The Allianz National Hurling League gets under way this weekend, and with plenty of intrigue Newstalk's Oisin Langan was joined by the recently retired John O'Brien to preview the campaign.
Starting off with his native Tipperary, with whom he reached last year's All-Ireland final, O'Brien feels the Premier are in a "good place" and will be happy with the core group of players from 2014. He also felt criticism of Eamon O'Shea's team within Tipperary last year was "poor".
Their All-Ireland conquerors Kilkenny have endured a spate of retirements during the winter, and O'Brien believes the impact could be more of a "psychological" one.
Meanwhile, Dublin are experiencing a new life under Ger Cunningham, and the decision to push Liam Rushe into a more advanced role is backed by O'Brien, who also feels Cork are comfortable in their own skin, and that they will target Kilkenny in the first game.
The Toomevara clubman believes Podge Collins will be a huge loss for Clare, but thinks the Banner will be "riled up" and will have something to prove.
O'Brien also reckons added experience will be a boost for the enigma that is Galway, and mused about how the players may cope without Joe Canning.
Looking further down at Division 1B, he tipped Waterford to be stronger in the next two to three years, while expecting Limerick to push on again this year.
O'Brien sees Wexford going places, admits that it's "not looking good" for Offaly, and sees merely replicating 2014 as good progress for Laois.
Listen to the full preview below via the Monday Rewind podcast (47 minutes 30 seconds in):
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