Armagh

Gaffer: Kieran McGeeney (11th season).
Captain: Aidan Forker.
MIA: A number of the All-Ireland winning starting team including Rian O’Neill are expected to be slowly introduced back into action.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Galway (a); Feb 1 Tyrone (h); Feb 16 Donegal (a); Feb 22 Mayo (h); Mar 1 Dublin (h); Mar 15 Kerry (a); Mar 23 Derry (h).
Young Ones: Mullaghbawn’s Fergal O’Brien and Silverbridge’s Seán Conlon will be aiming for breakthrough seasons in 2025.
Back with a bang: A fully-fit Ethan Rafferty should give Blaine Hughes strong competition in goals. The new rules could be right up Rafferty’s street. Ciaran Mackin and Conor O’Neill should be available again.
Talking Point: The age profile of this Armagh group is quite high and team rotation in this condensed, elite league schedule could be more significant than previous years.
Verdict: Armagh have the depth to ensure their All-Ireland hangover isn’t too heavy. A finish in the top half of the division is well within their capabilities.

Gaffer: Paddy Tally (first season).
Captain: TBC. Previously Conor Glass.
MIA: Man-marking specialist Chrissy McKaigue, at the age of 35, hung his inter-county boots in November.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Tyrone (a); Feb 2 Kerry (h); Feb 15 Galway (h); Feb 22 Dublin (a); Mar 2 Donegal (a); Mar 16 Mayo (h); Mar 23 Armagh (a).
YoungOnes: Dual star Fionn McEldowney of Slaughtneil has surely grabbed Tally’s attention but is also eligible for the U20s. After Ballinderry’s intermediate final, Ruairí Forbes could figure more for his county.
Back with a bang: Anton Tohill, son of Derry great Anthony and a former AFL prospect, has been recalled into the panel.
Talking Point: Winning last year’s title proved to be a false dawn for Derry. Will they and Odhrán Lynch be shy in attempting overloads after it bit them so hard last year?
Verdict: Derry have arguably been one of the most consistent league teams these past few years.
They won’t retain their title but they should avoid relegation bother.

Gaffer: Jim McGuinness (second season, second term).
Captain: Paddy McBrearty TBC.
MIA: All from 2024 appear to be on board but McGuinness will want to avoid the lengthy injury list he endured last spring.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Kerry (a); Feb 1 Dublin (h); Feb 16 Armagh (h); Feb 23 Galway (a); Mar 2 Derry (h); Mar 16 Tyrone (h); Mar 23 Mayo (a).
Young Ones: There is hope Naomh Conaill’s Finbarr Roarty will make a name for himself. Luke McGlynn (Glenfin) should be pushing for a regular starting place.
Back with a bang: Michael Murphy, of course. Given his hamstring nick, he might be used sparingly in the opening league outings. Eoin McHugh and Odhrán McFadden-Ferry are also back in the panel.
Talking Point: In a normal year, Donegal would be among the contenders this season but they look set to exploit the two-point rule with their abundance of fine long-range point-takers.
Verdict: Don’t be surprised if they come flying out of the traps to make sure they retain their top-flight status before tapering off before the early Ulster clash with Derry.

Galway

Gaffer: Pádraic Joyce (sixth season).
Captain: Seán Kelly TBC.
MIA: After returning to Kerry, coach Cian O’Neill is arguably the biggest loss from last year’s set-up. Former Cavan manager Mickey Graham has replaced him.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Armagh (h); Feb 2 Mayo (a); Feb 15 Derry (a); Feb 23 Donegal (h); Mar 2 Tyrone (h); Mar 15 Dublin (a); Mar 23 Kerry (h).
Young Ones: Cillian Ó Curraoin and Liam Ó Conghaile will look to build on making their championship debuts last year. Sam O’Neill is being given a chance too.
Back with a bang: Finnian Ó Laoi and James McLaughlin have rejoined the squad, Ó Laoi after he was in Australia for the past two seasons.
Talking Point: A rested Shane Walsh is good news for Galway. Kelly would also appear to have benefitted from an extended time away from the game. The All-Ireland runners-up enter the new year refreshed.
Verdict: One of the teams who won’t be distracted by their early provincial championship start. They won’t want a repeat of last spring’s injury list but can make a stab at a final place.

