The race for the Conway Cup begins this weekend as the Waterford Senior Football Championship gets underway, with reigning champions Rathgormack eyeing a historic three-in-a-row.

Not since Stradbally’s golden run in 2005 has a side managed to dominate the county’s top competition so consistently – but Rathgormack now have the chance to write their own chapter in history.

The champions begin their campaign on Sunday at 1:30pm against Gaultier, a side always capable of producing a surprise. With the target firmly on their backs, Rathgormack will know that every opponent will be eager to knock them off their perch. Gaultier are seeking to reach the final for the first time since 1996 this year and have brought in the services of former Tipperary manager David Power – who famously guided the Premier to the Munster Championship in 2020.

Elsewhere on Sunday, An Rinn face Kilrossanty at 2pm in the first of a Fraher Field double-header, while Abbeyside Ballinacourty meet The Nire at 3:30pm in what promises to be one of the weekend’s heavyweight battles.

The action begins on Saturday afternoon when Roanmore take on Clashmore Kinsalebeg at 4pm.

Both sides will view this as a crucial opening test, with early momentum often proving decisive in the group stages.