HQ the right call for last four clashes

I HAVE to agree with the decision to open up headquarters for tomorrow’s Tailteann Cup semi-finals. There has to be some incentive for players who don’t normally get the chance to play big games there at this time of year. I spoke to a Sligo player this week who was really excited at the prospect of playing there this weekend. I just hope supporters of the four teams get behind their teams.

Could the GAA have rolled out an initiative for free tickets to primary school kids, similar to the Leinster minor hurling final, making it a day to remember? Sligo have a big task on their hands to take out outright favourites Cavan. They rode their luck with a late penalty miss proving costly for London along with a harshly disallowed goal for Leitrim in extra time, but they have capitalised on those moments.

Their chances could rest on whether Niall Murphy has regained fitness. Cavan haven’t had to overly exert themselves yet. Thomas Galligan (above) and Gearoid Mckiernan were in devastating form against Fermanagh, scoring 1-11 between them. The open spaces of Croke Park should suit Paddy Lynch and I expect Cavan to have too much power skill and intensity for a Sligo team still trying to develop.

The midlands derby between Offaly and Westmeath could be a cracker. Two evenly-matched teams who know each other so well and will both be playing Division Three football next year. Offaly have won three games to get here and the evergreen Niall Mcnamee is still producing the goods.

I was impressed with some of Westmeath’s play against Kildare. Yes, they were open at the back but Croke Park might suit their forward unit better and I fancy them to edge it.

AIM Semi-final bosses with cup this week