ANCHOR TOURS SFC ROUND 2 PREVIEWS

O Raghallaigh’s v O’Connell’s SATURDAY 7.30 DUNLEER

O RAGHALLAIGH’S can book their place in the quarter-finals if they avoid defeat on Friday night, but they could face a more potent force than St Joseph’s in the shape of their near neighbours O’Connell’s. The Drogheda men weren’t overly impressive in accounting for Joes and if they’re not on top form here the ‘Bellingham boys have the players to take advantage. It’ll be tight but O’Connells may just a high-scoring contest. Verdict: O’Connell’s

Newtown Blues v Kilkerley Emmets SUNDAY 6.30 THE GROVE

IF anyone was going to trip the champs up early doors you would have thought it would be Naomh Mairtin, who would be contenders in most eyes. But the Blues were way too strong for the Jocks on Sunday night and they should pack too much punch for Kilkerley too. Emmets are never without a chance when the likes of Shane Lennon and Tadhg McEnaney are firing, but the challenge will be to keep the supply lines open.

Verdict: Newtown Blues

Dreadnots v Sean O’Mahony’s SUNDAY 8.00 THE GROVE

DREADNOTS confirmed what most people suspected on Sunday night - that they are genuine Joe Ward contenders. They certainly had to show the characteristics of champions to dispose of a gritty St Mary’s side who at one stage led by six. O’Mahony’s will be just as hard to shake off, but the Dundalk outfit are probably not the side they were in recent years and with a game under their belt, Dreadnots can progress to the quarter-finals.

Verdict: Dreadnots

Geraldines v Dundalk Gaels CLANS SUNDAY 8.00

Geraldines battled brilliantly to overcome St Patrick’s on Sunday afternoon, but the win came at a cost as Jim McEneaney retired with an injury, joining Shane O’Hanlon on the sideline. Being without that kind of firepower could well play into Dundalk Gaels hands as last year’s finalsists like to keep it tight. It will be a big ask for the Gaels to repeat last year’s heroics, but they may just start off with a win here.

Verdict: Dundalk Gaels