Preparations get underway for the new pool season

There are 12 teams in each division with a fixture list currently being devised. Once the fixtures are ready for distribution each team will either have them delivered or posted. Those that supplied an email address will eventually find them in their messages.

As well as the league campaign there will be the Brendan McAdam Knockout Cup, the First Division Cup, the A McLean Bookmakers Doubles for the Eddie Fearon Shield, the Dermy Rice 3-A-Side's and the Individuals, so there is a busy six months ahead.

A number of teams have been busy adding to their squads. First and Last have entered a team in each division, as have O’Reillys. Market Bar have always competed with two teams and this season is no exception, so too have Mulholland's and Coach.

Two new teams have entered the league, The Montagu Arms have entered the first division whilst Cullen’s have joined the Premier. Both these teams are based in Tandragee and will no doubt be keeping an eye on the others’ progress throughout the season.

Two teams gained promotion from the First Division, Banbridge Golf Club join the Premier as champions while Shepherd's followed them as runners up.

It will be interesting to see how they fare when up against the established premier sides such as Coach who won the title followed by Market Bar who filled the runners up spot. No doubt the Dromore side will be hoping to go one better.

The First Division was fiercely competitive last season as was proved by the number of teams who topped the table at various times during the season. This time around looks no different as several teams will be out to get their hands on the title.

To get the season underway The Kevin McGrath Memorial Shield will be played for in McGrath's Bar on Tuesday September 28. The match is between Premier winners Coach versus newly promoted Banbridge Golf Club.

Funds are raised to go towards a charity chosen by the winning team that night. Although it is for a good cause it will be fought for all the way on the night. A good night out is guaranteed.

Premier fixtures for the first matches of the new season to be played next Tuesday October 5 are as follows: Angler's A v Shepherd's, Market Bar A v O'Reilly's A, First & Last A v Cullen’s (Tandragee), Banbridge Legion v Higgin's, McGrath's v Banbridge Golf Club and defending champions Coach at home to Mulholland's A.

First Division fixtures: Planters v Imperial, Bus Bar v First and Last B, O'Reilly's B v Market Bar B, Mulholland's B v Coach B, Castle Bar B v Angler's B and new entrants Montagu Legends from Tandragee begin their season at home to Donaghcloney Legion.

Team captains are reminded result sheets must be delivered by Friday of the same week, late arrivals will not be accepted.