Stars who may set world alight

Damien Cahalane (Cork)

A series of notable performances during Castlehaven’s successful county SFC run, and for the Cork U21s, brought him to Conor Counihan’s attention and his future could lie with the Cork footballers.

Brian Looney (Kerry)

Looney’s performances throughout Dr Crokes’ year of victory caught the eye and he got better the longer it went on, culminating in seven points from play in a man-of-the-performance in the Munster final win over Castlehaven. Though Crokes’ All-Ireland campaign may impinge on his league prospects, he has a chance today.

Donal Óg Hodnett (Cork IT)

Two good years for the Cork U21 footballers, coupled with a series of inspiring displays as O’Donovan Rossa reached the county football semi-final, have helped to raise Hodnett’s profile.

Fintan Kelly (Monaghan)

Though he often plays at midfield for his club Clones St Tiernach’s, Kelly lines out at full-back for Monaghan tomorrow when they take on St Mary’s University College as new manager Malachy O’Rourke attempts to infuse some new blood. Kelly’s versatility could prove to be a big advantage as the year goes on.

Ryan McKenna (Tyrone)

The Eglish player is one of a number of new players that Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has called up in a bid to reboot his squad and he starts at right half-back against Derry in the cup bearing his surname tomorrow. While defensive duties will remain the priority, McKenna is more than capable of marauding forward to pick off scores.

Conor McAtamney (Derry)

Like Tyrone, their opponents tomorrow are also in the process of replenishing their options, with manager Brian McIver having called 11 new players for the McKenna Cup. Swatragh teenager McAtamney is one of those, and while he has just graduated from minor he will not look out of place. As adept at creating chances as he is at scoring them.

Conor Mellett (Kildare)

Naas youngster Mellett is one of a host of new players added by Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney for the O’Byrne Cup, and he should get a chance against Carlow IT in tomorrow’s opening-round clash. Has already shown up well in challenge games for the Lilywhites, having scored a goal in a challenge against Wicklow in December.

Conor Meredith (Laois)

The scorer of a hat-trick of goals in the Leinster minor final in 2007, Meredith appeared lost to Laois when he travelled to Australia to join AFL side North Melbourne Kangaroos. He returned late last year, however, and will be given a chance to stake a claim by O’Moore County manager Justin McNulty.

Paul Hudson (Dublin)

Dublin begin their O’Byrne campaign with a clash against Carlow, and Hudson is among those in line to be given a chance to make an impact. The classy forward was on song in the win over the Dub Stars in the annual New Year’s Day game, scoring six points, five of them from play.

Danny Cummins (Galway)

Cummins, along with Mark Hehir, was one of the stars of Galway’s All-Ireland U21-winning side in 2011, and while he made his senior debut last year, the year is not looked back on kindly by the Tribesmen. With Pádraic Joyce now retired, the younger brigade must step up and Cummins will be one of those on whom hopes will be pinned.