Ballygunner will begin their bid for six in a row with a first round tie against 2018 intermediate champions Clonea on the last weekend of March.
Tallow and Dungarvan were also drawn in Group A.
Beaten finalists Abbeyside open their campaign against Fourmilewater in Group B.
Eastern rivals Roanmore and Mount Sion will face off in another standout match from round one. Group C contains De La Salle, Passage, Ballyduff Upper and Lismore.
The Nire will start their Conway Cup defence against Ardmore on the weekend of April 14. Clashmore and Rathgormack complete Group A.
Runners-up Kilrossanty are joined by near neighbours Stradbally, Kilmacthomas and Portlaw in Group B.
Newly promoted Kilmac will tackle Stradbally in the first round. Ballinacourty, An Rinn, Gaultier and Brickey Rangers make up Group C.