Mayo

Gaffer: Kevin McStay (third season).
Captain: Paddy Durcan TBC.
MIA: Cillian O’Connor’s decision to take off 2025 might suggest he was frustrated with a lack of game-time last season. The county’s all-time highest scorer will be missed. Also missing will be Pádraig O’Hora, James Carr, Michael Plunkett, Rob Hennelly, Rory Byrne, Fionn McDonagh and Aidan Orme.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Dublin (a); Feb 2 Galway (h); Feb 16 Tyrone (h); Feb 22 Armagh (a); Mar 1 Kerry (h); Mar 16 Derry (a); Mar 23 Donegal (h).
Young Ones: Jack Melvin, an U20 the last two years, and his Davitts club-mate Niall Treacy are in the squad. Rio Mortimer, son of Kenneth, will advance in the next year or two.
Back with a bang: Durcan’s cruciate ligament tear last May was a major blow. He is expected at some stage during the league.
Talking Point: Four home games for Mayo but their form in Castlebar is inconsistent. An early win or two would quieten the talk about all the players who are missing this season.
Verdict: With Tommy Conroy and Aidan O’Shea absent at least in the early games, Mayo could be facing a battle to stay in the division.

Tyrone

Gaffer: Malachy O’Rourke (first season).
Captain: TBC. Peter Harte was skipper last year.
MIA: Conor Meyler remains sidelined following Achilles and knee injuries. Seeing as he hasn’t played since 2023, his return to the field will be managed carefully.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Derry (h); Feb 1 Armagh (a); Feb 16 Mayo (a); Feb 23 Kerry (h); Mar 2 Galway (a); Mar 16 Donegal (a); Mar 23 Dublin (h).
Young Ones: U20 All-Ireland winner Eoin McElholm was the subject of attention from AFL outfit Fremantle Dockers and is a major prospect. Shea O’Hare is a star in the making too.
Back with a bang: Mark Bradley has been recalled to the panel for the first time in four years. Richie Donnelly and Rory Brennan are also involved again.
Talking Point: Tyrone have finished no higher than fourth since 2020 but just how much of their hand will they want to show in the Ulster derbies?
Verdict: The Canavans, Harte and Joe Oguz will be excused for at least the first couple of rounds. Their absence might put more of a squeeze on the new manager but he should be able to ride this first examination.

Cavan

Gaffer: Raymond Galligan (second season).
Joint-Captains: Padraig Faulkner and Ciarán Brady.
MIA: The injury-plagued Conor Brady will not wear blue in 2025.
Fixtures: Jan 25, Monaghan (h); Feb 2, Meath (a); Feb 16, Louth (h); Feb 23, Westmeath (a); Mar 1, Down (h); Mar 16, Roscommon (a); Mar 23, Cork (h).
Young Ones: 22-year-old Sean McEvoy is a former Cavan minor, U20, and Republic of Ireland underage soccer international. He’s been based in Baltimore the last three years playing Division 1 collegiate soccer for Loyola University. In 2025, he’ll be based in the Cavan dressing-room. Prior to his Baltimore chapter, he kicked 0-4 on the afternoon of Ramor’s 2021 Cavan final win.
Back with a bang: The versatility of 2020 Ulster winner and All-Star nominee Gearóid McKiernan gives Galligan options from midfield to full-forward. He previously stepped away in 2023 after 12 years in blue. Expect the 34-year-old to be a prominent exponent of the new two-pointer. Nevin O’Donnell, Leitrim’s first-choice goalkeeper last year, has decided to throw his lot in with his home county in 2025.
Talking Point: January challenge games away to Kerry and Derry speak to the ambition of Galligan and his group. But where is that ambition focused? After fine League and Ulster campaigns last year, they petered out at the first proper championship marker.
Verdict: Roscommon aside, they have the other three promotion hopefuls - Monaghan, Louth, and Cork - at home. Third last year, they can better that placing this spring.

