Colleges kick-off Leinster defence
DUNDALK Colleges begin the defence of their Leinster title today (Wednesday 1.30pm) with yet another away trip to the midlands.
The long trek to Clonguish in Longford to face St Mel's will mean Leslie Toal's side have played just one home match in the competition in over two years, but that didn't stop the combination side from lifting the trophy for only the second time ever last year.
Toal can still call on a number of that winning squad again in 2012, with Conall Mckeever, Ciaran Lenehan, Cian Doyle, Darragh Smyth and Robert Quigley all still eligible. Aussie Rules-bound Ciaran Byrne is also still underage, although the De La Salle and St Mochta's man is likely to miss the opener through injury.
Dundalk have played two useful challenge matches in recent weeks against last year's All-ireland runners-up St Colman's of Newry and Castleblayney College.
Toal has the same backroom team as last season consisting of John Moylan (Colaiste Ris), Donal Hegarty (Marist), Padraig Staunton (De La Salle) and Declan Heinz (Dundalk Grammar School).
