Weekend previews
June 25, 2010Saturday June 26th
Leinster SHC semi final replay - Galway v. Offaly
Derek Molloy faces a race against time to be fit for the replay and it will be a major boost to the Faithful County if he can make it. The talented wing forward was outstanding in the first half against Galway before he had to go off injured at half time. His replacement Daniel Currams was shown a straight red card and is definitely out, but Offaly will go into the match full of confidence.
Galway came out in the second half and scored 2-4 in the space of eight minutes, but still couldn't put their opponents away. They will need a much better performance in the replay, but they are certainly capable of producing a lot more.
Shane Dooley gave Ollie Canning a torrid time of it and the elder Canning will be looking to rectify that next Saturday. If he can manage to keep tabs on the Tullamore forward then Galway should progress to their first Leinster final ever. Verdict: Galway.
Ladbrokes.com odds: Galway 1/9; Draw 12/1; Offaly 6/1
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Armagh v. Donegal
Are Armagh set for a long summer without inter county football? - it's certainly looking that way following the demolition job Monaghan did on them. It will take a big effort from manager Paddy O'Rourke to lift the spirits of his young side. Crossmaglen has always been a very hard place for a visiting team to get a result over the years, but Donegal will head there confident that they can come away with a victory.
Under-21 star Leo McLoone has left the Donegal squad, which suggests that all may not be well in their camp. The Tir Chonaill men have flattered to deceive in recent years and so much has been expected of them, but they have failed to live up to their true potential.
This will certainly be a test of Armagh's mettle, but with Stevie McDonnell and Aaron Kernan in their ranks, they always have a chance. Verdict: Armagh
Ladbrokes.com odds: Armagh 2/3; Draw 13/2; Donegal 7/4
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Cavan v. Wicklow
This is a repeat of last year's meeting between the sides in the second round of the qualifiers when Wicklow recorded a victory in Aughrim. This year the sides meet in Breffni Park and home advantage really plays a part in the outcome in the majority of these matches. Cavan produced flashes or brilliance against Fermanagh, but ultimately their lack of consistency let them down.
Wicklow, on the other hand went down to Westmeath for the second year running, once again by a narrow margin. They will be hoping for another decent run in the qualifiers, but if Cavan can play to their capabilities for the full 70 minutes then they should be in the draw for round two. Verdict: Cavan
Ladbrokes.com odds: Cavan 2/3; Draw 13/2; Wicklow 13/8
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Carlow v. Derry
Carlow football has struggled to build on its underage success in recent years and the heavy defeat to Wicklow in this year's Leinster championship was a major setback for the Barrowsiders. They have had a number of weeks to recover from what defeat, but they will need to be at their best to trouble Derry.
The Oakleafers embark on yet another qualifying campaign having failed to progress in the provincial championship. Paddy Bradley's decision to retire from inter county football at the end of the year adds a further onus to the campaign.
Derry have the experience necessary to go along way in the qualifiers and they will be strong favourites to end Carlow's season for another year. Verdict: Derry
Ladbrokes.com Odds: Carlow 15/2; Draw 14/1; Derry 1/14
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Kildare v. Antrim
The Lilywhites were left stunned by their defeat to Louth as the Wee County produced an exceptional display to ease through to the Leinster semi final. It was a huge blow to Kildare, who felt that at least reaching the Leinster final was a 'given'. However, they now face a tricky tie against an ever improving Antrim side and Kieran McGeeney will not allow complacency become an issue.
Antrim have shown that they can match the best in recent years, and they will need to do that again when they travel to Newbridge. If their forwards get the right supply of ball, then they can cause numerous problems for the Kildare defence.
The passing of the late Dermot Earley Snr completely overshadows this tie with the former Roscommon All Star and Kildare manager being laid to rest hours before the game.
It is difficult to assess how it will affect the Kildare squad but they may just shade this one in what could be a very tight battle. Verdict: Kildare
Ladbrokes.com odds: Kildare 4/7; Draw 15/2; Antrim 7/4
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Longford v. Mayo
Last year, Longford came close to ending Kerry's participation in the championship, but as we all know the Kingdom came through that match and went on to lift 'Sam'. Dublin are another of the big guns that have been fortunate to come away from Pearse Park with a win in recent years and the Midlanders will relish the prospect of meeting Mayo on Saturday evening. In a recent challenge match against Westmeath, they recorded an eleven point win over their neighbours and they seem to be hitting form at the right time.
Mayo have had to pick themselves up after the defeat to Sligo and they would have preferred a home tie in the opening round, instead of this potential banana skin.
There is no question that the Westerners possess some of the top footballers in the country and when they do hit form, they are an impressive force. Nonetheless, there downfall seems to stem from a lack of mental strength which comes back to haunt them on a regular basis. They are favourites to see off Longford, but if there is to be one shock at the weekend, then this could well be it. Verdict: Longford
Ladbrokes.com odds: Longford 7/2; Draw 9/1; Mayo 1/4
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Offaly v. Clare
Offaly footballers have come in for some criticism from their own supporters for their performance against Meath. They have had a month since to rectify any problems that needed to be addressed and despite whatever difficulties they may have; the Faithful should have too much guile for Clare.
