THIS WEEKEND’S PREVIEWS
FOOTBALL TODAY
McKenna Cup final Donegal v Tyrone, Athletic Grounds, 6pm EVEN if it is being played in mid-spring when both these counties have weightier issues to grapple with — not least Division 1 survival — this should still be a keenly contested affair. Few teams have impressed without registering a single point in three attempts like Donegal, who pushed Dublin to the pin of their collars last week, but this competition is so close to Tyrone hearts that they are seeking to win it for the seventh year in succession. That desire to receive its reward here.
Verdict: Tyrone All-Ireland club SFC semi-final Moorefield (Kildare) v Corofin (Galway), O’Connor Park, 2pm With hindsight, Corofin’s rescheduled quarter-final clash with London champions Fulham Irish may have got rid of some winter cobwebs which, given their mixed form, might be no bad thing. The suspicion remains that the Galway champions are not the force they were when they won the All-Ireland in 2016, but they are still better than a Moorefield side who may have over extended in getting this far.
Verdict: Corofin Sigerson Cup final UCD v NUIG, Santry, 3.30pm A high-powered affair with Galway ace Damian Comer heading up the NUIG attack, but UCD’s star-studded team, led by Monaghan’s Conor McCarthy and Dublin’s Con O’Callaghan look more likely.
Verdict: UCD
TOMORROW
Allianz FL Division 1 Monaghan v Kerry, Inniskeen, 2.30pm This fixture has highlighted Monaghan’s ability to punch above their weight — they have won two of the last three League clashes. Kerry’s kids have shown that they possess some steel, but this will be their biggest test yet — not helped by the absence of midfielders Jack Barry and Barry O’Sullivan, who play in the Sigerson final — and it will be no surprise if they bend.
Verdict: Monaghan Allianz FL Division 2 Cavan v Meath, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm At the third time of fixing — this was called off twice last weekend — the suspicion is that the advantage still lies with Meath. The Royals’ 14point trimming of Clare — Cavan only drew with the Banner — suggests these two operate at different levels.
Verdict: Meath Allianz FL Division 3 Derry v Offaly, Celtic Park, 2pm Niall Keenan, the best defender in this division, and Ciaran McFaul have both left the Derry panel but the home side still have enough to win.
Verdict: Derry Sligo v Fermanagh, Markevicz Park, 2pm Rory Gallagher has put his stamp on this Fermanagh team and they look a good bet to grind their way back into the League’s second tier.
Verdict: Fermanagh Connacht FBD FL final Roscommon v Galway, Dr Hyde Park 2pm Hardly a fixture either county really needs in the middle of a crammed schedule, so expect two skeleton sides. Galway’s superior depth might just carry the day.
Verdict: Galway
HURLING
Allianz Hurling League TODAY (7pm unless stated) Division 1A Tipperary v Wexford Semple Stadium (eir Sport 2) Four points against Waterford means Ronan Maher’s pairing with Brendan Maher is a real option for Tipperary. Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford face their toughest spring test.
Verdict: Tipperary Division 1B Laois v Antrim O’Moore Park Neil McManus hit 16 points in defeat to Dublin last time out, but a three-two away/home split does Antrim no favours in the division.
Verdict: Laois Limerick v Dublin Gaelic Grounds (eirSport 1) Captain Declan Hannon is back to anchor a heavyweight half-back line that includes the in-form Diarmaid Byrnes and Dan Morrissey.
Verdict: Limerick
TOMORROW
Division 1A Clare v Cork Cusack Park, Ennis (Live TG4) Clare’s spine to the UL team in the Fitzgibbon Cup final is a complicating factor here, with Cork to take advantage.
Verdict: Cork Waterford v Kilkenny (Deferred TG4) Walsh Park A chance for Waterford to add to their breakthrough Championship victory over Kilkenny.
Verdict: Waterford Division 1B Galway v Offaly Pearse Stadium Offaly’s weekend revolution was quashed by Limerick so expect Galway, with Conor Whelan on the hunt for more goals, to get up to speed.
Verdict: Galway