Sarsfields manager John Crofton believes that Athy are deserved favourites for this year's county title.

The Sash may be the defending champions, but the 2011 champions are many people's favourites as the sides prepare to meet in round two.

Speaking to the Kildare Nationalist, Crofton said that Athy are now a more experienced side than they were two years ago when they lifted the title.

"Athy have an enormous back of talent," said Crofton. "They are very well organised, very pacey and all the young fellas who were 19, 20 a few years ago are now 22, 23 so they are going to take some beating.

"They are favourites and rightly so, for the whole championship and not just this game." Tweet

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