The Curse of Croke Park's Canal End

It is a common occurrence to hear in GAA pitches all over Ireland that “a scoring goal” exists  where for some reason scores seem to come easier and flow more frequently in that goal than in the other.  Are there definitive reasons for this viewpoint?  A good question.

Conversely, is there an argument to be made that certain goals are not scorer friendly or “cursed” for the want of a better word.  I read an article by Weeshie Fogarty of the Kerryman newspaper and Radio Kerry not so long ago where he was of the view that Kerry seem to be jinxed in recent years when playing in Croke Park and particularly by the Hill 16 goal.  He was referring in particular to supersub Kevin McManamin’s killer goals against them in the 2011 All Ireland Final and this year’s epic semi final.  There was also Oisin McConville’s game changing goal in the 2002 All Ireland Final for Armagh and a similar outcome with Peter Canavan’s goal for Tyrone in 2005.

So the Hill 16 goal has not been favourable to the Kingdom.  However, on doing further research, the old Canal End, or Davin End as it is now known, has also been the curse of many of the game’s best attackers over the years when taking decisive penalty kicks, particularly in All Ireland Finals.

Bill McCorry

In the first championship meeting of Armagh and Kerry in the 1953 All Ireland final Armagh’s McCorry had the misfortune of missing a decisive spot kick and the Kingdom went on to take the spoils by four points.

Liam Sammon

For all that Liam Sammon has done for Galway football before and since, one moment in the 1974 championship  season has followed him everywhere — the missed penalty in the All Ireland final against Dublin. In a game that he probably shouldn’t have played in at all, he had punctured a lung in the lead up to the semi-final against Donegal, one moment made him notorious – the Paddy Cullen save.  “He judged the right way to go but was well off his line. Back then you could come out and he covered a fair bit. Cullen was a big fella. That’s the way it goes” Sammon said at the time.

Colm O’Rourke

The Dubs were at the crest of their considerable power heading in to the Leinster Final in 1976. Meath have them on the rack and were awarded a penalty into the Canal goals.  The Meath forwards look at each other. Who wants the responsibility? The atmosphere is packed with tension as a lanky eighteen year old from Skryne steps forward. It is only his third Championship game but he has the confidence and the willingness to assume the responsibility. He drives the ball to Cullen’s right. Further right than he intended.  The Dubs go on to win by two points and to capture successive All-Irelands in 1976 and 1977.

Mikey Sheehy

With Kerry in search of the historic 5 in a row against Offaly in the 1982 All Ireland Final, Mikey Sheehy had the opportunity to put the game to bed and write their names in folklore when awarded a penalty in the second half of proceedings.  However, his effort was saved by Martin Furlong, Offaly got a new lease of life and after Seamus Darby’s goal the rest as they say is history.

Kevin McCabe

In 1986 Tyrone reached their very first All-Ireland Final.  They were the rank outsiders to beat Kerry who were going for their third title in a row.  Jack O’Shea had rattled a second minute penalty against the crossbar at the Canal End after Ambrose O’Donovan had been upended.  After that let off at one stage in the second half Tyrone had amassed a seven point lead but the turning point of the game was a penalty that could have put Tyrone nine points ahead but was struck over the bar by wing back Kevin McCabe.   The experience of Kerry shone through, and inspired by Pat Spillane, they went on to win by 2-15 to 1-10.

 Keith Barr

In the 1991 Leinster Championship Dublin and Meath were involved in a mammoth 4 game saga before Kevin Foley’s famous goal turned the tide in Meath’s favour before winning on a scoreline of 2-10 to 0-15. It was claimed by many that Keith Barr's penalty miss was the turning point in the game.  It is said that Barr had been instructed to take the point but he went for glory and subsequently missed his chance. 

Charlie Redmond

A rampant Dublin were awarded a penalty after seven minutes of the 1992 All Ireland Final against Donegal when Dessie Farrell was adjudged to have been fouled when bearing down on goal.  It seemed like a harsh decision and justice seemed to be served when Charlie Redmond drove the ball to his right and wide.  He had previously missed a penalty kick in the 1988 Leinster Final.  The Dubs later lost the initiative and the McHugh brothers, Manus Boyle and Declan Bonner inspired Donegal to their first All Ireland victory.

Trevor Giles

Meath were already hanging on for dear life when captain Trevor Giles smashed a penalty to the left and wide midway through the second half of the 2001 All Ireland Final against Galway.  The fight was sapped from his side, unusual for a Meath team, and Galway powered on to win by nine points and inspired by Michael Donnellan and Padraic Joyce.