Gaffer: John Cleary (third season).
Captain: Brian Hurley.
MIA: How long have you got? John O’Rourke, Tom Clancy, and Killian O’Hanlon have retired. Steven Sherlock, Damien Gore, and Fionn Herlihy have opted out. Kevin Flahive has gone travelling and Jack Cahalane has gone hurling. And that’s before assessing injuries. Conor Corbett (ACL) is gone for the year. Luke Fahy (hamstring), Seán Meehan (hamstring), and Kevin O’Donovan (ankle) are gone for the League, while Ian Maguire (quad) is gone for the opening rounds.
Fixtures: Jan 25, Meath (h); Feb 2, Down (a); Feb 15, Westmeath (h); Feb 23, Monaghan (a); Mar 1, Ros (h); Mar 16, Louth (h); Mar 23, Cavan (a).
Young Ones: Nemo defender Colin Molloy has graduated to the senior set-up in his first year out of U20, as has Hugh O’Connor. Éanna O’Hanlon, younger brother of the retiring Killian, is another new face in the panel.
Back with a bang: Cathail O’Mahony has had a torrid few years with injury. He played all of five minutes for Cork in 2024. If he can stay out of injury’s way going forward, the new three-up rule is tailor-made for such a talent.
Talking Point: Why did Steven Sherlock defect? Much of a blow that in-form forward, Jack Cahalane, began the off-season training with the group only to then defect to the hurlers a short while later?
Verdict: Cork, to have any shot at promotion, must correct their awful opening day record. This is the county’s eighth season in Division 2. Across the previous seven, they’ve not once won on the opening weekend. Meath, at home, is a very negotiable first round fixture. As is Down, away, and Westmeath, at home, after that. Six points at the end of Round 3 would put them in the box seat for a first return to the top tier since 2016.

Gaffer: Conor Laverty (third season).
Captain: Pierce Laverty.
MIA: Early season pressure. The guarantee of Sam Maguire football, courtesy of Tailteann Cup success last summer, allows Down to go about their spring business unhindered by the stresses and worries of where their finishing position will position them for championship.
Fixtures: Jan 26, Roscommon (a); Feb 2, Cork (h); Feb 15, Meath (h); Feb 23, Louth (a); Mar 1, Cavan (a); March 15, Westmeath (h); Mar 23, Monaghan (a).
Young Ones: Oisín Savage was the star of Down’s 2023 Ulster U20 triumph. A broken jaw, suffered in the Tailteann Cup semi-final against Sligo following his second-half introduction, was an unfortunate end to his debut senior year. He, and other members of that Ulster U20 winning group, will push for increased involvement in the months ahead.
Back with a bang: Former Tyrone defender Hugh Pat McGeary will wear the red and black this season. Based in Down, he transferred to the Rostrevor club in recent years. The 32-year-old has now agreed to reignite his inter-county existence in new colours.
Talking Point: Down were last in Division 2 in 2022. They didn’t manage a single win on that occasion. 2025 is about putting down roots.
Verdict: Cork, Meath, and Westmeath are their home fixtures. It is not inconceivable that Laverty’s charges pick up points in all three to build a tally of survival.

Louth

Gaffer: Ger Brennan (second season).
Captain: Sam Mulroy.
MIA: Niall Sharkey closed the door on his Louth chapter when departing for Australia last June.
Fixtures: Jan 26, Westmeath (a); Feb 2, Roscommon (h); Feb 16, Cavan (a); Feb 23, Down (h); Mar 2, Monaghan (h); Mar 16, Cork (a); Mar 23, Meath (h).
Young Ones: Tadhg McDonnell began 2024 as a Louth U20. He finished the inter-county season as a second-half sub in Louth’s first-ever All-Ireland quarter-final appearance. Corner-back on the Ardee team that went all the way to the Leinster Club final. His clubmate, goalkeeper Tiernan Markey, was looked at during a recent challenge against Fermanagh.
Back with a bang: Ciarán Downey’s 2024 summer was cut short by a knee injury. The initial fears that he wouldn’t play again for the rest of the year were thankfully ill-founded, with the Louth inside forward delivering a string of fine performances for Newtown Blues on their way to the county semi-final.
Talking Point: Only two League wins on the road the last two seasons, and one of those was against already-relegated Kildare. Need to shake tag of poor travelers if they’re to be among top half movers.
Verdict: Annual stacking of points from home fixtures will be challenged by visits of both sides coming down from Division 1. Mid-table safety seems the most logical shout.

