FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
TODAY CONNACHT SFL FINAL
GALWAY v ROSCOMMON
Dr Hyde Park (2pm) They really should stop meeting like this. This is the sixth year in a row the two sides have clashed in the preseason decider which, allied to the fact they have met in the last four Connacht finals, suggests that it has been a fine line between familiarity and contempt. In truth, this should not generate too much heat – although last year’s decider which Roscommon won had a definite edge – even if it represents a first chance for Galway to win a trophy under Pádraic Joyce. But with the enthusiasm they showed in mauling Leitrim and home advantage, Roscommon look the most likely to defend their title.
VERDICT: Roscommon
O’BYRNE CUP FINAL
OFFALY v LONGFORD O’Connor Park
(2.45pm) A rare opportunity for a bit of silverware for both teams, which might explain why Longford manager Pádraic Davis kept his game-face on last weekend, while Dublin’s new boss Dessie Farrell treated the semi-final very much as a trial game, making a whopping 23 substitutions. The not very pleasant reality is that this represents the only real shot at winning something for either of these teams, with Longford hit particularly hard by a number of key players deciding to take the year out. Meanwhile, outside of four straight wins in the pre-season, there is evidence that Offaly are making progress under John Maughan, which should be confirmed here today.
VERDICT: Offaly
DR McKENNA CUP FINAL
MONAGHAN v TYRONE Athletic Grounds
(7.30pm) Mickey Harte’s enthusiasm for the McKenna Cup shows no signs of waning as his team reach their 11th final on the bounce, while seeking a ninth title in 10 years. It is largely down to one of his core principles that a game not worth winning is a game not worth playing, while in the