AS the new year painfully imposes itself on the country at large, the GAA's equivalent of trooping back to work in weather conditions of suicidal gloom is the onset of the "secondary" competitions. This weekend sees action in three provinces, with the McGrath Cup in Munster, the FBD Connacht League and the O'Byrne Cup in Leinster all getting underway.
Whereas the ritual mantra about the "opportunity to look at a few players" has obvious validity, any other long term benefits are a matter for debate.
The holders of all three competitions did, however, win, other titles last year, although Kerry didn't win the McGrath Cup until after their Munster championship victory.
All Ireland finalists Mayo have won the Connacht League for both years of its existence - with widely varying subsequent success.
Two years ago, they were relegated to Division Three and, that summer, lost the Connacht final by a mile. Then, last year they went on to win promotion back to Division Two and reach the League semi finals before setting out on their memorable championship run.
Leinster's O'Byrne Cup has been the source of most surprises over recent years. The last two finals have been won by Wicklow and Wexford respectively, with Wicklow going on to win Division Four of the League, although their championship ended in disappointing defeat to Carlow. Tomorrow, they re enact last year's final when taking on Wexford in Wexford Park.
Their manager, Dave Foran, looks back positively on the experience of last year and the competition in general.
"The more successful counties don't always put out their strongest teams, so it's an ideal opportunity for the others to put one over on them and get a trophy on the board. Last year we'd a good run, we beat Louth and Kildare and Westmeath away. Afterwards we went on and won the League (Division Four), but I thought we'd do better in the championship.
"This year I've changed the approach and brought in new players just to take a look at them and maybe strengthen the panel. Having won it last year, there's not the same attraction about picking up the silverware again."
The Connacht League is the newest of the secondary provincial competitions and, according to provincial secretary John Prenty, has been very successful.
"We're very pleased with it. It gives the counties a run up to the League without having to go around looking for challenges. It also helps us pick a team for the Railway Cup, and financially it's done well for us."
This year sees an additional name in contention for the Connacht League as Clare stake a strong claim to being the lending enthusiasts for secondary competitions. They will put out two teams tomorrow, one in Tourlestrane to play Sligo and another in the McGrath Cup tie with Waterford.
Finally, at Kilmacud Crokes ground in Glenalbyn tomorrow, the Dublin Bluestars play Dublin in both hurling and football.
The hurling starts at 1.00 with the football to follow.
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