Askeaton

Last Season: Champions

Players In: None

Players Out: None

The new champions go into S15 with a weight of expectations but some problems do lie ahead. In spite of their superb youth facilities they have not been able to produce defenders to match their other areas and while their offensive skills prevailed last season, their rivals are sure to have been taking notes. Coupled with the fact that their manager may not be able to devote his usual efforts to the game, a repeat of last season’s dramatic heroics seems unlikely but they have the skill to ensure they’ll be in the running.

 Prediction: 7^th

Athletico Teabag

Last Season: Runner-Up

Players In: Ermin Čavušević – (GK - $245.4m)

Players Out: Aiden Giles (MR – $115.5m)

A settled mix of youth and experience returns for the new season in front of new signing ‘The Walking Tongue-Twister’. A world class goalkeeper who could make a huge difference in a league as hotly contested as this one, although there was some concern about missing medical reports prior to his transfer. Some key players did –in my opinion- punch above their weight in last seasons campaign and will need to duplicate that form in order for the team to mount a serious title assault. It will take all their managers skill to do it but I think they might just fall short at the end.

Prediction: 5^th

Buggleskelly Swifts AFc

Last Season: 1^st in 2.1

Players In: Scott Hanley (GK - $89.2m), Hocine Sene (MR - $105.1m), Aaron ‘The Fiddle’ O’ Flaherty (D/DM R - $1m)

Players Out: Nathan O’ Donovan (F - $28.4m) with 4 more on market.

The only side making their first appearance in the League Of Ireland have invested wisely over the break, the signing of Hanley could well prove crucial to their hopes of survival as their defence will struggle in the face of top-flight opposition. Much will depend on the veteran Wilson being able to cut it at this level but it may prove too much.

Prediction: 16^th

Celtic Bhoys

Last Season: 13^th , won play-off against Athlone Town.

Players In: Bryntỳr Strandberg (MC - $107.7m)

Players Out: Luke McCaffrey (MR - $27.6m)

After their play-off victory, Celtic Bhoys has moved quickly to shore up his midfield in the NT sales. This should help them stay above the fighting at the bottom but they could sorely do with better cover in defence, any injuries in this area could prove very costly. Could well spend the season hovering above the play-off spots.

Prediction: 12^th

Elland Rovers

Last Season: 8^th

Players In: None

Players Out: William O’ Donovan (F - $57.5m)

Another side putting their faith in youth for the coming season, and with good cause. Pressure will be on the Enright and Kelly partnership to produce if they want to improve on last season, it’s entirely possible.

Prediction: 11^th

Irish wolfhounds :)

Last Season: 15^th, won play-off against Kilkenny City on penalties.

Players In: Ryan McCalmont (GK - $137.9m)

Players Out: None

Spent substantially in the NT sales but McCalmont will most likely only provide a marginal improvement on Moore. The more pressing issues for this side seem to have been overlooked, most notably the imbalanced midfield and weak full backs. Without further squad strengthening this season could prove to be a bridge too far for the Smiley faced Hounds.

Prediction: 17^th

Le Sharks

Last Season: 10^th

Players In: Alfonso Pedreira  (DM/M C - $222.8m), Veroljub Pilaković (DMR – $152.5m)

Players Out: None, 2 on market.

Having stepped down from as NC, Ireland’s most successful manager has his sights set on Champions Cup victory but first he must qualify for it. His NT signings give a glimpse of this ambition with Pedreira clearly being a purchase for the future while Pilaković (who will replace Kubilūnas) represents a marked improvement to midfield in a side that –rather ominously- looked much more like itself towards the end of last season.

Prediction: 2^nd

LEGLESS ATHLETIC

Last Season: 1^st in 2.3

Players In: None

Players Out: None

Making their return after four seasons away, Legless have a good sized squad comprised largely of younger players but it remains to be seen if they can cope without their stars. Alan Whelan is a man to watch as much will depend on him but more important is Gerry Daniëls. Not only are there question marks as to whether he has the quality for LOI but he tends to miss about ten games a season and dedicated cover is sorely lacking. I feel this will be the difference.

