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