Let the games begin.
The Leinster minor football championship is arguably only just behind Ulster in terms of competitiveness.
Kildare begin the campaign as the champions and, along with Dublin, are the frontrunners for summer success.
However there are several counties who will be looking to cause an upset. Last year’s beaten Leinster finalists Longford, plus Wexford, are both developing a decent crop of teenagers.
Ahead of this weekend’s opening action, we’ve taken a look at eight players to keep an eye on over the coming months.
Kildare – Brian McLoughlin
The Leinster champions will be depending heavily on the group of players who reached last year’s decider so impressively, with McLoughlin one of three key forwards remaining.
His form coming into the championship is good, as he was part of the Scoil Mhuire Clane side that just missed out on becoming the first Kildare side to reach a Leinster ‘A’ final since 1923.
A key player for the county side last year along with Jimmy Hyland and Ciaran Kelly, his presence makes the Lilywhites joint favourites along with Dublin for July honours.
Wexford – Ronan Devereux
The Wexford team captain is one of the brightest dual prospects to emerge from the Southeast in years.
He played a key role in his club Crossabeg/Ballymurn taking the Under-21 hurling title late last year, and his pace and experience should be a major asset in the Leinster championship.
He is also an accomplished football player with Wexford Youths, and could feature in any number of positions, depending on the task at hand.
Dublin – James Holland
Another @Bodengaa man with a Cup. James Holland after Dublin's @gaaleinster MFL win #gaa pic.twitter.com/B4yr6Zq6IE
— Cóilín Duffy (@coilinduffy) March 19, 2016
Paddy Christie’s side will be led out by Ballyboden St. Enda’s star Holland, and he one of a number of influential experienced players in the squad.
A survivor of 2015’s disappointing campaign, the defender has also played underage hurling for his county.
Holland is the Dubs best man-marker, and having played at centre-back for his club, is the key anchor for what could be a youthful looking back six.
Laois – Sean Byrne
The Laois captain was a key figure for the county in early 2016 as they reached this year’s Leinster Minor league final, which they lost to Dublin.
Byrne is a huge presence for the Midlanders, and he is most likely to play as the designated centre-back, who will also be able to gobble up ball in the air as an auxiliary third midfielder.
The Colaiste Iosagain Portarlington student is physically very strong, and manager Mark Rooney will be looking to him to be a key influence, along with Dylan Feane and James Kelly.
Westmeath – Adam Loughlin Stones
The club are delighted to learn that Adam Loughlin will captain the @westmeath_gaa minor footballers for 2016 #naduntaabu #proud
— The Downs GAA Club (@TheDownsGAA) February 9, 2016
The Downs club man was a popular choice as county captain for 2016, and is seen to be a key player for the county over the next number of years at U21 and senior.
His family are steeped in the GAA, with his father involved with the Westmeath club in New York, while his brothers Luke and Sean are also fine footballers.
The Mullingar Community College man has been involved with various county sides over the last three years, and is likely to be named in the number 15 position for the opening championship encounter.
Louth – Ross Nally
Louth Senior Colleges All-Stars 2015 Left Corner Forward Ross Nally – St Josephs and Newtown Blues pic.twitter.com/cFPjNFs47j
— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) December 10, 2015
According to local reports this young Louth forward is the talk of the town and who are we to disagree with the rave reviews of his skills and goal-poaching ability.
The Newtown Blues forward has been impressing coaches and opposition managers since he was U14, and it’s easy to see why thanks to a very impressive scoring record,
He grabbed 2-3 in a win over Tipperary in the Leinster minor league, and the free-taker is the team’s talisman along with team captain Sam Mulroy.
Longford – Thomas McGann
The Leinster minnows are putting in huge efforts at underage and McGann is rated as one of their best underage prospects.
He impressed in various forward roles during the Leinster minor league and is also known as a fine Irish sprinter at various distances.
Physically very strong also thanks to his track and field endeavours, much is expected of McGann as well as captain Enda Farrell and Michael Cahill.
Meath – Conor Harnan
Brother of Padraic, the defender is one of those typically sticky defenders that the Royal County is so good at producing.
His progress this season is also likely to be improved with Darren Fay part of the county minor set-up cultivated by manager Barry Callaghan
The Scoil Dara Kilcock student has enjoyed previous success at Leinster level with his school, and the corner-back has been one of the most impressive minor footballers at a local level with his club Moynalvey.
Saturday’s Leinster Minor Football Championship Fixtures:
Dublin v Offaly, Parnell Park, 12pm
Westmeath v Longford, TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, 2.00pm.
Kilkenny v Wexford, Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, 3.00pm.
Wicklow v Kildare, Aughrim, 3.00pm.
Laois v Meath, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise 3.00pm.
Carlow v Louth, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 3.00pm.
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