To borrow a quote from Tommy Tiernan - "It's great being Irish, people expect you to be drunk!" Some people might get offended at this, but chances are this weekend they'll be too drunk to do anything about it, so now's a good time to trot out the phrase. The jests of a hyperactive Meathman aside, there are a few remarkable peculiarities to the Irish mentality, none more so than the fervent need to be an underdog for all sporting encounters. How often have you heard team management and players in post match interviews come out with comments like "We'll be big underdogs for the next game, but that suits us!"? Indeed, no greater blessing can any manager receive than to be able to claim to his players that "The meedja wrote us off!!" (It's so much more powerful that way than when pronouncing it correctly!!) It makes the motivation of his players so much easier. This can sometimes reach farcical levels, none more so than Henry Shefflin claiming Kilkenny were "written off" by the pundits in advance of last year's All Ireland final, but if anyone from Loughrea is reading, here's what you've been waiting and hoping for - a member of the fourth estate writing you off. There really and truly is only one possible result this Sunday, and it's a pity that what can often be one of the most engaging and competitive days on the GAA calendar has ended up with such a mismatch as the main event. Ballyhale have been scoring for fun against some of the best club sides in Ireland up to this point, with no side since Dunamaggin in the Kilkenny semi final able to keep them to less than twenty points scored - and this in the height of winter. Loughrea on the other hand have not broken twenty points in any meaningful game this year so far. Loughrea beat Portumna in controversial circumstances in the Galway final, but otherwise have been untested. Ballyhale have played and beaten O'Loughlin Gaels, Rathnure, Birr and Toomevara, all teams with a great pedigree in club hurling. At match odds of 1/6 you won't get rich backing them, but at Ladbrokes even money about them to cover a handicap of seven points, you just might. Expect Loughrea to keep it competitive for the first half - Ballyhale are notoriously slow starters and were behind at half time in three of their last six games - but by the last fifteen minutes Henry, Cha and company will be knocking points over for fun. The preceding match is an altogether tougher one to call. Crossmaglen are the superior team, but any side with Colm Cooper on board always has a chance. 8/11 about Crossmaglen could easily collect, but our recommendation is Dr. Crokes to score the first goal of the game, available at even money with Ladbrokes. The Crokes have been averaging two goals per game all year as opposed to their opponents one, and while it might not be enough for them to lift the Andy Merrigan cup, it's good enough to make even money a price worth taking. TO PLACE YOUR BETS, CLICK HERE NOW LADBROKES Tweet

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