Meath

Gaffer: Robbie Brennan (debut season).
Captain: Eoghan Frayne
MIA: Gary Breslin was Meath Hill’s outstanding performer in their promotion to the senior ranks. That form put him on the radar of new boss Brennan, but the word locally is that he has opted out of the inter-county equation.
Fixtures: Jan 25, Cork (a); Feb 2, Cavan (h); Feb 15, Down (a); Feb 23, Roscommon (h); Mar 2, Westmeath (a); Mar 16, Monaghan (h); Mar 23, Louth (a).
Young Ones: Forward pair Diarmuid Moriarty and Aaron Lynch are showing decent form for unbeaten UCD in the Sigerson Cup. Dunshaughlin pair Charlie O'Connor and Conor Duke, midfield and half-forward on Meath’s U20 Leinster winning side of last summer, now carry senior panel membership.
Back with a bang: A whole slew of experienced and household names. They are Padraic Harnan, centre-back on the 2023 Tailteann Cup winning team, former captain Bryan Menton, who hasn’t worn the Meath shirt since 2022, another former captain in Shane McEntee, Jack Flynn, and Eamon Wallace.
Talking Point: The end of the O’Rourke era was messy. A very public breakup. Brennan’s new broom and the respected figures he has coaxed back into the dressing-room must move the dial.
Verdict: Find themselves on Dublin’s side of the Leinster draw once again. That means Meath must take care of Sam Maguire involvement through the League. Fifth place was sufficient last year. Another mid-table campaign should again do the trick. Likely to be part of the relegation conversation, if not the final relegated pair.

Roscommon

Gaffer: Davy Burke (third season).
Captain: TBC.
MIA: The Roscommon Herald reported pre-Christmas that up to 10 players from last year’s panel, for various reasons, are not involved for the current spin. They are Tadgh O’Rourke, Conor Hussey, Adam McDermott, Andy Glennon, Cian Connolly, Colin Walsh, Colm Lavin, Eoin McCormack, Jack Duggan, and Luke Glennon. Veteran defender Niall Daly will miss at least the opening round because of injury.
Fixtures: Jan 26, Down (h); Feb 2, Louth (a); Feb 16, Monaghan (h); Feb 23, Meath (a); Mar 1, Cork (a); Mar 16, Cavan (h); Mar 23, Westmeath (a).
Young Ones: Involved last year, Strokestown’s Shane McGinley will chase greater involvement and greater prominence in 2025. 2024 All-Ireland U20 championship top-scorer with 4-31, including 1-6 in Connacht final win and 1-5 in All-Ireland semi-final defeat.
Back with a bang: Ciaráin Murtagh, Cian McKeon, and Eddie Nolan, all of whom were starters in 2023, are welcome returnees to the set-up. Shane Killoran, who was a starter in seasons before that, has also rejoined the Roscommon fold.
Talking Point: Roscommon have been relegated from the topflight on four occasions since 2017. After the first three of those, they immediately bounced back up the following spring. Can 2025, in the wake of 2024 demotion, keep with that pattern?
Verdict: Three of their last four games are on the road, so the need for early points is particularly pronounced. Against this, Burke has said he won’t rush the return of key forward Ben O’Carroll, who missed most of last year with a groin injury. O’Carroll has come off the bench for UCD in both of their Sigerson Cup games this month. Will be in the shake up.

