Today’s Previews
FOOTBALL Offaly SFC final Tullamore v Rhode O’Connor Park, 4.15
For the third year in a row, the two clubs who have dominated Offaly football go head-to-head in the final, but the sense is that Tullamore are in the box seat. They are hot favourites to retain the title, a feat they have not managed since 1926.
While long-term injury victim John Furlong is a big miss, the return of fellow All-Ireland under-20 winner Cormac Egan from injury in the semi-final win over Edenderry is timely.
In contrast, Rhode had to battle hard to make it this far – forced to go to extra-time to see off Ferbane in the semi-final – and continue to miss Niall Darby and Eoin Rigney, who are on the long-term injury list.
If somehow they can make it over the line, it will mean a staggering 13th medal for veteran Alan McNamee but, given the challenge they face, he will hardly be counting just yet.
Verdict: Tullamore
HURLING
Derry SHC final
Slaughtneil v Kevin Lynch’s Owenbeg, 3pm
Slaughtneil are seeking a 10th title in succession.
It’s not that long ago they were pushing the reigning All-Ireland club champions all the way at Parnell Park, and the presence of Cormac O’Doherty and Brendan Rogers on the club Team of the Year shows the level they have been operating at.
Verdict: Slaughtneil
Kildare SHC final Maynooth v Naas Newbridge, 3.30pm
After their mould-breaking exploits last season in becoming the first club from Kildare to win an All-Ireland club hurling title, Naas will be keen to back it all up and seal a fourth crown in a row. Maynooth have plenty of promising young talent coming along to challenge here and in other seasons to come, but glory will elude them today.
Verdict: Naas
Wicklow SHC final
Bray Emmets v Glenealy Aughrim, 3.30pm
Reigning champions Bray Emmets are looking for a fourth senior title on the trot. They really had to work for it against the same opposition in last year’s final and will be more than happy to squeeze home again.
Verdict: Bray Emmets