Oisin McConnville

Oisin McConville must have feared that the curse of his county predecessor Bill McCorry and his penalty miss in the 1953 All Ireland Final would come back to haunt him when Kerry keeper Declan O’Keeffe got down to save his effort just before half time in the 2002 All Ireland Final.  However, McConville made amends with a second half goal in to the Hill 16 goal which turned the game in their favour and captain Kieran McGeeney lifted the Sam Maguire cup for the first time in Armagh’s history.

2013 Championship Challenge Week 18

Sunday, September 22
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final
Dublin v Mayo, Croke Park, 3.30pm

There is the wise old saying that the cream always rises to the top.  This may be true when considering both teams contesting this years All Ireland Football final as both Mayo and Dublin have been the two most impressive and consistent teams over the course of the season.  Who will be lifting the Sam Maguire Cup on Sunday evening and be crowned the best team in the land?  It is a very difficult one to call.

Both these teams have been dining at the top table over the last three seasons, having both at least reached the All-Ireland semi-finals in 2011 and 2012, and it was inevitable that sooner or later both sides would meet on the biggest day of all.  Both teams are unbeaten in this year's championship turning in some scintillating performances in the process.  Dublin's impressive form has carried over from the Allianz Football League which they won for the first time in 20 years at the end of April. Mayo had a steady league campaign, reaching the semi-finals, but it has been in the championship where they have really shown a determination to make up for their many final heartbreaks in recent years.

While Dublin overcame their western opponents in their two league meetings this season they were both absorbing encounters and a good indicator of the aspirations of both teams for the championship season ahead.  Both games were played at a remarkably high tempo with goals proving crucial and fast, energetic movement of the ball overshadowing the blanket defences of previous seasons.

The last time the sides met in the championship was in the All-Ireland semi-final last September when Mayo produced a brilliant performance to knock Dublin out and progress to the final (0-19 to 0-16).  Memories of the epic semi final in 2006 between both sides are also vivid and particularly the splendid winning point from the mercurial Ciaran McDonald in to the Hill 16 goal.

Where that recent past leaves us for Sunday isn't clear - Mayo's positive recent championship record against Dublin is offset by the fact that they haven't won the top honour since 1951 whereas the majority of this Dublin side have the experience of defeating Kerry in the 2011 decider.

Both sides have cruised to provincial glory already this year. Dublin had a slightly more difficult path in Leinster, but they made short work of Westmeath (1-22 to 0-9) and Kildare (4-16 to 1-9) before overcoming a decent challenge from Meath in the Leinster final (2-15 to 0-14). Mayo surged through Connacht, racking up big wins against Galway (4-16 to 0-11) and Roscommon (0-21 to 0-9) before a very comfortable final victory over London (5-11 to 0-10).

Although there have been a few tricky moments for both counties in the All-Ireland series, they have both been excellent since coming to Croke Park on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Dublin moved past Cork in the last eight before showing great character in their epic semi-final against Kerry.  Mayo delivered the performance of the year so far in the All-Ireland quarter-final against Donegal, when inspired by the marauding Aidan O'Shea in the middle, they blew the All-Ireland champions away with a display of pace, power and skill.

Their semi-final win over Tyrone was an altogether different affair but in many ways it was a lot more beneficial experience for James Horan's side.  Having struggled to cope with the Tyrone gameplan for long stages in the first half they eventually managed to get to grips, and once they did, they took control of the game in the second half before easing to a 1-16 to 0-13 win.  Dublin condeceded three first half goals to a Colm Cooper inspired Kerry and were still one point in arrears with four minutes remaining but still had the capacity for one final kick and eventually won the game by a somewhat flattering seven points, 3-18 to 3-11.

There has been plenty of discussion in the build-up to the game as to the way both sides play the game. Both play a very attacking brand of football, with a high tempo and a high expectation on players to get forward, and back, in great numbers.  Dublin's man-on-man style has been very good for them in terms of the amount of goalscoring chances they create, they have been criticised for not taking enough of them, but it has also occasionally left them vulnerable to attacks at the other end of the field which both Cork, with limited success, and Kerry, with much success, have exploited.

