Today’s football Previews
LEINSTER SFC QFS:
Meath v Wicklow,
Pairc Tailteann, 2.00; Referee: P Faloon (Down)
It is not too often that the Wicklow footballers come off best in a comparison with Manchester City/Real Madrid but, along with a healthy contribution from Laois last weekend, they racked up nine goals between them and it only took 70 minutes.
There is every prospect that the netting could become detached from the rigging here as well, given the last time these teams met in 2020, Meath hit them for seven goals. It is not quite the same fun when the goal-run is one way, though, which is going to make this a less fun day for the Garden County.
Verdict: Meath
Kildare v Louth, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 4.00; Referee: D Gough (Meath)
Kildare’s hall of fame management team hardly needs telling about the county’s traumatic history in this fixture.
All of them, Glenn Ryan, Anthony Rainbow, Dermot Earley and Johnny Doyle, were at some stage in their playing careers shot down by the Wee County, who defied the odds in 1991, 1995, 2007 and 2010.
The market has not wavered by history or form – Kildare are 1/5 shoo-ins – despite Louth’s continued resurgence, which has ensured that even if they lose today, they will still be in the Sam Maguire this summer, and will be housed in the same second tier as the Lilywhites next spring.
It will be a closer game than the odds suggest but for, Louth, just not close enough.
Verdict: Kildare
ULSTER SFC QF:
Tyrone v Derry,
O’Neills Healy Park, Omagh, 4.00; Referee: P Neilan (Roscommon)
A couple of months ago this contest reeked of menace for the champions as their struggle for early-season form contrasted sharply with what seemed like Derry’s irresistible march to the top flight.
But much has changed since;
Derry’s momentum perished in a controversial draw with Roscommon and a feeble defeat against Galway, while at the same time Tyrone were reminding everyone that, when they need to get results, they are not to be trifled with.
Conor McKenna’s availability after having his red card rescinded will only add to Tyrone’s feelgood factor and they will eventually impose themselves on a contest that is likely to be grim rather than great.
Verdict: Tyrone