Shamrocks and Drumcullen hungry to step up in wide open Intermediate Hurling Championship

As usual, the Intermediate Hurling Championship is wide open with no clear starter favourites, though Shamrocks and Drumcullen will be very keen to take a step forward into a higher tier.

They are the only two clubs fielding their first team in the championship and this should be a big help to their prospects as they won't be losing players to a higher grade but it doesn't mean they will win anything.

The other clubs at this grade, Birr, St Rynagh's, Seir Kieran, Belmont, Shinrone and Ballinamere all have senior teams and have the potential to lose players as the campaign moves on.

They won't lose many but the departure of one influential performer could signal the death-knell for any of their prospects.

Drumcullen and Shamrocks are very strong contenders but we will have to wait and see. Drumcullen haven't huge depth in strength but they reached the final last year and won't be far away this year.

Shamrocks have a big parish and plenty of hurlers but they also have a few dual players and senior football is at a much higher level there at the moment. They often struggle to bring the two codes forward at the same time but Shamrocks are certainly capable of winning this championship and there is a case for making them slight favourites – with some exciting young hurlers emerging at underage level, they could do with getting up a grade.

Group 1 consists of Birr, St Rynagh's, Seir Kieran and Belmont while Drumcullen, Shinrone, Shamrocks and Ballinamere are in group 2.

It is the same format as senior with the top team in each group going into the semi-finals and the next two criss-crossing in two quarter-finals. The bottom team in each group meet in a relegation play off.

Ballinamere won junior last year and you would imagine they will find it difficult to win the higher grade but every team has a chance and no matter who wins, it won't be a big surprise.

Seir Kieran reached the final a few years ago while Birr and St Rynagh's will both be strong, fielding good seasoned hurlers as well as decent younger ones. Either of them could win it but there is a definite opportunity for both Shamrocks and Drumcullen this year.

Former Kilcormac-Killoughey star, Ciaran Slevin is at the helm in Shamrocks and they could emerge as a very potent team. They have flattered to deceive in the past and have obvious limitations so will have to wait and see but they could also get motoring very well.

Verdict – Shamrocks.