Well looking at the form of the various smaller countries going into this competition and the groups they are in, I would have to back Ireland to be the one most likely to pull off a shock, even without Joyce they have some very good players.

Personnaly I would like to see the various associate countries allowed into the county championships with an additional division or two to cater for the extra sides and the best of the minor counties, or at least set up a european league for Ireland, Holland, Scotland, etc...