Westmeath

Gaffer: Dermot McCabe (debut season).
Captain: Ronan Wallace.
MIA: Three starters from the 2022 Tailteann Cup winning team - defenders James Dolan and Kevin Maguire, and forward John Heslin - have called time on their inter-county existence.
Fixtures: Jan 26, Louth (h); Feb 2, Monaghan (a); Feb 15, Cork (a); Feb 23, Cavan (h); Mar 2, Meath (h); Mar 15, Down (a); Mar 23, Roscommon (h).
Young Ones: Not so much young, but Brian Guerin is certainly an interesting one. Half-back on the Kilshannig teams that won Cork junior and intermediate titles in 2019 and 2022. Ahead of the 2024 season, and after many years travelling down from the midlands to line out for the home club, he made the decision to transfer to Mullingar Shamrocks. Club form with his adopted home has earned him an inter-county call up.
Back with a bang: A former Westmeath minor and U21, Fionn O’Hara signed for AFL side Hawthorn in late 2021 and spent the next two seasons with the Hawks. Home-again O’Hara lined out at wing-forward in a recent challenge game against Clare.
Talking Point: Have been extremely competitive in the All-Ireland group series the past two seasons, without picking up very many points. The rebuilding job in front of new-man McCabe suggests Sam Maguire involvement will be a step beyond in 2025.
Verdict: Challenging opening three rounds. Points will be scarce. Second-tier residence will be short-lived.

Antrim

Gaffer: Andy McEntee (third season).
Captain: Peter Healy.
MIA: Stalwarts Declan Lynch and Paddy McAleer have retired. Lynch was a former captain who wore the Saffron colours for over a decade. Healy is also sidelined for the opening rounds of the league due to injury and Colm McLarnon, who lined out against Laois in the Tailteann Cup semi-final last June, injured his cruciate ligament in club action.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Clare (h); Feb 2 Fermanagh (a); Feb 16 Offaly (a); Feb 22 Leitrim (h); March 1 Laios (a); March 16 Sligo (h); March 23 Kildare (a).
Young ones: Cargin teenage talent Conhuir Johnston is a serious forward talent.
Back with a bang: Ryan Murray’s ACL injury ruled him out last year. He has looked lively in preseason challenges.
Talking point: A mid-table finish and promising Tailteann Cup campaign left McEntee’s side well-placed to kick on in 2025. They need a fast start, however. Their last three fixtures are tricky and not the sort of games you want to be relying on points from.
Verdict: The depth other D3 outfits possess and a tough schedule means a relegation battle could well be on the cards.

Gaffer: Peter Keane (first season).
Captain: TBC. Cillian Brennan was captain in 2024.
MIA: There have been a few returnees from the considerable group who walked away post-Colm Collins but there is no sign of a Jamie Malone or Ciaran Russell comeback.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Antrim (a); Feb 2 Leitrim (h); Feb 16 Fermanagh (h); Feb 23 Sligo (h); Mar 2 Kildare (h); Mar 15 Laois (a); Mar 23 Offaly (h).
Young ones: Brian McNamara thrived under Mark Fitzgerald last year in a new-look team. Evan Cahill had a terrific season for Kilmurry Ibrickane on their way to the Clare SFC decider.
Back with a bang: The return of former captain Eoin Cleary and Keelan Sexton will inject a huge kick to their forward line.
Talking point: How will Peter Keane get on as he follows a long line of Kerry natives who managed Clare, including Mark Fitzgerald, John O’Keeffe, Páidí Ó Sé, Mick O’Dwyer, John Kennedy and Donie Buckley.
Verdict: This Clare group have the talent and firepower required to secure promotion and another Munster final is well within reach.

Gaffer: Kieran Donnelly (fifth season).
Captain: Declan McCusker
MIA: Conor McShea and Callum Jones have taken a year out. Ché Cullen will miss the start of the league while Aidan Breen has retired.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Kildare (a); Feb 2 Antrim (h); Feb 16 Clare (a); Feb 23 Offaly (h); Mar 1 Sligo (h); Mar 16 Leitrim (a); Mar 23 Laois (h).
Young ones: Aaron Jones has impressed in the Sigerson Cup recently, as has Josh Largo Elis. His brother Josh impressed during some of the pre-season challenge games.
Back with a bang: After a dreadful run with injury, the explosive Darragh McGurn is finally fit.
Talking point: They will be in the mix for a top-two spot, but the Tailteann Cup looks like the big one for this group in 2025. Last year’s defeat to Antrim stung badly.
Verdict: Four homes games, all of which are winnable, should be a huge benefit. Don’t forget they beat Kildare in the league last year too. They will go close.

