GAELIC GAMES PREVIEWS
LEINSTER CLUB SHC SEMI-FINALS
Kilcormac-Killoughey (Offaly) v Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow), O’Connor Park, 2pm Mount Leinster Rangers’ strength in depth proved the difference last time out when they garnered a massive five points off the bench to edge out Camross. That underlines the threat they will bring to Tullamore and they will believe they can get back to their first title since their provincial breakthrough success in 2013. But Kilcormac-Killoughey’s triumph in Offaly – their county final win over St Rynagh’s was somewhat more emphatic than the final onegoal margin suggested – hinted at a team going places. Verdict: Kilcormac-Killoughey Cuala (Dublin) v St Martin’s (Wexford), Parnell Park, 2pm St Martin’ s 10-point win over Oulart-The Ballagh in the Wexford final demands respect, yet there is no hiding the scale of the challenge they face as they bid to reach their first Leinster final. There has been no evidence that Cuala’s appetite has been sated by last year’s AllIreland success, underlined recently by their response last time out when pushed hard by Dicksboro. Con O’Callaghan continues to shine, but he is not shy for back-up in the likes of David Treacy and Colm Cronin in a high-powered attack. St Martin’s are hardly without quality either, not least in Daithi Waters, while county footballer Ciarán Lyng and Rory O’Connor provide the attack with a cutting edge, however, not enough to bleed Cuala dry.
Verdict: Cuala
MUNSTER CLUB SHC FINAL
Ballygunner (Waterford) v Na Piarsaigh (Limerick), Semple Stadium, 2pm It will be interesting to see how Ballygunner respond after some badly needed rest following an epic journey to a second Munster final appearance in three years. It was not just the eight weeks on the bounce that was exhausting, but the reality that they were stretched to the limit – they were taken to extra-time in a two-point win over Thurles – and came from five points down to edge out Sixmilebridge by a point last time out. In contrast, Na Piasrsaigh, who incredibly have never lost a game in Munster and are seeking their fourth provincial title this decade, hardly raised a sweat when handing out as 16-point hammering to Blackrock. That would suggest the Waterford side have the edge in terms of being battle-hardened, and in Pauric Mahony they possess a dead-ball specialist who can hurt the Limerick champions. That said, Na Piarsaigh possess match-winners everywhere you turn, not least in Ronan Lynch (above) and Peter Casey who between them scored a staggering 1-19 in that rout of Blackrock. This is a rematch of the 2015 final when the Limerick champions had seven to spare at the end and that is the way it is likely to roll again.
Verdict: Na Piarsaigh
ULSTER CLUB SFC SEMI-FINAL REPLAY
Derrygonnelly (Fermanagh) v Cavan Gaels (Cavan), Clones, 1.45pm Whatever the result, whoever wins this will have to show a dramatic improvement if they are to have any chance against Slaughtneil in Sunday week’s final. Cavan Gaels looked the more likely to win last time out but faded in the final quarter, and they need a bigger contribution from Seanie Johnston, who was held scoreless from play last Sunday. Meanwhile, Derrygonnelly are expected to start without full-forward Leigh Jones because of work commitments in the United States.
Verdict: Cavan Gaels