Today’s Previews
Ulster SFC quarter-final: Tyrone v Monaghan, Healy Park, 4.0
ON league form this is a top four clash – Monaghan finishing third and Tyrone one place adrift – which makes it all the harder to fathom why it is not being televised live.
Then again, it will hardly be candy for the eyes even if both showed a lot more ambition in how they set-up this spring.
Tyrone, with the introduction of Lee Brennan to partner Mark Bradley, have a lot more cutting edge, while these days the load on Conor McManus for Monaghan has been lifted a little by the likes of Jack McCarron and Conor McCarthy sniping with intent.
The reality is that both Mickey Harte and Malachy O’Rourke have to get a new tune out of their teams if their league form is to be replicated in the Championship, but all of that is for another day.
This, as ever, will be cautious and claustrophobic with little to choose between them. Still, home advantage and Tyrone’s love of stinging from deep should carry the day.
Verdict: Tyrone
Leinster Hurling Championship: Kilkenny v Offaly, Nowlan Park, 3.0
CAN Offaly bring the same manic intensity to trouble Kilkenny as Dublin did at Parnell Park? It’s a big ask but one Kevin Martin will be putting to his players as he hopes for a repeat showing of the bighearted stand in the league quarter-final. A running theme of this season though has been Kilkenny’s many escapes to victory, from Richie Leahy’s winning point against Tipperary to TJ Reid’s intervention against Offaly to Liam Blanchfield’s late goal against Dublin. Verdict: Kilkenny
Wexford v Dublin, Innovate Wexford Park, 3.0
WEXFORD’S players should be well rested after the recent ‘holiday’ to Portugal. Will be interesting to see how that added time together translates to the field against a Dublin team who know that a second defeat on the bounce will tip them towards the relegation trapdoor. Conal Keaney – immense against Kilkenny – is a major loss due to a shoulder injury. Wexford had an unbeaten record at Wexford Park under Davy Fitzgerald until the league semi-final which shows how big a challenge this is for Dublin.
Verdict: Wexford
Munster Hurling Championship:
Cork v Clare, Páirc uí Chaoimh, 4.0 (Live on RTE 2) FROM eight up, Clare look a handful for any team in Ireland. From the ball striking of Tony Kelly in midfield to the ball-winning ability of John Conlon to the goal threat of Conor McGrath and Shane O’Donnell inside, it’s a potent combination. The big question remains though: will they leak scores too easily in defence? Cork used the league to audition new faces and there’s a sense the reigning champs can hit the ground running.
Verdict: Cork
Limerick v Tipperary, Gaelic Grounds, 2.0 (Live on RTE 2)
AT times during the league, it was as if Michael Ryan was wilfully trying to play a misleading hand. All-Star cornerback Cathal Barrett at midfield? An All-Star centreback Ronan Maher alongside him? Leaving big names on the bench even against Kilkenny in the group? Limerick come buoyed with confidence and with bright young players who sense blood. Will Ryan now play his best cards?
Verdict: Tipperary
Joe McDonagh Cup rd 3:
Kerry v Westmeath, Tralee, 2.0
Christy Ring Cup rd 2:
London v Down, Ruislip, 2.30
Munster MHC rd 1:
Limerick v Tipperary, Gaelic Grounds, Noon; Cork v Clare, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2.0
Ulster MFC qualifiers rd 3:
Derry v Fermanagh, Gaelic Grounds, Noon; Down v Monaghan, Healy Park, 2.0