KIldare

Gaffer: Brian Flanagan (first season).
Captain: Kevin Feely.
MIA: Loads. None of Shea Ryan, Aaron O’Neill, Barry Coffey, Barry Kelly, Eoin Doyle (retired), Jack Sargent, Kevin O’Callaghan, Killian Galligan, Mark Donnellan, Paddy Woodgate, Sam McCormack and Shane O’Sullivan are in the squad for 2025.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Fermanagh (h); Feb 2 Sligo (a); Feb 16 Leitrim (a); Feb 22 Laois (h); Mar 2 Clare (a); Mar 16 Offaly (a); Mar 23 Antrim (h).
Young ones: Few Kildare U20s impressed as defender James McGrath did. The former U20 Player of the Year is one to watch out for.
Back with a bang: Mark Dempsey, David Hyland and Brian McLoughlin have rejoined the fold.
Talking point: A terrific new stand is only worthwhile if it is filled with support. There is an expectation around this team. That brings pressure. Kildare can become a challenger to Dublin but it won’t happen overnight.
Verdict: Anything less than promotion will be an enormous disappointment. Strong favourites to win it out.

Laois

Gaffer: Justin McNulty (second season).
Captain: TBC, Evan O’Carroll was captain last year but suffered a serious injury playing for Leinster in the Interpros.
MIA: Stalwart Kieran Lillis announced his retirement. Niall Dunne and Mark Timmons, who both played in the Tailteann Cup last year, are set to be unavailable. McNulty has said they have an open door and invited every player from 2025 back.
Fixtures: Feb 25 Leitrim (a); Feb 2 Offaly (h); Feb 16 Sligo (h); Feb 22 Kildare (a); Mar 1 Antrim (h); Mar 15 Clare (h); Mar 23 Fermanagh (a).
Young ones: Conor Heffernan was a key cog defensively last year and is at the heart of the DCU Sigerson team currently.
Back with a bang: Ryan Brady and Padraig Kirwan are on the comeback trail and in contention for the early rounds of the league.
Talking point: Speaking to local media recently, Justin McNulty said their preparation has not been ideal. They had games scheduled before Christmas which were cancelled. The recent weather was another complication. He was lukewarm about some of the new rules.
Verdict: There is enough there to consolidate their spot in the division. Another Tailteann Cup final appearance is another achievable goal.

Offaly

Gaffers: Declan Kelly (second season), Mickey Harte (first season).
Captain: Lee Pearson was the 2024 captain.
MIA: Anton Sullivan revealed he was omitted from the Offaly squad after a 25-second phone call last December. Stalwart Peter Cunningham has opted out. Eoin Carroll has retired after 72 games across league and championship. Declan Kelly is out for the foreseeable with an Achilles injury.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Sligo (h); Feb 2 Laois (a); Feb 16 Antrim (h); Feb 23 Fermanagh (a); Mar 2 Leitrim (a); Mar 16 Kildare (h); Mar 23 Clare (a).
Young ones: Tullamore’s Cillian Bourke continues to progress and was involved in their club run to the Leinster semi-final, starting in midfield as they went down by three points to eventual All-Ireland champions Cuala.
Back with a bang: Harte. It was a bolt from the blue when he was announced as part of the Faithful County management after his Derry year ended in disappointment. A career that started with an 18-year stint in Tyrone, he is now set for a 23rd consecutive season in inter-county management.
Talking point: Dark clouds circled after Offaly took an eight-point beating against Limerick and were turned over by London. Their first two games are vital in terms of improving the mood.
Verdict: Stability starts with safety. It is all about avoiding the drop for this side. They can’t afford another Tailteann Cup collapse either.

