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Can Naomh Conaill, with its legion of mature warriors hold on to the Dr Maguire Cup? Or will rising young guns like Termon or Four Masters, who have won the last two Division One titles on the trot, step up to the mark. That is the question as eight opening round ties are down for decision this weekend on Saturday. Saturday Gweedore V St Michael’s Gweedore won the All-Ireland Gaeltacht championship back in May but they have had a choppy league campaign and will be keen to get into gear for the championship. They have had some strong underage teams in recent years and have been threatening a breakthrough. Daire O’Baoill is a major figure along with Domhnall Mac Giolla Bríde while Ethan Harkin is a fine finisher. The elegant Michael Langan, Daniel McLaughlin, Colin McFadden and Carlus O’Reilly are big players for opponents St Michaels, who have been nearly men for many years. It could be an away win. St Eunan’s V Aodh Ruadh This is an easier one to call as it would be a major upset if Eunan’s, under ex-Fermanagh boss Kieran Donnely, do not take two points. St Eunan’s are minus Niall O’Donnell who is in the States while Aodh Ruadh’s Eoghan Kelly is also Stateside but Letterkenny is a strong outfit, captained by Conor O’Donnell Snr along with his brother Shane O’Donnell. They also have Eoin McGeehin as an accurate marksman up front. Eaomon McGrath, Shane McGrath and Shane Delahunty power Ballyshannon, but a home win looks likely. Naomh Conaill V Downings Reigning county champions Naomh Conaill are fancied to get past Downings at home. Brendan McSyer, Anthony Thompson, Leo McLoone and Dermot ‘Brick’ Molloy continue to defy time. But Finbarr Roarty, Shea Malone and Max Campbell are in the States, which is a bit of a blow. Paddy McElwee and the McGroddy’s are major figures for Downings, but Naomh Conaill should prevail. Glenswilly V Termon This could be a cracking derby encounter between two youthful emerging teams. Glenswilly’s Daith Gildea is in America, as is Donal Gallagher but they still have Gary McFadden and maybe Michael Murphy to spur their efforts. Daire McDaid, Enda McCormick and Ryan McFadden are among the most potent forwards in the county. This one could end up all square. Sunday Glenfin V Naomh Columba Recently crowned Division Two champions Naomh Columba make the long trip to Glenfin in a very evenly matched affair, at Pairc Taobhóige. Aaron Doherty was superb in that league final win over Ardara while Paul O’Hare and Darragh Hennigan are also key figures. Glenfin have been hit with a treble whammy as Shaun Ward, Daniel Marley and Luke McGlynn are in America. On that basis, an away win is probable although Glenfin are always hard to beat at home. Dungloe V Sean MacCumhaills Beaten League finalists Dungloe entertain Sean MacCumahails in Rosses Park. The Curran’s and Oisin Bonner are powerful players for the home side while much depends on whether MacCumhaills county star Oisin Gallen is available or not. Sean Martin is a real leader for the Twin Towns side. Home advantage could be crucial here. Ardara V Kilcar This could be a real dinger of a derby match in the Pearse Memorial Park. The bustling CJ Molloy still creates a lot of havoc for Ardara and Kevin Whyte is a powerful presence. But with Mark, Ryan and Eoin McHugh available as well as Paddy McBrearty it looks like a win for the men from Towney. Four Masters V Killybegs Derbies are always different and, while Four Masters are newly crowned Division One League champions, the Hugh McFadden inspired Fishermen could give them quite a contest. Turlough Carr, Seanan Carr and Kevin Muldoon are all in the US and will be a big loss to the Masters but they might just have enough to squeeze through.