Weekend previews
June 18, 2010Saturday, June 19th
Ulster SFC semi final - Tyrone v. Down
Down manager James McCartan looks set to be without defenders Kevin Duffin, Aidan Brannigan and Daniel McCartan for this clash, with the latter definitely out through suspension.
There is mixed news in the Tyrone camp as Tommy McGuigan is doubtful with a knee injury, but Conor Gormley looks set to return to the side after a spell on the sidelines.
This is a fascinating contest as the pretenders to the throne take on the guile and experience of Tyrone. This could well boil down to who wants it's the most and Down's hunger may just be that bit more to the fore. They struggled to overcome Donegal, but to be fair the Tir Chonaill men are a decent side and could do well in the qualifiers.
Tyrone never really had to hit top gear against Antrim and didn't look like losing the match. They will need to step it up a notch against Down and if their key men like Sean and Colm Cavanagh, Brian Dooher and Joe McMahon perform to their best then they will take some beating. However, against Antrim, they looked a tired team and most of these players have a lot of football under their belts. You can write them off at your peril, but Down's youthfulness and enthusiasm gives them the nod here. Verdict: Down
Tyrone (SF v Down): P McConnell; M Swift, Justin McMahon, D Carlin; P Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan; C Cavanagh, K Hughes; B Dooher, S Cavanagh, Joe McMahon; M Penrose, Stephen O'Neill, O Mulligan.
Down (SF v Tyrone): B McVeigh; D Rooney, B McArdle, D Rafferty; K McKernan, J Colgan, C Garvey; A Rogers, K King; D Hughes, M Poland, B Coulter; C Maginn, D Gordon, M Clarke.
Ladbrokes.com odds: Tyrone 1/2; Draw 7/1; Down 21/10
Leinster SFC quarterfinal replay - Laois v. Meath
Laois showed great character to battle back from the dead twice in the drawn tie to earn a replay and they will probably go into this game with a degree more confidence. The fact that it was their first outing too suggests that there is more to come from this side and with the likes of Donie Kingston and Craig Rogers leading the attack, they are always going to be a threat up front. The introduction of the experienced Padraig Clancy made a massive difference and he could well start next Saturday.
Meath will be disappointed to have thrown away significant leads on two occasions, but particularly when they went three points clear in extra time albeit by a fortuitous Cormac McGuinness goal, their failure to close out the game will be cause for concern for their management team. An extra game will stand to the returning Kevin Reilly, while they still have a few defensive concerns to iron out.
Their forward unit is working really well and the emergence of Graham Reilly is a huge plus. If the Royals tighten up at the back, they can book a place in the Leinster semi-final. Verdict: Meath
Meath (SFC v Laois) - Paddy O'Rourke, Chris O'Connor, Kevin Reilly, Eoghan Harrington, Anthony Moyles, Michael Burke, Caomhin King, Brian Meade, Mark Ward, Seamus Kenny, Joe Sheridan, Graham Reilly, Cian Ward, Shane O'Rourke, Stephen Bray.
Laois (SF v Meath): M Nolan; P O'Leary, M Timmons, P McMahon (captain); C Healy, C Ryan, C Begley; B Quigley, K Meaney; B Sheehan, C Rogers, D Strong; P Cahillane, D Kingston, R Munnelly.
Ladbrokes.com odds: Meath 8/13; Draw 15/2; Laois 13/8
Nicky Rackard Cup quarter-final - London v. Fingal
The Exiles suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Armagh last weekend to find themselves in the quarter-finals. The controversy of withdrawing from the Ulster championship may have had an effect on the players, but they have a second chance of getting their campaign back on track this weekend.
Fingal will take on the London men more in hope than confidence. The Dublin side are a decent outfit but London should prove stronger and advance to the last four. Verdict: London
Nicky Rackard Cup quarter-final - Louth v. Sligo
This is a repeat of the Nicky Rackard Cup final of two years ago when Sligo came out on top. Louth have a chance to gain some degree of revenge for that defeat. They will be disappointed to have lost to Roscommon last weekend, and they have little time to regroup, but the incentive is there to pick themselves up and record a victory.
Sligo played well against Monaghan, despite missing a few key players including star forward Keith Raymond, who looks set to be missing this Saturday too. This alone could swing to the game in Louth's favour. Verdict: Louth
Lory Meagher Cup quarter-final - Fermanagh v. Cavan
Cavan went down narrowly to Leitrim last weekend and there were plenty of positives to take from that match. They will go into Saturday's match confident of progressing to the last four.
Fermanagh were stunned when a strong Warwickshire side easily defeated them in the first round. They will expect to win this one, but Cavan have improved and could well cause a surprise here. Verdict: Cavan
Sunday, June 20th
Leinster SHC semi final - Kilkenny v. Dublin
The Cats take their bow in this year's Leinster championship as they set off on their quest for an unprecedented fifth consecutive All-Ireland title. Kilkenny manager Brian Cody will have to plan without midfielder James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, who has a hamstring injury, but in better news both James Ryall and John Tennyson are winning their races to be fit. The defending champions have the strength in depth to cope with any losses and although Dublin pushed them all the way in last year's Leinster final, it is hard to see a repeat of that performance.