Prediction: 18^th

Leinster Lions

Last Season: 7^th

Players In: Lazer Turk – (GK - $100m), Jaminson Ortega (MR - $105m)

Players Out: Alex Ó Coinne (FC - $39.7m)

The Lions have added well to their tightly knit squad, their youths still aren’t up to top flight standard which could be a serious concern if their aging strike force has any injury issues. If everyone stays fit they have a formidable side but mid-table security seems much more likely.

Prediction: 9^th

Lepers United

Last Season: 12^th

Players In: None

Players Out: None

After a strong start to Season 14, The Torsos were ultimately grateful for that start as it kept them out of a relegation play-off after a remarkable slump in the latter part of the season. They have strong youths coming into the fold but will they be able to keep them in the top flight? It’s going to be tough but if they do then they will go from strength to strength.

Prediction: 15^th

Lisburn City

Last Season: 5^th

Players In: None

Players Out: None

Another tight squad which performed very well last season to be in the race for Europe. They have a young squad but with their rivals improving fast, Lisburn will need to be on top form to stay in the hunt. It may prove too much.

Prediction: 13^th

Na Fianna

Last Season: 11^th

Players In: Niall Lenihan (DR – $157.6m), Hector Che (D/DM C - $114.8m), Killian O’ Rourke (F - $200m)

Players Out: None

A top side that had a difficult time last season has splashed the cash with great aplomb this season. They have arguably the strongest squad in the league –although a lack of midfield cover is still a worry- and this could well be the year for the potential NC. Having abandoned their youth setup, it might prove the best chance for a number of seasons.

Prediction: Champions

One nil to the arsenal

Last Season: 14^th, won play-off against Cavan Celtic.

Players In: Finn McCarthy (DC – $51.8m), Miroslav Kalinić (GK - $118.1m)

Players Out: None

They have added wisely to their squad but the pressure will be on to try and avoid a second consecutive relegation play-off. Potential weakness in the forward line will be a cause for concern. Some of those youths look promising but will probably not be able to aid the cause this season.

Prediction: 14^th

Park Rangers FC

Last Season: 1^st in 2.2

Players In: None

Players Out: None

Of the three promoted sides, PRFC look the best equipped for life in the top-flight. With a strong and well-rounded squad and a good looking youth setup –Alex O’ Callaghan foremost among them-, expect them to push up the table and hold their own.

Prediction: 6^th

Pirate Ninja Dinosaurs United

Last Season: 9^th

Players In: None

Players Out: None

Having been so near and yet so far, one might have expected The Yarrrghs to spend between seasons but Niska Liefson has shown faith in his existing squad, and why wouldn’t he when he has possibly the most complete forward line-up in the top flight, expect his 3 Musketeers to be prolific. Although some extra bodies in midfield might not go astray, just in case. Expect Darren Scott to continue to impress.

Prediction: 3^rd

Serenity City

Last Season: 6^th

Players In: Sol Talker (D LC - $107.7m)

Players Out: None

The cup champions had a great showing in the league in Season 14 and have moved quickly to replace Mick Delaney, who has announced his retirement. A good squad but they will find live tougher this season. Expect mid-table security while they continue to develop some quality youths. Although with a master motivator at the helm, who knows?!

Prediction: 10^th

Shamrock hoops

Last Season: 3^rd

Players In: Leo Kirwan (DM R - $100m)

Players Out: Patrick Hayes (DM R - $672k)

Performed superbly last season to shake the chasing pack before the final day of the season, the signing of Kirwan bolsters a midfield already benefiting from the signing of ‘Jayyysus’ Miller before the end of the season. They will be in the hunt towards the end.

Prediction: 4^th

Shout FC

Last Season: 4^th

Players In: Alastair Dawson (OM CR - $192.4m)

Players Out: Gerry McLoughlin (DC - $135.5m), Scott Byrne (M/OM L - $61.5m), 1 on market.

Dawson is a signing for the future (a replacement being groomed for Rimmer perhaps?) which means Herr Mann hasn’t really strengthened his squad for the coming season, the stated focus for this season being facilities. They are a strong team but will they be able to mount another assault on the Europe spots? Probably.

Prediction: 8^th