First Division Predictions
Although as usual, and to be expected, there is little or no talk about the First Divison. Not surprising as it normally does nothing to stimulate even the most ardent of LOI fans. But - the graveyard is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years with both the Premier League Champions and the Playoff Winners bizzarely playing in it this season.
The teams I think should be challenging:
Dundalk have added some decent signings like Vinny Perth and Anto Flood to an already strong squad and have managed to hold onto Philly Hughes. Hammered Derry 4-0 in pre-season. Other sides may also find their artificial surface difficult to cope with. The bookies and many peoples favourites.
Athlone have also strengthened well with some good signings like Ronan Frawley, David O'Dowd and Mixie Harty from neighbours Galway. Also managed to get striker Paul McTiernan from Sligo and experienced midfielder Davy Byrne from Longford. Playing their first season in their new stadium, their crowds will be up with the whole town behind them. Won't be far away.
Shelbourne really hard to know what kind of Shels team will take to the field, if at all. But they have brought in Dermot Keely to try and resurrect his old club and already, some decent fringe players from Bohs, Derry and Pats rumoured to be on the way to join with the experienced Alan Moore and Jim Crawford.
Finn Harps have recruited ex player and ex Derry assistant, Paul Hegarty to manage them after a disastrous stint by ex-boss Anthony Gorman. Already he has transformed the team with some very good signings from Derry and the Irish League. Central midfielder Tony Shields from Limavady was probably one of the best midfielders in the Irish League and a major coup for Harps. Other notable signings are ex-Glentoran stars Shaun Holmes and Stephen Parkhouse and John O'Loughlin from Cliftonville. Also managed to keep Conor Gethins and Chrissy Breen. Well organised under Hegarty, will definitely be at the business end of things come the end of the season.
The rest:
Kildare: Lost Cooling which will be a major blow. Can't see them improving much on last year.
Cobh: Have also lost too many of their good players from last term to Waterford and will struggle to make an impact.
Monaghan: If pre-season is anything to go by, could surprise a lot of people. Good wins over Premier sides Galway and Sligo and with Willie Doyle in the side, could cause a few upsets along the way.
Kilkenny: Will most likely be another struggle for the Cats.
Limerick 37: Very hard to judge as brand new club made up nearly entirely of junior players.
Wexford Youths: Like Limerick, an unknown quantity as this is the first year in the senior ranks. Again, made up mostly of junior players from the local area but with Pat Dolan involved, anything is possible.
My (severely biased) predictions: Harps to win league - Athlone to win playoffs against Waterford. Dundalk to run out of gas after a good start ;)
