One team has bestrode the Tillan Cup in recent years, and there is no reason why they shouldn't have a similarly successful competition in 2014. Merrion 2, were Tillain Cup champions (the T20 competition for the "second tier" teams) in 2012 and 2013, and with a handy home draw against Railway Union 2, they will feel confident of another run.
Merrion have only lost twice since 2011 in the competition, and oddly, both of those losses were in 2011 - and to Wicklow County, after the Wicklow were ordered to replay the original match, winning the replay as well. Railway Union 2 have been an unlucky team in recent years. They have narrowly lost out in multiple promotions, and their 3-3 record in the Tillain Cup is the 3rd best of all the teams in this year's draw (after Merrion 2 and The Hills 2). Merrrion favourites, but a shock possible.
The draw is split in to two geographical sections - in theory North and South, but in reality, South Dublin and "Other". Seven teams in the North draw, means there is one bye, and North County 2 are the lucky recipients. They have lost to The Hills 2 in 2012 and 2013, and if they can beat North Kildare 1 or Phoenix 2, they may well face The Hills again in the semi final.
The match at the top of the draw sees Clontarf 2 of Division 3 host Mullingar 1 of Division 4. Clontarf 2 haven't won a Tillain Cup match since June 13 2011, but will be favourites for this match. There is a repeat of the 2013 semi final, as The Hills 2 host Laois 1. The Hills won that one, before they lost to Merrion 2 in the final.
The final "North" match sees North Kildare, the run away winners of Division 4 in 2013, host Malahide 2. North Kildare have had a patchy record in the Tillain, but have also been drawn away three times out of four. The only time they won in the competition in the last three seasons was the time they played in The Maws, so the omens are good. Malahide 2 won the plaudits (if not the match) last year, when they conceded to Clontarf 2 despite heavy rain saving them from certain defeat. The lottery of a bowl out gave Malahide a way out, but they did the noble thing.
Including the Merrion/Railway Union tie, there are four matches in the south half of the draw. Pembroke 2 should be one of the favourites, but have a dire record in the Tillain, having being drawn at home in each of the last three years, and have managed to lose all three. Dundrum 1 are in Division 4, but faced Division 2 opposition in the Tillain last year, dumping Leinster 2 in the first round. They will famncy another shock.
YMCA 2 should be too strong at home against Phoenix 2, who have lost in the first round every year since 2011, losing to Clontarf, Railway Union and Merrion. The final match could well see another "shock". Last year, Leinster were in Division 2, and Civil Service Division 4, but a year is a long time etc. Both are in Division 3 now, and the momentum may well be with Service.
The first three rounds are on Monday nights (the first round being on May 19), before the final is held in Civil Service on Sunday 27th July in Civil Service. What chance that the hosts will make the final?