Today’s GAA FIXTURES
ALL GAMES AT 2PM UNLESS STATED
FOOTBALL Allianz FL Division 1 Kildare v Monaghan,
Newbridge IF Kildare can deliver on the promise of their first-half show against Dublin, then survival is on.
Verdict: Kildare
Donegal v Galway,
Letterkenny, 2.30pm THE impressive return of Leo McLoone and Odhrán Mac Niallais, and the blistering form of Paddy McBrearty points to a home win.
Verdict: Donegal
Allianz FL Division 2 Down v Cork,
Pairc Esler, 1.30pm CORK need to learn how to defend as a unit or face the consequences.
Verdict: Down
Tipperary v Roscommon,
Semple Stadium ROSCOMMON were feckless when throwing away a winning lead last weekend, while in contrast Tipperary were very much in the zone.
Verdict: Tipperary Meath v Clare, Páirc Tailteann WITH Seán Tobin and Padraig McKeever surely in from the start this time, the Royals to get up and running. Verdict: Meath
Allianz FL Division 3 Fermanagh v Offaly,
Brewster Park FERMANAGH have organisation, while Offaly were back to their chaotic selves last weekend.
Verdict: Fermanagh
Sligo v Wexford,
Markievicz Park WHAT they lack in quality, Wexford are keen to make up for in attitude.
Verdict: Wexford
Longford v Derry,
Pearse Park LONGFORD’S recent record over Derry exists for a reason; they are better. Verdict: Longford
Westmeath v Armagh,
TEG Cusack Park, 2.30pm HAS the feeling of a genuine promotion joust and home advantage can swing it. Verdict: Westmeath
Allianz FL Division 4 London v Wicklow,
Ruislip, 1.00 LONDON started seven home grown players which is a development that deserves to be rewarded with a win.
Verdict: London
Waterford v Antrim,
Carriganore ANTRIM’S promotion push will not be derailed here.
Verdict: Antrim
Leitrim v Laois,
Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada LAOIS started last week as they are determined to carry on.
Verdict: Laois
Limerick v Carlow,
Gaelic Grounds LIMERICK did better than expected last week, but Carlow should edge it.
Verdict: Carlow
HURLING Division 1A Wexford v Cork
Innovate Wexford Park (Live TG4) Ref: J Keenan (Wicklow) BEATING Kilkenny in the league for the first time since 2012 will give Cork plenty of confidence, though Walsh Cup winners Wexford are on another run of their own of late, Damien Reck just one shining light in the win over Waterford.
Verdict: Cork Kilkenny v Clare (Deferred TG4) Nowlan Park Ref: J McGrath (Westmeath) CILLIAN Buckley’s removal from the field after a hefty hit was a critical moment in last weekend’s defeat. Plenty of spirit and fire in Kilkenny’s performance and expect the same again, even if Clare have the superior array of attacking options.
Verdict: Clare
Division 1B Antrim v Dublin
Corrigan Park Ref: J Heffernan (Wexford) A DEFEAT of 13 points at Croke Park by Offaly and suddenly the Pat Gilroy project is under the spotlight. Neil McManus led the charge against Galway with 10 points in what was very nearly the coup of the season and they will test a raw Dublin team.
Verdict: Dublin
Offaly v Limerick
Bord na Móna O’Connor Park Ref: S Cleere (Kilkenny) IT was only recently that eir Sport screened the dramatic 1994 final and Offaly’s level of performance last Saturday has supporters starting to dream again. Oisin Kelly deservedly took the plaudits up front. Limerick have been well-warned.
Verdict: Limerick