With the league structure for the 2015 season not yet announced by the Open Competitions Committee, not too much can be taken from the draw that has been been announced today live on NEAR fm.
The pick of the draw looks to be holders Clontarf 2 against Merrion 2. Clontarf will be looking for a three in a row in 2015, and will come up against a Merrion team who last won back in 2011. The two sides have not met at all since 2012, and their last cup meeting was that 2011 final, with Merrion winning by 131 runs.
We do know that YMCA 2 have been promoted to Division 2, and they will travel to play Malahide 2 in a match in which YMCA have won the last three meetings. There will be a Sandymount derby, when Pembroke 2 will host Railway Union 2, a match in which the home side should be strong favourites. There is little to go on with this one though, as the two teams have not met in recent years, apart from two T20 clashes - which were shared.
There will be a repeat of the 2004 final, when Phoenix 2 entertain Laois 1 whilst Leinster 2 will host The Hills 2. Leinster won their two league matches against The Hills last season, but their last cup meeting saw The Hills win by 5 wickets in 2013, chasing 245.
North Kildare 1 should start as favourites against Dundrum 1 - although league position does not match results on the pitch. Depsite North Kildare finising high in Division 3 last year as opposed to Dundrum's lowly Division 4 position, the two teams met in the Cup last year, and Dundrum were convincing 9 wicket winners.
The final tie is an intriguing one, with a North County 2 team that struggled in 2014 facing an up and coming Greystones 1 side. Civil Service 1 receive a bye into the next round.
The full draw is:
Malahide 2 vs YMCA 2
Pembroke 2 vs Railway Union 2
Clontarf 2 vs Merrion 2
Phoenix 2 vs Laois 1
Leinster 2 vs The Hills 2
North Kildare 1 vs Dundrum 1
North County 2 vs Greystones 1
Civill Service 1 receive a bye