Senior Athlone: Despite an injury-ravaged 2002, the Shannonsiders reached the quarter-finals where they came mighty close to beating Mullingar Shamrocks. In the group stages, they had beaten decent teams in Tyrrellspass and The Downs. With forwards of the calibre of Neil Dolan, Joe Fallon, Seamus Mitchell and Dermot McManus in their ranks, Athlone now have an attack to complement a solid midfield and defence. If they can come through the group stages, they could pose a serious threat to town rivals Garrycastle. Castledaly: A crushing defeat to Garrycastle may have been their lot in the county final, but 2002 was still Castledaly's best year by some distance. Under Brendan Clarke, they played some spellbinding football throughout the campaign, the only pity being that they didn't carry this form into the showpiece game. Castledaly will have learned a great deal from last year's experiences and with so many talented young players in their side, it would be no surprise to see them challenging for the top prize again this season. To go that extra mile, however, JP Casey will need greater support in attack. Coralstown/Kinnegad: After a sluggish start, Coralstown/Kinnegad put an excellent run together which saw them edge out St. Mary's for the last quarter-final place. However, it was there that their interests were ended by St. Loman's. The blow of losing Larry Giles to retirement was softened somewhat by the outstanding form of Eamonn Fleming. Other youngsters such as Fergal Dardis and Enda Leonard also left their mark on a season which culminated in a Division 2 success. Not as strong as they were a few years ago, but could still emerge from the tougher of the two championship groups. Garrycastle: The undisputed kingpins of Westmeath football, Garrycastle retained the Flanagan Cup at their ease last year. They also put back-to-back Division 1 titles together and were winners of the senior 'B' championship. Already, the talk is of Garrycastle going on to equal Mullingar Shamrocks' four in-a-row of championship successes between 1992 and '95. Such talk may be slightly premature, especially as they will have the likes of St. Loman's, Athlone and Tyrrellspass to contend with in the group stages this season. However, if they can avoid complacency, they will be difficult to stop. 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. Only avoided the drop last year by virtue of a relegation play-off victory over Ballynacargy. Ger Heavin's back injury continues to be a cause for concern and they could find themselves propping up the table again next August, given the calibre of sides in their section. Mullingar Shamrocks: Last year's semi-final defeat to Castledaly still rankles with the Shamrocks faithful. Five points in 60 minutes represented an unacceptable return for a team that had harboured strong hopes of achieving outright success. Shamrocks are going through a transitional phase at present and new manager John Mulligan is likely to blood a number of youngsters, including some of last year's successful minors, in the coming season. The return of Mark Treanor after a long absence is a big boost, but Shamrocks could still have a battle on their hands to qualify from a tough group. St. Loman's, Mullingar: During PJ Carroll's two-year reign, Loman's threatened a breakthrough but found Garrycastle blocking their way in both years. It's not beyond the bounds of possibility that they would have won last year's championship had Kenny Lyons' rasping shot - which hit the crossbar - been a couple of inches lower in last year's semi-final. This year, Loman's have appointed former Longford star John 'Speedy' McCormack as their manager. McCormack is highly regarded and if he can guide last year's Feis Cup winners through the group stages, they could go the full distance. St. Malachy's: Surprise intermediate champions in 2001, St. Malachy's achieved what they set out to achieve last year by consolidating their senior status. Their top flight survival was assured the day they put five goals past Ballynacargy. Given that the senior championship was a new experience for most of the St. Malachy's players, there were obvious teething problems which they did well to overcome. With talented youngsters such as Joe Clarke and Eddie O'Neill set to increase their options, the Castletown-Geoghegan men will be fancying their chances in the weaker of the two groups this season. St. Mary's, Rochfortbridge: Lucky to avoid the drop in 2001, St. Mary's were a much-improved outfit last year and would almost certainly have reached the quarter-final but for Garrycastle's shock defeat to Coralstown/Kinnegad. Despite last year's improvement, the Rochfortbridge side still haven't fulfilled the promise of their 1995 intermediate success and the fact that they haven't been producing successful underage teams in recent years must also be a worry. Still, the draw is favourable this year and there will be bitter disappointment if they fail to reach the knock-out stages. The Downs: Decimated by injuries, illness and emigration, The Downs did well to finish clear of the relegation zone last year. They are again expected to be short a number of regulars this year, but at least Seanie O'Leary is back to shore up their defence. For once, the black and ambers have been handed a favourable draw this year and they will hold no fears of any of their opponents. On their day, can beat most teams and they could sneak a quarter-final spot. Tubberclair: One of the youngest and most promising teams in the county, Tubberclair came of age to a certain extent last year when they annexed the intermediate championship. The success was built around county star Fergal Wilson who was magnificent throughout the campaign. As the likes of Ballymore and Kilbeggan have found out in recent years, the step-up from intermediate to senior is considerable and consolidation will be Tubberclair's main objective this year. However, the draw is favourable and the opportunity is there for the south county side to make a name for themselves. Tyrrellspass: After contesting three championship finals on the trot, Tyrrellspass looked a tired team last year, failing to reach the knock-out stages. The year was not without its highlights, however, as the club won Division 4 of the All-County League and a minor 'B' title. While many of their key players are pushing on, it would be foolish to write off Tyrrellspass's chances this year. Martin Flanagan is in the form of his life at present and if he can maintain that throughout the summer months, the 'Tidy Town' could be back in business. The draw hasn't been too kind, though. Intermediate Athlone: The Shannonsiders' second string endured a difficult time of it in last year's championship, failing to field in four of their seven games. The draw is favourable this year, but it's still difficult to see them making an impact. Ballinagore: Blew hot and cold last year, narrowly missing out on a place in the knock-out stages. Managed this year by well-known referee Liam McDaniel, they will hope to rediscover the form of a few seasons ago, but the draw is difficult. Ballymore: Touted as potential champions at the outset of last season, Ballymore failed to live up to expectations and to compound matters, they also lost their Division 1 status. The loss of David Hughes is considerable (he's transferred to Cooley Kickhams in Louth), but with Longford under 21 manager Joe Mulvihill at the helm, they'll be confident of improving on last year's effort. Ballynacargy: A win-less senior championship campaign culminated in relegation to the intermediate ranks at the end of last year. Despite a tough draw, Bal' will be among the favourites for outright success this season. Certainly have the talent and experience to make a quick return to the top flight. Bunbrosna: Gave a good account of themselves in their first year up intermediate, despite needing a relegation play-off win over Mullingar Shamrocks to consolidate their position. Bun' will be aiming for a place in the knock-out stages this year, though the unavailability of Peter Tormey (broken leg) and Cormac McCormack (working in Germany) will make their task more difficult. Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall: Under the guidance of Jim Mahon, they made huge strides last year, winning five of their seven group games before succumbing to a wily Rosemount team in the quarter-final. A club which has made a handsome contribution to Inny Gaels' underage successes in recent years, Finea will be expected to repeat last year's achievement at the very least. Caulry: After being denied by Bunbrosna in 2001, the Mount Temple men captured the junior title on the back of 10 straight wins last year. Have been handed an extremely tough draw, but their exciting crop of young players should ensure that they are still an intermediate club at the end of the year. Kilbeggan Shamrocks: After a solid qualifying campaign, Kilbeggan came a cropper against surprise-packets Tang in the quarter-final. With the profilic PJ Ward back in the fold, they will be eager to atone for that disappointment under new manager Noel Brady. Serious contenders if they can get their house in order. Killucan: A club with a bright future if last year is anything to go by. From under 16 upwards, they appeared in no fewer than five finals, with the highlights being the All-County League Division 3 and under 16 'A' championship successes. Managed by former Westmeath star Dermot Brady this year, they could be championship dark horses. Maryland: A difficult season last year with the low point being their failure to field in the championship game against neighbours Tang. Were the only team to beat eventual champions Tubberclair, but that will be of little consolation to them. Face a tougher draw this year, but with the likes of Richie Browne and Philip Rainey set to return, they should be a much improved outfit. 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. Struggled last year and could prove to be the whipping boys once again in the more difficult of the two groups. Milltownpass: Their championship interests were once again ended at the penultimate round stage last year, with Tang getting the better of them after a replay. Will be fancied to top the weaker of the two groups, but they could find the going more difficult after that. Rosemount: Among the favourites for championship honours last year, Rosemount were ripped apart by a rampant Tubberclair side in the semi-final. Desperately in need of some new talent, they will be fancied to progress to the knock-out stages, but whether they have what it takes to go for the jugular is questionable. St. Loman's: After faring reasonably well in 2001, the Mullingar side were a major disappointment last year and, in fact, didn't field in the games against Tang, Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall and Tubberclair. Draw is favourable, but still unlikely to make an impression. Shandonagh: Following a mixed championship campaign, they finished the year on a high with a thrilling victory over Killucan in the Intermediate Cup final. With a bit more consistency, they could reach the knock-out stages. Tang: Had the distinction of reaching the final last year without winning a game in the group stages (they were awarded three walkovers). Tang are a well-organised team and if they can get county player Paul Conway back to full fitness, should reach the quarter-finals at the very least. Junior Ballycomoyle: Showed improvement last year by winning four of their eight championship outings, but still failed to make the cut for the semi-finals. With Caulry no longer part of the junior equation, they should claim a place in the last four this year. Delvin: After showing promise in 2001, Delvin slipped back into their old losing habits last year and had the unenviable distinction of finishing bottom of the group. Things can only improve for them this year. Loughnavalley: Was 2001 a once-off for Loughnavalley? That's what supporters will be asking themselves after they managed just one draw from seven outings last season. The Junior Cup success of two years ago will become a distant memory if there isn't a big improvement this term. Milltown: Were victorious in six of their eight group games last year before succumbing rather tamely to St. Joseph's in the semi-final. Have a number of players returning from injury this year and are certainties for a last-four spot once again. Mullingar Shamrocks: This will be Shamrocks' first year to enter a team in the junior championship. Well capable of beating some of the weaker teams, but still unlikely to figure at the business-end of the championship. St. Fintan's/Multyfarnham: 2002 was another disappointing year, but at least there were no walkovers conceded. A mid-table finish is the best they can hope for. St. Loman's: Entered a third team in the junior grade for the first time last year and certainly made their presence felt by winning three games. Similar to Mullingar Shamrocks, availability of players will be the key. St. Joseph's: Junior Cup winners and junior championship finalists last year, the Streamstown/Horseleap side are the obvious favourites to take the top prize this year. Have put in a lot of work at underage level and will feel this is their best chance of finally making the ascent to intermediate football. St. Paul's: Squandered a big lead against eventual champions Caulry in last year's semi-final, the incentive is there for the Clonmellon side to atone for that disappointment this year. If they can get their act together, could push St. Joseph's hard for the big prize. Predictions Senior: Garrycastle are the obvious favourites to not only win the championship, but also to complete a hat-trick of successes. The big challenges are expected to come from St. Loman's, Castledaly, Mullingar Shamrocks, Athlone and possibly Tyrrellspass. Intermediate: Ballynacargy, Kilbeggan Shamrocks and Rosemount would appear to have more to offer than the other teams, but don't rule out Ballymore, Tang, Milltownpass or an improving Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall. Junior: Runners-up last year, St. Joseph's are the clear-cut favourites this year. Milltown, Ballycomoyle and St. Paul's could have something to say about that, however. Tweet

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