Today’s Previews
MUNSTER CLUB SHC SEMI-FINALS Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) v Ballygunner (Waterford) Gaelic Grounds, 4pm (TG4)
With Ballyhale Shamrocks out of the All-Ireland equation, the talk around this one is that the winners could go all the way. The idea of that sort of speculation causing Ballygunner to take their eye off the ball doesn’t really stack up with a team who have put together a record run of 10 Waterford titles.
Verdict: Ballygunner
Kiladangan (Tipperary) v Clonlara (Clare)
FBD Semple Stadium, 2pm (TG4)
The worry for Kiladangan is that an epic Tipperary campaign that required a replay against Thurles Sarsfields might have taken a lot out of the team. Clonlara by contrast have had time to park their own winning campaign and can keep the Clare flag flying.
Verdict: Clonlara
ULSTER CLUB SHC SEMI-FINAL Cushendall (Antrim) v Portaferry (Down)
Box-it Athletic Grounds, 4pm
Cushendall’s ability to find the net characterised their progress to a 15th Antrim championship and old warriors like Neil McManus are battlehardened on the provincial stage. Verdict: Cushendall
LEINSTER CLUB SFC SEMI-FINALS St Loman’s (Westmeath) v Naas (Kildare)
TEG Cusack Park, 1.30pm
Ronan O’Toole continues to light things up after earning an All-Star nomination this year and his solo goal in the last round shows the all-round threat he carries. John Heslin’s ballwinning ability should also allow the home side a solid platform.
Verdict: St Loman’s
St Mary’s Ardee (Louth) v Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) Ardee, 1.30pm
The manner in which Kilmacud Crokes beat Eire Og showed how the Dublin champions have evolved since being shocked by Mullinalaghta in the 2018 Leinster final. If teams want to put bodies behind the ball, Crokes can set up themselves to hit on the counter in devastating fashion so St Mary’s are going to have to be brave and take some chances to have any chance of an upset.
Verdict: Kilmacud Crokes
CONNACHT CLUB SFC SEMI-FINAL St Brigid’s (Roscommon) v Mohill (Leitrim)
Dr Hyde Park, 1.30pm
It was all too easy for St Brigid’s the last day who held the champions of Sligo to no score in the first half. Ben O’Carroll’s form is just one reason why this looks tough for Mohill. Verdict: St Brigid’s