WEEKEND PREVIEWS
TODAY Allianz FL Division 4 final Carlow v Laois Croke Park, 3.00
Laois may have got the result they needed in this fixture last weekend, but what impressed most was how a Carlow team with nothing to play for pushed them so hard. Then again that might have been because Turlough O’Brien would rather have faced Antrim in this final since it is 30 years and nine defeats on the bounce since they beat Laois in a competitive match. But this team has shown no fear in breaking through glass ceilings and they can do so again. Verdict: Carlow
Allianz FL final Division 3 Armagh v Fermanagh Croke Park, 5.00
In what must have counted as a first, there were more cards than scores when these two teams played out a 0-7 stalemate in Brewster Park earlier this month, in a contest that saw referee Barry Cassidy show 12 yellow, one black and three red cards. With the stakes lower and a higher quality pitch, this game should breathe a little easier which can only be to Armagh’s benefit. Verdict: Armagh
Allianz FL Division 2 Louth v Meath, Gaelic Grounds, 3.00 An already relegated Louth team will offer little resistance to ensure Meath’s survival in the second tier.
Verdict: Meath
Down v Tipperary, Newry, 3.00 Never will Tipperary travel so far for so little. With nothing to play for, they could take a trimming from Down, who despite winning will be relegated by Meath’s win over Louth. Verdict: Down
Allianz Hurling League semi-finals (extra time and winner on the day, if required) Tipperary v Limerick Semple Stadium, 7pm (Live TG4)
No fears that the Tipperary players’ minds will be still on the bus this weekend. The ease with which Michael Ryan’s team reeled in Dublin after going 0-9 to 0-1 down in the quarter-final said everything about their experience and composure, not to mention their quality. That they steamrolled Dublin despite losing Ronan Maher to a second yellow also says a lot about their focus right now. An interesting pointer to the Munster Championship meeting. Verdict: Tipperary
TOMORROW Wexford v Kilkenny Innovate Wexford Park, 2pm (Live TG4 Spórt YouTube)
Trying to put the brakes on TJ Reid — who is in imperious form of late — will be top of the list for Wexford who need to settle on a free-taker with his metronomic quality. Rory O’Connor’s blossoming and the breadth of attacking options that Wexford have developed further this spring. Wingbacks Paudie Foley and Diarmuid O’Keeffe managed eight points between them last weekend, showing the continued evolution of Davy Fitzgerald’s team.
Verdict: Wexford
For Division 1 and 2 final previews see Pages 67-69