Today’s PREVIEWS
FOOTBALL
Ulster Club SFC first round Scotstown (Monaghan) v Derrygonnelly (Fermanagh), Clones 2.30 Every time he goes out, Rory Beggan seems determined to prove he is the best goalkeeper cum quarterback in the game. He has been peerless of late.
Verdict: Scotstown Antrim SFC final Cargin v Creggan, Ahogill, 3.30 Tomas McCann’s wonderful match-winning goal from a 13metre free with 13 St Gall’s men on the line deserved to go viral after the semi-final. Now to finish off the job.
Verdict: Cargin Armagh SFC final Ballymacnab v Crossmaglen, Athletic Grounds, 4pm The balance of power has shifted somewhat since that day in 2011 when the then reigning All-Ireland champions romped home against the same opposition by 2-22 to 0-3. Crossmaglen don’t quite inspire the fear of old, but they will be hard beaten. Verdict: Crossmaglen. Cavan SFC final Castlerahan v Crosserlough, Kingspan Breffni, 3.30pm This is surely the day Castlerahan’s county final heartbreak ends. Verdict: Castlerahan Derry SFC final Coleraine v Lavey, Celtic Park, 3.30pm Colm and Liam McGoldrick played vital roles in the defining win over champions Slaughtneil en route to the final and Coleraine showed enough character that day to suggest their name could be on the silverwarein the Oak Leaf County.
Verdict: Coleraine Donegal SFC final Gweedore v Naomh Conaill, MacCumhaill Park, 4pm (Live TG4) Clocking up an incredible 8-13 against Bundoran sent out the most emphatic of messages and with County star Odhrán Mac Niallais epitomising his Gweedore side’s ’s fine form, they can justify their fancied status in this encounter. Verdict: Gweedore Kildare SFC final Athy v Moorefield, Newbridge, 3.30pm It’s a quirk of history that two of the oldest clubs in Kildare meet in the final for the first time. The defending champions have unfinished business in Leinster and beyond after their exploits last year.
Verdict: Moorefield Limerick SFC final Adare v Ballylanders, Newcastlewest, 3pm Ballylanders have been somewhat of a surprise package, but it will take a huge effort here to complete the fairytale.
Verdict: Adare London SFC final Fulham Irish v Tír Chonaill Gaels, McGovern Park, 3pm Gregory McCartan’s Fulham Irish have been in impressive form and the acquisition of Cavan’s David Givney only bolsters their credentials. Verdict: Fulham Irish Louth SFC final Newtown Blues v Naomh Mairtin, Gaelic Grounds, 3.30pm A double-scores victory over Dreadnots in the semi-final suggests the holders will be hard beaten. Verdict: Newtown Blues Tyrone SFC final Coalisland v Killyclogher, Healy Park, 4pm Coalisland have been in buoyant form since taking the prized scalp of Errigal Ciarán in a thrilling quarter-final and come into this decider full of confidence and momentum.
Verdict: Coalisland Westmeath SFC final Mullingar Shamrocks v St Loman’s, Cusack Park, 3.30pm John Heslin took time out recently to point out the disparity in finance when it comes to the inter-county scene – he knows the Leinster Club championship is where the Westmeath kingpins are capable of holding their own. Verdict: St Loman’s
HURLING
Dublin SHC final Ballyboden St Enda’s v Kilmacud Crokes, Parnell Park, 4pm Anthony Daly has a chance to further embellish his legacy, in terms of Dublin hurling, by helping Kilmacud over the line. Oisín O’Rorke’s (below) eye for a goal was a valuable asset in the semi-final and Ryan O’Dwyer and Niall Corcoran bring a wealth of experience to the mix. Verdict: Kilmacud Crokes Clare SHC final Ballyea v Cratloe, Cusack Park, 3.30 (TG4 deferred) Given the form Tony Kelly is in of late, worth tuning in for if you can’t make it to Ennis. Cratloe’s pedigree suggests this could swing either way.
Verdict: Ballyea Tipperary SHC final Clonoulty-Rossmore v Nenagh Éire Óg, Semple Stadium, 3.30pm After beating Thurles Sarsfields, now it’s up to Nenagh Éire Óg to finish off the job. The form of Jake Morris has been an important factor to this point.
Verdict: Nenagh Éire Óg
Wexford SHC final St Martin’s v Naomh Éanna, Innovate Wexford Park, 3.15pm
Naomh Éanna showed serious character to survive Cathal Dunbar’s contentious red card in the semi-final and Conor McDonald’s late matchwinner showed his goal threat. St Martin’s, though, have set the standard since routing Oulart The Ballagh in last year’s final.
Verdict: St Martins