The runners, the riders, the odds and last season's form as Kildare tackle Division 2

KILDARE

Manger: Glenn Ryan.

Year 2 of his three year term.

Very mixed bag in 2022, operated in Divison 1 and were somewhat unfortunate to be relegated on the very last day of the season.

Conceded five goals to Dublin in the Leinster final in the first half; had Mayo on the rack in The Qualifiers but let them off the hook.

Some experienced players have retired; Kevin Feely just recovering from an achilles injury picked up in the SFC.

AFL 2022: Division 1, Played 7; Won 2, Drew 1; Lost 4; 5 points; relegated.

Odds: Promotion 4/1; Relegation 11/2.

CLARE

Manager: Colm Collins

The longest serving manager in both football and hurling, Colm is now heading into his tenth season in charge of his native county.

Clare have retained Division 2 status since 2017; Coach Brian Carson and strength and conditioning coach Michael Cahill are also back in having been previously involved. Mark Doran, who managed Ballybay to the Monaghan title, joins the backroom team, while Joe Hayes is the new goalkeeping coach.

AFL 2022: Division 2, Played 7, Won 2, Drew 2, Lost 3 Points 6; retained status.

Opening game: Clare 4/7 Louth 7/4 draw 7/1.

Odds: Promotion Clare 14/1; relegation1/1.

CORK

Manager: John Cleary.

In his first full year, having been appointed during 2022 when Keith Ricken was forced to step down due to health reasons.

Lost to Kerry in Munster semi-final in 2022; defeated Louth and Limerick in The Qualifiers;Former Galway star Kevin Walsh joins Cork this year as coach, a major boost.

James Loughrey, Ray Keane, Mícheál Ó Cróinín and Barry Corkery are also part of the coaching ticket.

AFL 2022: Division 2, Played 7; Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 4; Points 5; retained status, albeit somewhat fortunate.

Odds: Promotion 10/3; Relegation 8/1.

DUBLIN

Manager: Dessie Farrell.

Now entering his fourth season as the Dublin manager.

His initial three year term ended last year and much speculation he would not be staying but has been handed a two-year extention.

Won Leinster comfortably in 2022 giving Kildare a hiding in the process; lost to Kerry, by just a single point in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Farrell will be joined by former All-Ireland winning manager Pat Gilroy; while Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion are back also to boost the squad; very poor league last season relegated to Division 2.

AFL 2022: Division 1, Played 7; Won 2; Drew 0; Lost 5; 4 points relegated

Odds: Promotion 1/12; Relegation 80/1.

LIMERICK

Manager: Ray Dempsey.

In this his first year in charge of the Limerick senior footballers.

Was tipped as a possible manager of his native county Mayo before Kevin McStay got the nod.

Will be missing key forward Josh Ryan who broke his tibia in Limerick SHC. Rank outsiders in the divisioin.

AFL 2022: Division 3: Played 7, Won 5, Drew 0, Lost 2, Points 10; promoted, defeated in D3 final.

Odds: Promotion 20/1; Relegation 4/9.

MEATH

Manager: Colm O’Rourke

This is his first year in charge of his native county after an illustrious career before becoming a top RTÉ pundit for a long number of years. Initially said he was not interested in the job but had a change of heart.

Paul Garrigan, who enjoyed such success with the county’s ladies team, will come in as coach while Stephen Bray and Barry Callaghan will also form part of the team.

Sean Boylan also part of backroom team. Dublin's Shane Supple will be the goalkeeping coach.

2022 AFL: Division 2, Played 7, Won 2, Drew 2, Lost 3; Points 6; retained status.

Odds: Promotion 5/1; Relegation 9/2.

LOUTH

Manager: Mickey Harte.

The former All-Ireland winning manager with Tyrone will be entering his third year in charge of the Wee County.

Has brought Louth from Division 4 to Division 2 and while there were rumours he was about to depart was given a two year extention; crowned Division 3 League champions.

AFL 2022: Division 3, Played 7, Won 5; Drew 1, Lost 1, Points 11; Won Division 3 and promoted.

Odds: Promotion 16/1; Relegation 5/6.

DERRY

Manager: Rory Gallagher

In his fourth year in charge.

Had one hell of a year in 2022; just missed out on promotion to Division 1; went on to capture the Ulster title and reach the All-Ireland semi-final.

Conor Glass’ return from the AFL has had a big impact on Gallagher’s time.

AFL 2022: Division 2, Played 7; Won 5; Drew 1; Lost 1; Points 11, retained status.

Odds: Promotion 5/6; Relegation16/1.