Today’s GAA FIXTURES
FOOTBALL
Allianz FL Division 1 Donegal v Kildare, Ballyshannon, 2.0pm
Ref: D Gough (Meath) It may be only mid-point in the League but whoever loses here will be doomed to the drop. That is unlikely to be Donegal, whose form has been such that they should be entertaining battling for a play-off spot.
Verdict: Donegal Kerry v Galway, Austin Stack Park, 2.30pm
Ref: F Kelly (Longford) Galway’s early-season form should not be dismissed for enthusiasm as the Tribesmen have shown they are a well-structured team with a hard nose. Still, this should be a step too far against a home team eager to return to winning ways.
Verdict: Kerry
Allianz FL Division 2
Cork v Cavan, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 1.0pm
Ref: D Coldrick (Meath) Top-of-the-table affair with Cork, high on confidence, likely to take a significant step in their bid to return to top flight football.
Verdict: Cork Down v Clare, Páirc Esler, 2.0pm Ref: J Molloy (Galway) Clare’s hard-earned point against Tipperary did not come without a price as Jamie Malone and Gordon Kelly are both suspended and it will count against them here. Verdict: Down Louth v Roscommon, Gaelic Grounds, 2.0pm
Ref: L Devenney (Mayo) A difficult spring for Roscommon, but their mood should be lightened after this game.
Verdict: Roscommon Allianz FL Division 3 Westmeath v Sligo, TEG Cusack Park, 2.0pm Ref: P Maguire (Longford) Westmeath’s hopes for promotion likely to come a step closer. Verdict: Westmeath Longford v Wexford, Pearse Park, 2.30pm Ref: B Tiernan (Dublin) Longford primed to make up for defeat last time out to Armagh. Verdict: Longford Offaly v Armagh, O’Connor Park, 2.30pm Ref: S Lonergan (Tipperary) Armagh won by 30 points last term and will triumph again. Verdict: Armagh
Allianz FL Division 4
Wicklow v Laois, Aughrim, 2.0pm Ref: F Smyth (Offaly) Laois’ anticipated return to Division 3 to remain on track. Verdict: Laois Leitrim v Limerick, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 2.0pm Ref: S Mulhare (Laois) Two bald men and a comb spring to mind. Verdict: Draw London v Antrim, Ruislip, 2.30pm Ref: E O’Gray (Leitrim) London, with serial home advantage, have been a lot more competitive this spring, but Antrim still look the more likely. Verdict: Antrim
HURLING
Allianz Hurling League Round 4 (2pm, unless stated) Kilkenny v Tipperary Nowlan Park (Live TG4)
Ref: A Kelly (Galway) Shorn of the blue-chip attacking talents of Jason Forde, John McGrath, Seamus Callanan and Bubbles O’Dwyer, plenty of reason to think Kilkenny will extend their long winning run over Tipperary at home. A chance for Michael Ryan’s team though to break with history and prove there is real depth to the squad. Verdict: Tipperary Wexford v Clare Innovate Wexford Park
Ref: C Lyons (Cork) Davy Fitzgerald won’t want to leave his team needing to beat Kilkenny in the last round to avoid a relegation play-off. Two teams buzzing with energy and ideas at the moment. With Clare already in a quarter-final, Wexford’s need looks greater.
Verdict: Wexford Cork v Waterford Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3pm (Deferred TG4)
Ref: S Cleere (Kilkenny) Last weekend showed how vital Mark Coleman and Conor Lehane are to it all. This was the fixture that transformed Cork’s season last year and it can reignite John Meyler’s spring.
Verdict: Cork
Division 1B
Offaly v Laois Bord na Mona O’Connor Park, 12.30
Ref: J Heffernan (Wexford) Offaly’s discipline will be key given the form Ross King is in for Laois, his 16 points a stunning contribution last weekend. Antrim v Limerick Cushendall
Ref: J O’Brien (Tipperary) The madness of the calendar is evidenced by the overlap of college and club commitments that sees Limerick down a full team of players. Still motoring nicely as the big win over Dublin demonstrated.
Verdict: Limerick Dublin v Galway Parnell Park
Ref: J Keenan (Wicklow) Liam Rushe’s reappearance one source of comfort for Dublin hurling; so too the Leinster colleges title for Dublin North over St Kieran’s of Kilkenny this week. Added to Cuala’s bid for an All-Ireland double, the long-term future is bright even if Galway look too strong right now.
Verdict: Galway