In fairness, the Banner have been working hard under the leadership of Michael McDermott and they would have loved to start the qualifiers with a home match, but instead they face a daunting task to Tullamore. It is hard to see anything other than an Offaly win here, but a good performance would give Clare something to build on for next year. Verdict: Offaly
Ladbrokes.com odds: Offaly 2/7; Draw 15/2; Clare 7/2
All-Ireland SHC Qualifier - Carlow v. Laois
Laois ran out comfortable winners when the sides met last month in the Leinster championship and despite having to head to Dr Cullen Park on Saturday, it is hard to see the scoreline being too different this time around. Carlow will need to have improved significantly since that game, but Laois have the upper hand in that they have played another championship game since that win over the Barrowsiders. Albeit that was a defeat to Dublin, but competitive games make a huge difference at this stage of the year.
Carlow have made great strides in the last few years, but they seem to be still a little behind the likes of Laois, and although the gap has narrowed significantly, the O'Moore County get the nod here. Verdict: Laois
Ladbrokes.com odds: Carlow 21/10; Draw 12/1; Laois 2/5
Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final - Armagh v. Sligo
Sligo produced an excellent display to knock a fancied Louth side out of the championship last weekend and the win was all the more significant given the fact that they did it without a number of key players.
They will need to step up even more this weekend as Armagh have been showing signs of the form that saw them reach the final of this championship a few years back. A recent win over London gave them a place in the last four and they should prove too strong for the Yeats County. Verdict: Armagh
Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final - Roscommon v. London
London bounced back from their surprise defeat to Armagh with a comfortable win over Fingal last weekend to get their campaign back on track. They can now concentrate fully on this competition as the row over their Ulster championship participation is over. The Exiles will fancy their chances of going all the way, but Roscommon will provide a stern test.
The Connacht side qualified for the semi-final courtesy of a win over Louth in which they were very impressive. Seamus Qualter has instilled a renewed confidence in the side and they will need to be at their best to defeat London. The Rossies are making strides, but this may well be a bridge too far for them. Verdict: London
Lory Meagher Cup semi-final - Leitrim v. Longford
Both sides have turned their seasons around in this competition, but Leitrim have surprised even their own supporters. Having suffered a couple of heavy defeats in the lead up to the start of the championship, they have hit top form just at the right time.
Longford too have been impressive of late, despite having to come through the quarter-final. The Midlanders have ace marksman Gareth Ghee in their ranks and he could prove the difference between the sides. Verdict: Longford
Lory Meagher Cup semi-final - Donegal v. Fermanagh
Donegal have looked the form side through the championship and they are favourites to lift the title and rightly so. They have earned their place in the semi final by virtue of a couple of comfortable wins and they will be confident of progressing to the decider.
Fermanagh may have lost their opening game but they bounced back emphatically and now they are just one game away from the decider. Last weekend's win over Cavan will have given them great confidence, but they will need to step up in class if they are to challenge Donegal. It is hard to see that happen and the Tir Chonaill men should progress to the final. Verdict: Donegal
Sunday, June 27th
Ulster SFC semi-final - Monaghan v. Fermanagh
Monaghan will be hoping to build on their exceptional performance against Armagh and reach the Ulster final for the first time since 2007, while Fermanagh's last appearance in the provincial decider came a year later. Despite this, the Farney County are favourites to progress, mainly due to the demolition of the Orchard County.
They are now an experienced side and apart from the current Tyrone squad are probably the most hardened side in Ulster. Many may feel its last chance saloon for some of this set of players and there will be one last big kick in them.
Fermanagh surprised many by defeating Cavan in the first round, but they put in a workmanlike performance and deserved their victory. They will need to produce a lot better though if they are to reach this year's final.
The lack of a consistent free taker is a problem for the Erne County and one that needs to be addressed quickly. It's hard to see anything other than a win for Monaghan, especially if they produce the form they did in the last round. Verdict: Monaghan
Ladbrokes.com odds: Fermanagh 3/1; Draw 15/2; Monaghan 4/11
Connacht SFC semi-final - Galway v. Sligo
Whoever wins this game will be red hot favourites to lift the Connacht title, so there is a lot at stake in this match. Sligo showed that they are back to their best after their excellent display against Mayo.
Since Kevin Walsh took over as manager, they have been making huge strides and the former All-Ireland winner faces off against his native county, which adds to the occasion. Sligo are a team full of confidence and they will not be overawed by their opponents. The win over Mayo and last year's performance against Kerry shows this, but both these games were at home in Markievicz Park.
