Today’s Previews
FOOTBALL
Ulster SFC SF: Cavan v Donegal, St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones, 4.00; Referee: C Lane (Cork)
Cavan’s shock 2020 Ulster final win is the obvious reference point in the buildup to this, but it likely to fuel a Donegal side who will hardly have forgotten the pain of that winter afternoon.
It is hard to believe that game would have rolled the same way had it been played in mid-summer where Donegal have long had Cavan’s number.
Cavan are on a winning run but against modest opposition, although they were impressive in putting Antrim to the sword, not least Gearoid McKiernan and the excellent Paddy Lynch.
However, Donegal are built to win and keep ball, while their consistency is such that they are bidding for a 10th final appearance in 12 seasons.
Verdict: Donegal
Connacht SFC SF: Galway v Leitrim, Pease Stadium, 3.30; Referee: P Faloon (Down)
It is likely that Andy Moran left Castlebar a fortnight ago disappointed but relieved that he would not be facing his former Mayo team-mates, but accepting the reality that the challenge facing his Leitrim team is no easier despite that.
He has overseen a radical improvement, winning four league games this spring and negotiating a problematic opening round trip to London made all the more difficult by the absence of the suspended Keith Beirne.
But this is a whole different level, with Galway moving sweetly, driven on by the imperious Paul Conroy, with Damien Comer (right) and Shane Walsh capable of wreaking havoc in attack. It has the makings of a long and difficult day for Moran. Verdict: Galway
HURLING
Munster SHC, round three: Limerick v Tipperary, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 2:00pm; Referee: L Gordon (Galway)
Colm Bonnar’s publicly expressed concern regarding the condensed season centred on the reality that two top Munster teams would be gone from the championship by the end of May, but he may have been overly optimistic. After defeats to Waterford and Clare – and with the prospect of having to travel to the All-Ireland champions – such has been the sense of despair in Tipperary that for many they were already out of the championship before the end of April.
They have still got a mathematical chance, but for it to come into play it will involve winning here in a game where the market has declared them 6/1 no-hopers.
Summer done in Tipp and this time the hay is not even cut.
Verdict: Limerick