Kilkenny
Star Man: TJ Reid
One To Watch: Cillian Buckley
Predicted Finish: Quarter-Final
The Cats will always be there or thereabouts and are sure to bring their typical hunger to the party. However it looks like the Brian Cody regime has done it’s time and perhaps new direction and leadership is needed.
Clare
Star Man: Shane O’Donnell
One To Watch: John Conlon
Predicted Finish: Quarter Final
The Banner could surprise a few and on their day can beat anyone. Unfortunately their poor record in Munster leaves a sour taste in the mouth with recent thumpings to Tiperrary and Limerick leaving it difficult to see them advance beyond the quarters.
Galway
Star Man: Joe Canning
One To Watch: Gearoid McInerney
Predicted Finish: Semi-Final
Galway have undoubted class and quality and you can be sure Michael Donoghue’s men will be hungry for success once again. However the injury to Joe Canning could prove costly with a lot of their scores coming through him.
Limerick
Star Man: Cian Lynch
One To Watch: Aaron Gillane
Predicted Finish: Semi-Final
The energy, hunger and quality of hunger seen from this young side last year was outstanding. The short pucks and running game proved to be too much for the rest of the competition last Summer. Can they repeat it this season though?
Cork
Star Man: Patrick Horgan
One To Watch: Mark Coleman
Predicted Finish: Final
Question marks always remain around this Cork side. There’s undoubted talent but when it comes to the big day there is always something that turns them off. Nonetheless, they are a quality outfit and you can fancy John Meyler’s men to meet Tipp in this year’s final.
Wexford
Star Man: Lee Chin
One To Watch: Diarmuid O’Keefe
Predicted Finish: Quarter-Final
It is now or never for this Wexford side. Davy Fitz has been there for three years now and that is when his effect typically begins to wear off. More than capable of causing an upset however.
Dublin
Star Man: Liam Rushe
One To Watch: Daniel Sutcliffe
Predicted Finish: Quarer-finals
Like Wexford the Dubs can cause an upset on their day. However they have a long way to go and a lot of improvements are needed if Pat Gilroy’s men want to catch the big boys.
Tipperary
Star Man: Seamus Callanan
One To Watch: John McGrath
Predicted Finish: Champions
This side have been revitalized under Liam Sheedy. They’re three from three this season and can now look forward to a Munster final. They will be difficult to stop.
The Point 