Irish Independent

GAA PREVIEWS

- MICHAEL VERNEY

TODAY

* denotes extra-time if necessary

ALL-IRELAND SFC QUARTER-FINAL GROUP 2

Tyrone v Roscommon, Croke Park, 5.0, D Gough (Meath) Sky Sports Arena

R os common shot the lights out against Armagh and yet still leaked 1-19. They cannot afford to be as open at the back against a Tyrone side which gathered confidence through the qualifiers. Key man Enda Smith will need to have a regular influence on proceeding­s for them to prevail, but the Red Hand are likely to have a little extra. Odds: Tyrone 2/5, Ros 11/4, Draw 9/1

Verdict: Tyrone

Dublin v Donegal, Croke Park, 7.0, C Lane (Cork) RTE

See Martin Breheny’s preview on page 3. Odds: Dub 1/7, Don 11/2, Draw 14/1 Verdict: Dublin

EIRGRID ALL-IRELAND U-20 FC SEMIFINALS *

Mayo v Derry, Páirc Sean Mac Diarmada, 4.0, P Faloon (Down)

Mayo were very impressive in their Connacht final defeat of Roscommon and Mike Solan’s side can squeeze past Derry.

Verdict: Mayo

Kildare v Kerry, Gaelic Grounds, 4.0, J Molloy (Galway)

With Fiachra Clifford and Donal O’Sullivan on song in attack, Jack O’Connor’s Kingdom side should have too much for the Lilies.

Verdict: Kerry

ELECTRIC IRELAND LEINSTER MFC SHIELD FINAL

Longford v Dublin, Pearse Park, 12.30 A Coyne (Westmeath) Verdict: Dublin

ALL-IRELAND SHC QUARTER FINAL *

Clare v Wexford, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3.0, F Horgan (Tipperary) RTE

The ‘Davy Derby’ sees Clare legend Davy Fitzgerald face his native county as Wexford boss. Opportunit­y knocks for both sides, with a semi-final berth deemed huge progress. Shaun Murphy’s sweeping role may deny John Conlon space to manoeuvre and if he is held, the Model men can prevail.

Odds: Clare 5/2, Wex 2/5 Draw 10/1

Verdict: Wexford

BORD GÁIS ENERGY ALL-IRELAND U-21 BHC QUARTER-FINALS *

Meath v Roscommon, Trim, 1.0, J Clarke (Cavan) Verdict: Meath

Kildare v Kerry, Gaelic Grounds, 2.0, C Mooney (Dublin) Verdict: Kerry

CAMOGIE

LIBERTY INSURANCE ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CHAMPIONSH­IP GROUP 1

Kilkenny v Clare, Nowlan Park, 5.0, O Elliott (Antrim)

Undefeated Kilkenny should have far too much fire power for the Banner.

Verdict: Kilkenny

Waterford v Limerick, Walsh Park, 5.0, L Dempsey (Kilkenny)

Little to choose between the Munster rivals but Niamh Mulcahy can make the difference.

Verdict: Limerick

GROUP 2

Wexford v Dublin, Innovate Wexford Park ,5.0, J Dermody( Westmeath)

Do or die for both sides but the Model women may have the edge.

Verdict: Wexford

Meath v Cork, Trim, 5.0, R Kelly (Kildare)

Only one winner here and it’s impossible to look past Paudie Murray’s Rebelettes.

Verdict: Cork

Tipperary v Offaly, The Ragg, 5.0, A Larkin (Cork)

The tie of the round and there may be nothing to separate the neighbours. Verdict: Draw

LADIES FOOTBALL

TG4 ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CHAMPIONSH­IP GROUP 2

Armagh v Monaghan, Clones, 12.30 TG4

The Farney women have match winners in Ciara McAnepsie and Ellen McCarron.

Verdict: Monaghan

GROUP 1

Tipperary v Kerry, Nenagh, 1.0, J Murphy (Carlow)

Tipp dual player Orla O’Dwyer must play two matches within four hours but Kerry may have a little more nous.

Verdict: Kerry

GROUP 4

Cavan v Mayo, Clones, 2.15, N McCormack (Laois) TG4

All eyes will be on Clones after the walkout of some top Mayo stars, including Cora Staunton, but they still have ten of the team that took Connacht honours.

Verdict: Mayo

GROUP 3

Waterford v Westmeath, Nenagh, 2.45, J Gallagher (Dublin) This clash is a tough one to call but Lauralee Walsh can see the Lake women home. Verdict: Westmeath

TOMORROW

ALL-IRELAND SFC QUARTER-FINAL GROUP 1

Kildare v Monaghan, Croke Park, 2.0, A Nolan (Wicklow) Sky Sports Arena

Kildare are on the crest of a wave having turned their season around and with Daniel Flynn almost unmarkable in attack, Cian O’Neill’s men are formidable opposition. Questions still hang over Monaghan after their dismal showing against Fermanagh and nothing may separate these two.

Odds: Kil 13/8 Mon 4/6 Draw 8/1

Verdict: Draw

Kerry v Galway, Croke Park, 4.0, B Cassidy (Derry) RTE

A hugely intriguing affair as the Connacht and Munster champions go head-to-head. Kerry’s form is unknown given Cork’s subsequent disappoint­ing displays, whereas Gal way are battle hardened and have developed an effective defensive game plan. Both have huge attacking potential but Kerry’s outstandin­g forward division – most notably Paul Geaney – may just swing it. Odds: Kerry 4/11 Gal 3/1 Draw 8/1 Verdict: Kerry

ALL IRELAND SHC QUARTER FINAL *

Kilkenny v Limerick, Semple Stadium, 2.0, J McGrath (Westmeath) RTE

This is a massive opportunit­y for Limerick to take the scalp of the Cats and make good on their potential after missing out on a place in the Munster final. Three weeks in-a-row will take its toll on Brian Cody’s men but if this turns into a battle, there’s no team better and Richie Hogan’s influence may just tip the balance in their favour.

Odds: Kilk 11/10 Lim 10/11 Draw 9/1

Verdict: Kilkenny

BORD GÁIS ENERGY ALL-IRELAND U-21B HC QUARTER-FINALS

Mayo v Derry, Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, 1.0, K McGeeney (Roscommon) Verdict: Mayo

ELECTRIC IRELAND ALL-IRELAND MHC QUARTER-FINAL

Galway v Kilkenny, Semple Stadium, 12.0, C Cunning (Antrim) Verdict: Galway

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