Sligo

Gaffer: Tony McEntee (fifth season).
Captain: Niall Murphy.
MIA: Keelan Cawley has retired. There is still uncertainty about Seán Carrabine's involvement. A long club campaign is likely to mean the Coolera Strandhill contingent will slowly filter back in as the league progresses.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Offaly (a); Feb 1 Kildare (h); Feb 16 Laois (a); Feb 23 Clare (h); Mar 1 Fermanagh (a); Mar 16 Antrim (a); Mar 23 Leitrim (h).
Young ones: Canice Mulligan made the step up from the U20s last season and thrived. The natural centre-back operated in midfield at times and still looked comfortable.
Back with a bang: Former AFL player Luke Towey returned to the game seamlessly in 2023 but missed most of 2024 due to injury. He came off in the Sligo SFC county final due to another knock as St Molaise Gaels eventually went down in a replay. He can be a huge player for McEntee with a clean run.
Talking point: Aaron Kernan’s addition as defence coach was an interesting appointment while holding onto Seán Boyle as strength and conditioning coach was a big plus too. This is a unit that should have the required athleticism under the new rules.
Verdict: Sligo were undefeated at home in the league last year but finished two points outside of the top two. Four away trips could see them fall just short again.

Carlow

Gaffer: Shane Curran (First season).
Captain: TBC.
MIA: 2024 captain Darragh Foley has retired. Colm Hulton, Eric Molloy and Josh Moore are players Carlow could do with too but are missing for various reasons.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Tipperary (h); Feb 2 Waterford (a); Feb 15 Wexford (a); Feb 22 Limerick (h); Mar 2 Wicklow (a); Mar 15 Longford (h); Mar 23 London (a).
Young ones: We noted John Phiri's ability here last year and having been used as an impact sub in 2024, the teenager remains one to watch.
Back with a bang: Sean Murphy, a key man during the Turlough O'Brien era, had a spell with the county hurlers but is back now. So is Lee Walker following a period with neighbours Laois.
Talking point: All eyes will be on Curran's first steps as an inter-county manager. The former Roscommon goalkeeper is renowned as a big personality but is a shrewd coach.
Verdict: Beating Tipperary in Round 1 is crucial. Three of the next four games are away so early momentum is vital for the new setup. A top-four finish is achievable.

Gaffer: Jimmy Lee (Second season).
Captain: Cillian Fahy.
MIA: 14 players from 2024 aren't involved including Sean O'Dea, Cathal Downes, Bryan Nix and Shane Costello, all of whom played in the Tailteann Cup quarter-final loss to Sligo.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Longford (a); Feb 2 Wexford (h); Feb 16 London (a); Feb 22 Carlow (a); Mar 1 Tipperary (h); Mar 16 Wicklow (a); Mar 23 Waterford (h).
Young ones: Cormac Woulfe made his Championship debut last summer against Cork and has impressed for UL more recently in the Sigerson Cup.
Back with a bang: Iain Corbett won't be captain this year but is back for a 15th season.
Talking point: Seven league losses was a terrible start to Jimmy Lee's time as manager in 2024 but things picked up from Round 5 on into the summer. That trend must continue.
Verdict: Jimmy Lee says promotion and an immediate return to Division 3 is a priority. Based on last year's Tailteann Cup campaign, a top-two target is realistic.

Gaffer: Michael Maher (Sixth season).
Captain: TBC (Eoin Walsh 2024).
MIA: Veteran Portlaoise man Cahir Healy wrapped up a 19-year inter-county career last summer and will be a selector this season.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Wexford (a); Feb 2 Wicklow (h); Feb 16 Limerick (h); Feb 22 Tipperary (a); Mar 2 Longford (h); Mar 15 Waterford (a); Mar 23 Carlow (h).
Young ones: Aidan McLoughlin only made his debut in 2023 but is quickly evolving into a key player. Played in October's Interprovincial final at Croke Park, along with Shay Rafter.
Back with a bang: Liam Gallagher is London's most experienced native born player, playing since 2019. Fast and good on the frees, he made Connacht's squad for the Interpros.
Talking point: Acquiring access to floodlit training facilities at the Hazelwood Centre for the first time ever could be a game-changer for London. It's been a huge issue over the years.
Verdict: Getting back to the high of 2022 is the target, when London finished fifth. Four home games is helpful but it could be another basement battle with Waterford.

