CHAMPIONSHIP2018
Pictures: Jimmy Weldon.
ATHESE sides have enjoyed a great rivalry in recent years, clashing in the 2016 final and again in the group stages last year. O’Mahony’s pulled through on both occasions, leaving St Mary’s in a relegation play-off last term, so the Ardee men will be out for a bit of revenge here. It should be another tense and tight battle this time around, but Mary’s are possibly in slightly better form and may just edge it.
Verdict: St Mary’s
BAFTER 11 and eight-point defeats to Newtown Blues respectively Naomh Mairtin and Kilkerley Emmets are in the last chance saloon in the final match of the group stages on Sunday evening. Recent form will many to lean towards a Jocks win, but they can expect a thorough examination from and Emmets who are never found wanting when it comes to battling for their lives in the face of adversity.
Verdict: Naomh Mairtin
CAlthough they are idle this weekend, the Gers will be watching this game like hawks as a Pat’s win is likely to put Wayne Callan’s men out. If the Pat’s do win, the Gers need it to be by five points or more for them to leapfrog the Gaels. That means the Gaels can afford to draw or lose by up to four points, but it’s all a lot more straightforward for the Pats, who simply have to win. And that greater need could well proved crucial.
Verdict: St Patrick’s
DVERY similar situation to Group C with O Raghalliagh’s hoping for an O’Connell’s win to ensure they progress to the last eight. A Joe’s win will send them through and O’Connell’s would join them in the quarter-finals as long they don’t lose it by more than six points. But O’Connell’s will want to avoid the likes of Netown Blues and Dreadnots in the quarter-finals so will be going all out for top spot and should oblige.
Verdict: O’Connell’s
AIT’S a simple case of win or bust for Mochta’s as their inferior score differenceference would mean a draw would be enough for Hunterstown. But Rovers can hardly play for a point so it’s really a case of winner-takesall and both sides will be treating it like a knockout clash. Rovers have been struggling for form of late, so St Mochta’s may just edge a tight contest. And don’t be surprised if that draw does come to pass.
Verdict: St Mochta’s