WEEKEND PREVIEWS
COMPILED BY MICHEAL CLIFFORD AND PHILIP LANIGAN
TODAY McGRATH CUP FINAL KERRY v CORK Páirc Uí Rinn, 2pm
Jack O’Connor is determined to have the Kingdom hitting the ground early – he has not been afraid to give some of his big hitters, notably Sean O’Shea. some preseason game-time.
On the other side, Cork’s attitude when it comes to playing their neighbors is that when the chance of winning presents itself, it should be taken.
And they might just manage that.
VERDICT: Cork
O’BYRNE CUP FINAL DUBLIN v LONGFORD O’Moore Park, 3pm
Longford are seeking to retain the O’Byrne Cup but the value is questionable – their season nose-dived after their victory last year. Paddy Christie, facing his own, may relish a cut at a developmental Dublin side.
That said, former All-Star Niall Scully impressed when included last weekend when the All-Ireland champions hammered Wexford, to remind that even when depleted, Dublin are Dublin.
VERDICT: Dublin
DR McKENNA CUP FINAL DERRY v DONEGAL Healy Park, 5pm
Such is the drawing power of Jim McGuinness and Mickey Harte that this preseason final has created something of a stir, and with good reason too.
Donegal’s rout of Monaghan last weekend served as confirmation that McGuiness wants his team to hit the first round of the Allianz League with momentum, while that has pretty much always been Harte’s default position when it comes to this competition, which is why he is seeking to win it for an incredible 13th time.
It sets up a fascinating clash, not least given Donegal’s new found aggression on the opposition kick-out mirrors Derry’s approach. Imitation might do more than just flatter here.
VERDICT: Donegal
TOMORROW ALL-IRELAND CLUB SFC FINAL ST BRIGIDS (ROSCOMMON) v GLEN (DERRY) Croke Park, 3.30pm, TG4
St Brigid’s face a huge challenge, as illustrated by their 3/1 odds, recognition that they may be ahead of their time.
In contrast, after losing an Ulster semi-final and an All-Ireland final in the last two years, Glen will feel that this is long overdue, and the belief shown in their semi-final win was impressive.
VERDICT: Glen
ALL-IRELAND CLUB SHC FINAL ST THOMAS’ (GALWAY) v O’LOUGHLIN GAELS (KILKENNY) Croke Park, 1.30pm, TG4
The irresistible force of sixin-a-row Galway champions St Thomas’ versus the immovable object of O’Loughlin Gaels, who have somehow found a way in the tightest of games thus far.
However, the manner in which St Thomas’ held their nerve against Ballygunner last time out suggests that this can be their day.
VERDICT: St Thomas’