There is an interesting derby tussle to start with for Lisnaskea and St. Pat's as the sides look to get their championship campaign off to a positive start.

St. Pat's come into the championship on the back of a successful league campaign as they secured their status in Division One for 2023, which would have been the goal at the outset.

And manager Paul Hasson is hopeful that playing against the best teams in the county during the league will stand to them now in the Intermediate Championship.

"We are hoping to give a good account of ourselves in this year’s Intermediate Championship and with the step up in class we hope we can bring the confidence of a successful league campaign into our championship run," he said.

He is though anticipating a big test against the Emmetts this weekend.

"I expect a real tough championship battle against a well organised Lisnaskea side who has home advantage on their side. Whilst the round robin scenario gives teams a couple of bites at it. I’m sure both teams will be eager to come away with a victory first day out," he added.

Lisnaskea suffered disappointment in the league as they missed out on promotion on the final day but manager John Reihill,says that on the whole they were satisfied with how they league went for them.

"We were happy with our league campaign and yet very disappointed not getting the promotion. The squad is young with plenty of ability and it’s our job now to harness and develop them," he said.

And he feels that if they play to their potential then they will be a threat to any of the teams in the competition.

"We know we can compete with anyone in it. The draw for the championship is tough, and was always going to be tough for us. However, the group have the belief that they can give it a good rattle, certainly if we play to our potential. That’s the big question. Can we play to our ability against more experienced mature teams? We will give it all we’ve got and see how far that brings us," stated Reihill.

The Emmetts boss though believes that they will go into Saturday's game as underdogs but stresses that they will be giving their all to get a result.

"St Pats are a Division One team and obvious they will be favourites,but we feel that we have chance.

"Players like Brian McDermott, Paul Og O'Reilly and, of course, Eamon Maguire will need to be curtailed. So as said already we will give it our best shot and see how far that can get us. It will be about gaining more championship experience for this young bunch of players."