Today’s GAA PREVIEWS
LEINSTER SHC QUALIFYING GROUP RD2
Westmeath v Kerry TEG Cusack Park, 3pm
Kerry were hampered by injuries when these sides met last season and once again the Kingdom are missing key players, with Kerry manager Fintan O’Connor expecting Pa Kelly, Colm Harty and Daniel Collins to miss the remainder of their Leinster campaign. Westmeath boss Michael Ryan was critical of his side’s lapse in concentration as they lost to Laois last weekend, and knows improvement will be needed to avoid a relegation battle.
MOST RECENT MEETING
May 2016- Kerry 1-13 Westmeath 1-18 (Leinster SHC Rd.2)
KEY STAT: Westmeath’s Derek McNicholas top-scored with 1-3 when the sides met at Austin Stack Park last May.
Referee: Paud O Dwyer (Carlow)
Meath v Laois Páirc Tailteann, 3pm
Meath are currently riding the crest of a wave, backing up last season’s Christy Ring Cup success with promotion from 2B and a win over Kerry in their Championship opener last weekend. Laois will be wary of becoming the Royals’ latest victims, and manager Eamonn Kelly this week added former All-Ireland winning Armagh footballer Oisín McConville to his backroom team.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Mar 07 – Laois 4-17 Meath 2-5 (NHL Div 2A) KEY STAT: Last week’s defeat of Kerry was Meath’s first win in the Leinster SHC for 13 years. Referee: John Keenan (Wicklow)