They are on their travels this weekend, with Pearse Stadium being the venue. Galway have had a mixed season so far and their supporters expect a lot more from them. They certainly have the players at their disposal to go along way in this year's championship, but manager Joe Kernan seems to be finding it difficult to put out a settled side. If he can get then right blend then the Tribesmen are set for a fruitful summer. Verdict: Galway
Ladbrokes.com odds: Galway 8/15; Draw 15/2; Sligo 2/1
Leinster SFC semi-final - Dublin v. Meath
The old rivalry is renewed at headquarters this Sunday and once again it would be a surprise if there was much in it either way. Dublin did little to enhance their reputation as genuine All-Ireland contenders following their clash against Wexford, which saw them need extra time to see off the Model County. Dubs' manager Pat Gilroy took a massive gamble by introducing six newcomers to the side and his plan very nearly backfired. They will need to up their performance a lot if they are to defend their provincial title for a sixth consecutive year.
Meath easily brushed aside Laois' challenge in their replay and this game will have brought the Royals on even further. They seem to have sorted out their defensive problems, while up front Meath have some of the top forwards in the country and they will be thinking of lifting their first Leinster title in nine years.
Even in recent years, the Royals have pushed the Dubs all the way and given the extreme changes to the Dublin side; Eamonn O'Brien's charges should capatilise on this and go onto the final. Verdict: Meath
Ladbrokes.com odds: Dublin 4/6; Draw 15/2; Meath 13/8
Leinster SFC semi-final - Louth v. Westmeath
It is a novel pairing for the second semi-final as the Wee County look to reach their first provincial final since 1960. Under Peter Fitzpatrick, they at last seem to be reaching their true potential and in Paddy Keenan and Brian Whyte they have two midfielders that are on top of their game.
The performance against Kildare made a lot of people sit up and take notice. Navan seems to be like a second 'home' ground for them and it remains to be seen whether or not the large surroundings of Croke Park will suit them. Louth are probably under more pressure going into this game as not many would have given them a chance against the Lilywhites. There are a number of factors that they must deal with and it remains to be seen if they can do so.
Westmeath's story has been quite remarkable, two years without a league win, players retiring and coming back and a change in manager are just a few of the situations that they have found themselves in of late. Since Pat Flanagan came in, he has worked wonders and they are now on verge of a place in the Leinster final for the first time since 2004. The return of Dessie Dolan, John Keane and Derek Heavin is a huge boost and although it remains to be seen whether the latter two will start, their presence is a lift for the whole squad.
Westmeath have been regular visitors to Croke Park in recent times and this could be of a benefit to them. They are an experienced outfit and will know how to deal with the occasion. This may well be a very tight match, but the Midlanders may just have the guile to shade it. Verdict: Westmeath
Ladbrokes.com odds: Louth 5/4; Draw 13/2; Westmeath 10/11
Ulster SHC Final - Antrim v. Down
Down may be in the decider by default following London's withdrawal from the championship, but they would have been expected to reach the decider anyway. Disappointed to be out of the Christy Ring Cup, they will be looking to make amends here and they certainly have the players to trouble Antrim. A good start is imperative for the Mourne men and if this can be achieved, they have a chance.
Antrim were disappointed to lose to Offaly in the Leinster championship, but they can take heart from the Faithful County's performance against Galway last Sunday. They will enter the match as favourites to take yet another title and with the qualifiers beginning a week later; this game will stand them in good stead. The Saffrons are a talented bunch and should prove too strong for their old rivals. Verdict: Antrim
Ladbrokes.com odds: Antrim 1/7; Draw 12/1; Down 5/1
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Tipperary v. Laois
Laois face a tricky trip to Tipp just a week after their demoralizing defeat to Meath in the Leinster championship. Manager Sean Dempsey only has a few days to pick the side up and regroup before this match. The fact that only two of their forwards scored from play in the replay against Meath will be a cause for concern. Meath's physicality also caused problems for the O'Moore County and this is something that Tipp have plenty of.
Tipperary were beaten comfortably by Kerry in the Munster championship, but that is a fate that the Kingdom have dished out to many sides in recent years. The fact that Tipp have not played since that defeat is a cause for concern as Laois have had two games under the belt. Tipperary manager John Evans has instilled a renewed confidence in the side and they will be looking forward to this clash. Verdict: Tipperary
Ladbrokes.com Odds: Tipperary 13/8; Draw 15/2; Laois 8/13
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - London v. Wexford
Following their agonising defeat to Dublin in the Leinster semi-final, Wexford must take a trip over the Irish Sea to face the Exiles at Ruislip. It looked as if the Model County were going to pull off the shock of the year so far by knocking the Dubs out of the Leinster championship, but their lack of killer instinct cost them dearly. Now they face a totally different threat against a London side that many feel can cause a surprise or two.
The Exiles were left bitterly disappointed by their defeat to Roscommon in a game that they had genuine designs of winning and it remains to be seen how they have reacted to that loss. If they have put in an effort to restore some pride, they have a chance, but if they didn't then Wexford will come away with a comfortable win. Verdict: Wexford
Ladbrokes.com Odds: London 8/1; Draw 14/1; Wexford 1/16 Tweet
