WEEKEND PREVIEWS

 

Leinster and Connacht SFC and Ulster SHC
Sunday May 11th, 2008

Sunday, May 11th
Leinster SFC

Longford v. Westmeath

The form book suggests that Westmeath may win this one comfortably, but the form book doesn’t take local rivalry into consideration as last year’s meeting between the sides proved. Longford produced an excellent second half performance to defeat their neighbours, although the Lake County did gain revenge when the sides met in the qualifiers.
Luke Dempsey’s charges struggled to maintain their Division 3 status, while Westmeath will be plying their trade in the top flight next season. However, as often has been the case, league form counts for nothing in the championship. Pearse Park has become something of a fortress for the home side in the provincial campaign and Tomas O’Flatharta will have instilled this into his players, while recent history between the sides that complacency should not come into it. Westmeath captain Dessie Dolan is struggling with a hamstring injury, but the rest of the side has proved that they are more than capable to make up for the All-Star’s loss. Longford possess some exceptional forwards in the shape of Brian Kavanagh and Francis Magee who have the ability to trouble any defence in the country. Nonetheless, the Westmeath defence has been outstanding so far this year and if they can continue that vein of form, then it is the Marron and White that should progress to the next round.
Verdict: Westmeath

Connacht SFC
New York v. Leitrim

It’s Leitrim’s turn to make the trip across the Atlantic where they will be favourites against the exiles. In Emlyn Mulligan, they have a rare talent in the forward line and he will cause New York no end of problems on Sunday. Following the fact that relegation was the outcome in the league, Leitrim now have the fear of ending up in the Tommy Murphy Cup and missing out on the qualifiers. It is not known whether or not will have as strong a squad as previous years with a number of players returning home. Leitrim manager Dessie Dolan is making his first long haul flight ever, due to his fear of flying and he will be eager to make sure the county returns with a win. The Connacht side has the capabilities of troubling most teams in the provincial championship, but they will need to show a marked improvement on their league form. New York may trouble them early on, but Leitrim should have too much strength in depth and pull away at the end.
Verdict: Leitrim

Ulster SHC

Cavan v. Monaghan

Monaghan will be strong favourites to advance to the Ulster semi final if their league form is anything to go by. They won the Division four title in dramatic circumstances, but what a boost to hurling in the county. For the first time, the ‘weaker’ teams will contest the provincial campaign against the likes of Antrim, Down and Derry. Breffni Park will host this tie, but the visitors should make the journey home with a win secured.
Verdict: Monaghan

Fermanagh v. Tyrone
This could well be a very close match as there is never too much between these sides. Neither made any real impact in their respective divisions in the league, but the fact that Tyrone played at a higher grade suggests that they are slight favourites. In saying that Fermanagh has some very good hurlers that will trouble the Red Hand County. Home advantage will suit the Erne County, but Tyrone may just shade this one.
Verdict: Tyrone


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