Ross Celtic favourites to lift Premier crown again
IN THE unlikely event that New Ross Celtic will fail to close out their fifth title in a row, the most reasonable minds will look towards North End United to lift the title, when the Wexford Football League campaign gets under way on Sunday next.
This may seem a somewhat surprising assessment given that North End have just returned from Division 1 having spent two seasons in the lower flight, but they were always looked upon as Premier Division material.
But if you want to start a real debate one can throw in a few other clubs who will be fancying their prospects of making a title bid, last season's second placed Shamrock Rovers, along with Courtown Hibs, third last season, and fourth placed Duncannon, who looked so good for a lengthy stretch of the season, but hit a real downer midway through the campaign.
It's possibly a case of down memory lane by restoring North End as the most serious challenger to New Ross Celtic's title.
The Wexford town side, who finished the season with a cup final victory, have not spent the summer months idly, for they have added to their squad with the signing of Lee Aust and Warren Broaders from Mick Wallace's Wexford Youths, while Jason Murphy has crossed the town from Wexford Bohs, with Keith Kearney also returning from a spell with Wexford Youths.
With experienced campaigners Stuart Lawlor also back from Wexford Youths, and along with John Foley, Kieran Kelly and Lee Walker, they have a side that can mount a title challenge.
New Ross Celtic will be relying on much the same outfit as helped them to successive titles, with the likes of Mark Lee and Michael Grangel expected to propel their challenge towards retaining the title.
Shamrock Rovers may have disappointed when losing the cup final to North End, but given their excellent youth set-up, they once again will be title contenders, while Leighton Gleeson and Eugene O'Brien will lead the Courtown Hibs challenge.
Bunclody, given their splendid grounds, are a welcome addition back to the top flight and will be watched with interest, while Adamstown may find the opening games difficult, as many of their players are still involved in the county Senior football championship.
New Ross Celtic open the defence of their title with a difficult away game to Forth Celtic, while the big game of the opening round is Duncannon's home fixture with North End, since both sides will be laying down markers for the campaign.
The likes of Forth Celtic, Ferns United and Park Hotspur could find themselves in the relegation fight unless they have a strong opening to their campaign.
It will be one of the most open Premier Divisions for many seasons and one is sure to see many surprises along the way.
- BRENDAN FURLONG
