GAA:The 2010 Ladies All-Ireland Football Championship was launched by Minister for Sport Mary Hanafin at Croke Park today.
The championship has been sponsored by Irish language broadcaster TG4since 2000 and this year will broadcast 15 live games over the remainder of the summer.
Cork will attempt to win the Brendan Martin Cup for the sixth consecutive year, such has been their dominance over the years. The Rebels also retained their Division 1 National League crown by defeating a spirited Galway side.
Dublin, last year’s beaten finalists, will be among the primary challengers to Cork’s dominance who remain the team to beat this summer.
The draw for the opening round of the Senior Championship was carried outby Ladies GAA president Pat Quill and TG4 Director General Pól Ó'Gallchóir.
“The longevity and continuing success of the partnership between Ladies Football and TG4 is a testament to the commitment and vision of both parties,” said Hanafin at today’s launch.
“Together they have raised the profile of Ladies Football both on the national and international stage.”
Donegal will be among the favourites for the Intermediate Championship after an impressive display in the NFL Division 2 final.
Last year’s beaten finalists ermanagh are expected to mount another strong challenge while Waterford and Cavan are also likely to feature prominently.
In the Junior Championship, Limerick have been on the cusp of national success for a number of seasons and this could be their year.
Wexford are the dark horses in the Junior grade and the could be the team to deny Limerick All-Ireland glory once again.
The Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championship finals will take place in Croke Park on Sunday, September 26th and all three games will be televised live on TG4.
Draw for the Senior Championship Round 1 Qualifiers
Down v Kildare
Connacht 4th Place Team v Kerry
Tipperary v Meath
Tyrone v Connacht 3rd Place Team
Senior Championship Teams
Armagh, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Sligo, Tipperary, Tyrone
Intermediate Championship Teams
Antrim, Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh, Longford, Kilkenny, Waterford, Westmeath, Roscommon
Junior Championship Teams
Carlow, Derry, Limerick, Louth, Offaly, Wicklow, Wexford