scratch in the intermediate grade this year. Could find it difficult to motivate themselves, but if they can get a few wins under their belts, they won't be easily stopped. Delvin: Despite a morale-boosting win over eventual winners Ringtown in the opening round, Delvin failed to qualify for the semi-finals last year. On paper, they have the players to rid themselves of their underachieving tag, but it won't be easy. Lough Lene Gaels: The surprise packets of the 2001 championship when they reached the semi-final, the Gaels failed to make the cut last year. Similar to Mullingar Shamrocks, Athlone and St. Loman's in football, their progress will depend of the number of players available to them. St. Brigid's: Disappointing campaign last year, but at least there was the consolation of championship successes at under 21 and under 16 level. Obviously not lacking in young talent, it could be a year too soon for them to rejoin the senior ranks. Southern Gaels: Completed a hat-trick of junior 'B' successes last year and also made a return to winning ways at underage level. But still no sign of a breakthrough at intermediate level with Crookedwood ending their interests at the semi-final stage. Should be contenders nevertheless this year. Turin: The surprise packets of last year's championship, reaching the semi-finals after failing to win a game in 2001. Have improved considerably under former Clonkill and Westmeath corner back Mick Murtagh and will be hoping to maintain that progress this year. Predictions Senior: Lough Lene Gaels, Castletown-Geoghegan, Clonkill and Castlepollard are definite contenders. Of the rest, St. Oliver Plunkett's possess the most potential. Intermediate: Likely to be a very keenly contested championship with Cullion, Crookedwood, Turin and Southern Gaels all in the reckoning. Tweet

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