All is not well in the Dublin camp as poor performances coupled with the withdrawal of the experienced Ronan Fallon from the squad suggests that Anthony Daly's charges face an uphill struggle on Sunday. Throw in the fact that star forward David O'Callaghan is struggling with a hamstring injury and it's very hard to see an upset here. Verdict: Kilkenny
Ladbrokes.com odds: Dublin 7/1; Draw 16/1; Kilkenny 1/12
Leinster SHC semi final - Galway v. Offaly
Galway manager John McIntyre has expressed his concern at the number of injuries that his side currently have to deal with, as no fewer than ten players are carrying knocks ahead of Sunday's clash. However, most of these should be recovered in time for the trip to Croke Park where Galway will go into the match as strong favourites to progress to the decider.
In their win over Wexford, they produced an excellent second half display to ease through comfortably and on the wide open space of Croke Park, their free running forwards should thrive on the freedom. Wing forward Andy Smith will be a massive loss, but they have the squad to deal without him.
Offaly need to step it up a level from their performance against Antrim if they are to have any chance here. A recent challenge game result against Cork suggests they are some way behind the top teams in the country and that includes Galway. They are over reliant on Shane Dooley for scores and that burden needs to be shared around.
The Faithful County are rebuilding at the moment and a decent run in the qualifiers maybe the best they can hope for this year. Verdict: Galway
Galway (SH v Offaly): C Callanan; D Joyce, S Kavanagh, O Canning; D Barry, T Og Regan, D Collins; G Farragher, D Burke; D Hayes, C Donnellan, A Callanan; A Harte, J Canning, I Tannian.
Ladbrokes.com odds: Galway 1/12; Draw 16/1; Offaly 7/1
Munster SHC semi-final - Cork v. Limerick
The Rebels threw the form book out the window with a comfortable victory over a highly fancied Tipperary team last time out and they are overwhelming favourites to progress to the Munster final.
Their display against Tipp was one of the best team performances seen for some time and they answered all their critics with aplomb. From one to 15 they were simply awesome. If they continue to produce such form, then Cork will have to be considered genuine contenders for the All-Ireland.
On Sunday, they are in a no-win situation against a Limerick side whose off field problems are well documented. The sides have plenty in common on that front, but Cork have a job to do and they will be determined to progress to the provincial decider.
Limerick have shown signs of improvement in recent challenges, but wins against the likes of Carlow and Laois is hardly the best preparation to take on a top side like Cork. No one will give Limerick a chance here, but the Shannonsiders are a proud breed and they will give it their all. Cork will have something to spare, but it might not be as much as many people think. Verdict: Cork
Cork (SH v Limerick): D Og Cusack; S O'Neill, E Cadogan, B Murphy; J Gardiner, R Curran, S Og O hAilpin; T Kenny, C Naughton; B O'Connor, J O'Connor, N McCarthy; K Murphy (Sarsfields), A O hAilpin, P Horgan.
Limerick (SH v Cork): T Flynn, S O'Neill, D Breen, K O'Rourke; S Riordan, B O'Sullivan, P Browne; T O'Brien, A Brennan; J O'Brien, P McNamara, S Herlihy; G Mulcahy, A Owens, R McKeogh.
Ladbrokes.com odds: Cork 1/50; Draw 20/1; Limerick 10/1
Connacht SFC semi-final - Roscommon v. Leitrim
Roscommon supporters are not expecting much from this year's campaign, but the fact of the matter is that they are just 70 minutes away from a Connacht final. It would be some turnaround for a side relegated to Division 4 in the NFL and they had a rather comfortable win over London in the first round, it did little to inspire confidence. Additionally, the loss of Mark O'Carroll for the remainder of the year with a broken knee cap is a huge blow to the Rossies.
The one plus they have over Leitrim is that they have played a game in this year's championship. It has been a long break since the end of the league until this match and that is sure to affect Mikey Moran's charges. If Roscommon can get off to a decent start, this could rattle Leitrim and they may find it hard to settle after that.
In Donie Shine, Roscommon have an extremely talented forward, while Ger Heneghan is another who can cause problems for any defence. Despite, their woes so far this year, Roscommon may just cause a surprise and advance to the decider. Verdict: Roscommon
Roscommon (Connacht SFC v Leitrim): G Clancy; S McDermott, P Domican, S Ormsby; S Purcell, C Dineen, D Casey; M Finneran, K Mannion; D Keenan, P Garvey, C Gregg; J Rogers, D Shine, G Heneghan.
Leitrim (SF v Roscommon): E Lyons; D Beck, J McKeon, D Reynolds; J Glancy (St. Mary's), S Foley, W McKeon; T Beirne, S Canning; C Clarke, D O'Connor, M Foley; R Cox, J Glancy (Glencar/Manor), R Mulvey.
Ladbrokes.com odds: Roscommon 4/7; Draw 15/2; Leitrim 7/4
Lory Meagher Cup quarter-final - Warwickshire v. Longford
Longford make the trip across the Irish Sea to face a Warwickshire side that has been showing signs of improvement, despite last weekend's defeat to Donegal. The Exiles have assembled a strong squad and Longford will need to be at their best to book a place in the semi-final.
Gareth Ghee is in excellent form of late and he will take some watching from the Warwickshire defence. The Midlanders should be at full strength and this could be a very close match that could go either way. Nonetheless, Longford get the dreaded vote of confidence to advance to the last four. Verdict: Longford Tweet
