A bit early to start this thread, or a bit late in comparison to other counties on the Board, but might as well do it now. What's the feelings about the year ahead at club level? There are considerable changes as regards team management, with a host of senior clubs seeking new bosses for 2007, indeed Coolera and St. Mary's still appear to have vacancies.
Of the known changes, Harps "welcome" back Denis Johnson to the helm, six years after his rather successful first stint ended. Tourlestrane replaced Frank Noone with an inside man as expected, but not the man I'd expected. Michael Henry (Co. minor boss 2003-04) defeated Neil Egan narrowly after a vote. Wouldn't surprise me if there is a degree of infighting in that corner this year. Tubbercurry, as previously stated here, have appointed one of Tourlestrane's better management graduates, Anthony Brennan, to the job, and they may well be ones to watch. Word is that Richard Brennan is back over the Bunnies again also. Not sure how Easkey and Castleconnor are fixed, and I imagine Jose Kearney will stay on at Curry. One club who are in a bit of bother are Ballymote, who are stuck for options. Apparently they sought our incumbent for the position, but he's sticking with us.
As regards how the competitions will go, Curry would naturally be one of the leading challengers, and it gives me no joy to say that. Will be hard to beat, though it is 18 years since Owen B was retained (then by St. Pat's, changed times now!). Tubber will be on an upward curve, though they may have to bide their time, aside from that the usual suspects (Tour, Harps, Mary's) will be there or thereabouts, and Coolera may bounce back after a difficult year gone, the Bunnies and Easkey will be hopeful of consolidating their place in 1A, if not more, and should be difficult opposition for all comers. For the 2005 1A intake, it may be farewell. Castleconnor have been surviving narrowly and will need to get the finger out this time (not to mention performing come C'ship). But if they're iffy, Ballymote are rightly fecked. No Munds for the year, no McTernan for some of it at least, and no manager yet. Nailed-on for league relegation, and if they're not careful they might slip out of the Championship too.
For 1B, Coolera and Tubber will be favourites to go up, hard to see who'll challenge them consistently. Shams gave a masterclass in inconsistentcy last year, while Farnan's and Enniscrone don't have enough. The North triumvirate of Calry, John's and Drumcliffe will make for interesting meetings, they may be relegation battles though. Enniscrone may fall here, with one of the town sides probably.
2A is of particular interest to OMS and co., as we continue our upward curve, though it may even out here. Will be hoping to stay in it at least, and not get scotched by any of the teams. Grange should go back up, and will be probable Intermediate frontrunners also(they have some Tyrone fella in charge this year), but Mullinabreena may struggle to return, their weekly cruciate patient list from autumn will take time to sort itself out. Still with all on board they'll be challengers. Harps will be there, but are in transition. One team who will be likely to go up are Geevagh, and probably will. May be a different story in the Championship though. Pat's, Michael's, Coolera and ourselves will likely be in the bottom half, Coolera may fall, and the other spot could be tight. Michael's have Clancy back over them this time so they will surely improve. All to play for here.
2B - With the greatest respect, who cares? Cloonacool may rise above the rest and bounce back, if Curry bother to field they'll be decent, Mary's may get over the line this time though. Farnan's and Ballisodare will be competitive, or the latter at least should be. It's not a league that would enthuse though. Have to stay out of it!
Hurling.....we'll get to that some other time.
Opinions?
Poll