Longford

Gaffer: Mike Solan (First season).
Captain: TBC (Patrick Fox 2024).
MIA: Michael Quinn, a generational talent in Longford, has retired while powerful midfielder Darren Gallagher and Killoe players Daniel Mimnagh, Mark Hughes and Liam Hughes are unavailable. Attacker Joe Hagan is in the US too.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Limerick (h); Feb 1 Tipperary (a); Feb 16 Wicklow (a); Feb 23 Waterford (h); Mar 2 London (a); Mar 15 Carlow (a); Mar 23 Wexford (h).
Young ones: Matthew Carey is still an U-20 but the Clonguish forward is powerful and a huge talent.
Back with a bang: A decade after his Championship debut, and 15 since first joining the panel, goalkeeper Paddy Collum is back again. He and wife Ailbhe had twin boys last August.
Talking point: Longford may not lament the O'Byrne Cup's passing. They won it in 2023 and 2024 under Paddy Christie but still endured two poor league and Championship campaigns.
Verdict: Even with an energetic and highly regarded new manager, the drain of talent and experience is a lot for Longford to absorb. Mid-table could be their lot.

Tipperary

Gaffer: Philly Ryan (First season).
Captain: TBC (Steven O'Brien 2024).
MIA: Former All-Star and captain Conor Sweeney is the big name retiree but new manager Ryan is without a whopping 20 of last year's squad.
Fixtures: Jan 25 Carlow (a); Feb 1 Longford (h); Feb 15 Waterford (a); Feb 22 London (h); Mar 1 Limerick (a); Mar 15 Wexford (a); Mar 23 Wicklow (h).
Young ones: Evan Comerford's absence in goals for 2025 could open the door for Galtee Rovers' Robbie McGrath who is still an U-20.
Back with a bang: Emmet Moloney has played his club football with Portlaoise since last year but will continue to answer Tipp's call. His experience will be vital.
Talking point: Just players that featured in the 2020 Munster final remain. Sweeney, Comerford, Colm O'Shaugnessy and Conall Kennedy are the latest to leave.
Verdict: Former captain Philly Ryan will bring fresh enthusiasm as boss but it's a young and inexperienced panel. Finishing higher than last year's sixth isn't guaranteed.

Wexford

Gaffer: John Hegarty (Third season) Captain: Liam Coleman
MIA: Boss Hegarty has reported a full carry over of last year's panel.
Fixtures: Jan 25 London (h); Feb 2 Limerick (a); Feb 15 Carlow (h); Feb 23 Wicklow (h); Mar 1 Waterford (a); Mar 15 Tipperary (h); Mar 23 Longford (a).
Young ones: Sean Barden, Philip Dempsey, Edward Dunbar and Dylan Cooke-Leonard were among 15 newcomers who featured in challenge games over the pre-season.
Back with a bang: Brian Malone, with 174 Wexford appearances to his name, is an interesting addition as coach. Ben Brosnan, 37, who has made the most appearances of all for Wexford, is back again in attack.
Talking point: A penalty call that went against Wexford in the Leitrim game cost them promotion. Leitrim went up on the head to head rule. Wexford shouldn't lack motivation this year.
Verdict: Wexford should have been promoted last year but blew it and endured a nightmare Tailteann Cup campaign. In year three for John Hegarty, a top-two finish is a must.

Wicklow

Gaffer: Oisin McConville (Third season).
Captain: Dean Healy.
MIA: Mark Doran has left for Roscommon and been replaced as coach by, ironically, Roscommon's Frankie Dolan. On the playing front, Wicklow lost nine players from 2024 and replaced them with just six.
Fixtures: Jan 26 Waterford (h); Feb 2 London (a); Feb 16 Longford (h); Feb 23 Wexford (a); Mar 2 Carlow (h); Mar 16 Limerick (h); Mar 23 Tipperary (a).
Young ones: Current Wicklow footballer of the year Tom Moran is developing into a top county defender. Still at college in Maynooth and thriving in the Sigerson Cup.
Back with a bang: Dean Healy, 33, is continuing for a 15th season with Wicklow. He's one of just two thirty-somethings on the panel, along with Mark Kenny.
Talking point: Wicklow are rarely favourites for anything. But they beat Westmeath, Leitrim and Carlow last summer, and should have beaten Kildare, so are the Division 4 short odds team.
Verdict: Inconsistency has dogged Wicklow but after relegation from Division 3, they should be able to stitch a few wins together and push for promotion.