The biggest question over the last few weeks has surrounded the fitness of Mayo forward Cillian O'Connor after he suffered a recurrence of a dislocated shoulder injury in the Tyrone game.  O'Connor, who has scored a remarkable 6-14 in this year's championship, has been named in an unchanged Mayo side and this is a serious vote of confidence by the management.  The Dublin team shows one change from the semi final with Philly McMahon replacing Kevin O'Brien in their full back line.

With so much at stake and with the smallest things deciding the biggest games is it too much to expect another draw so close to the drawn All Ireland Hurling Final?

Verdict: Draw        Odds: 9/1

Munster open new Rabodirect Pro 12 campaign with bonus point victory over Edinburgh

Munster        34

Edinburgh    23

On a beautiful autumnal evening with perfect playing conditions Munster got their 2013/14 Rabodirect Pro 12 campaign off to a positive start with a five try, bonus point victory over a game Edinburgh side.

Apart from when the visitors took an early lead with a penalty, Rob Penney's men were always in the driving seat and had three tries on the board by half time with touch downs from fullback Denis Hurley, back row and captain James Coughlan and debutant loose head prop James Cronin.

Although Alan Solomons charges upped their performance after the break, the Munstermen wrapped up the bonus point when centre Ivan Dineen slid over in the corner.  And they added a fifth try for good measure when replacement outhalf JJ Hanrahan was allowed to stroll over under the posts to complete a convincing win

To be pleased with:

1. A debut try scoring performance from loose head James Cronin.  With Wian du Preez having departed in the summer it was good to see Cronin being given his chance and providing competition to Dave Kilcoyne

2. The performances of wingers Ronan O'Mahoney and Johne Murphy.  It was good to see both these players looking so sharp, particularly in the first half, with Murphy also showing security under the high ball.  Maybe it is the new scrum cap that is making the difference.  O'Mahoney will be slightly disappointed with his missed tackle on Lee Jones for his try in the second half

3. An offloading game in the first half which moved with purpose and accuracy

Still to work on:

1. The big question coming in to this season is whether Munster currently have the players to fill the massive shoes of the departed Ronan O'Gara.  Ian Keatley got the nod here and had a mixed night from the boot with three successful kicks from six i.e 1 penalty and 2 conversions.  His success rate will have to improve fpr the bigger challenges going forward

2. Scrum performance.  It held up well in the first half under the new IRB scrummaging rules but had to play second fiddle in the second half with the penalty count rising against

2013 Championship Challenge Week 17

Sunday, September 8
GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final 2013
Clare v Cork, Croke Park, 3.30pm

So, after what has been described as the most exciting and unpredicatable hurling championship in many a year, which produced 28 games in total, which simmered and then bubbled over into something magical, it has finally been reduced to this - the All-Ireland final between somewhat surprise packets Cork and Clare at Croke Park on Sunday.

It would have taken a very brave man, or woman, to have predicted that these two teams, who met in the Allianz Hurling League Relegation play-off back in April, would face each other once again five months later with the Liam MacCarthy Cup on the line?  And who would have predicted more so that the Black & Amber of the Cats or the Blue & Gold of Tipperary would be conspicuous by their absence on All-Ireland final day?

It’s been that kind of summer.  A summer of the tactical tempering of Davy Fitzgerald and the man management prowess of Jimmy Barry Murphy coming to the fore once more.  These new strategies have challenged the notion that breaking the stranglehold was not just about outmuscling Kilkenny, Tipperary and Galway but more about out-thinking them, and more importantly about outplaying them.

When Jimmy Barry- Murphy’s running game meets Davy Fitzgerald’s superbly conceived passing game, something will have to give in what is the first all-Munster All-Ireland final since 1997, when Clare beat Tipperary.  Clare have been back to an All-Ireland final since, in 2002, when beaten by Kilkenny, but under the expert tutolege of Fitzgerald, and with possibly the finest collection of young hurlers in the country available to him, there is a real sense that the good times are back in the Banner County.  Cork, too, have been away from the biggest day in the hurling year since their 2006 final defeat to Kilkenny. Only Tom Kenny, Brian Murphy and Shane O’Neill are still involved in the Cork set-up from that day, adding to the sense of freshness in this final.

This will be the 48th championship meeting between the sides, with Cork having won 33 of those, Clare 11 while there have been three draws. This year alone, the sides have faced each other four times – in the season-opening Waterford Crystal Cup, twice in the Allianz League and, of course, in the semi-final of the Munster Championship.

 

While Clare prevailed by 0-31 to 2-23 in a cracking relegation play-off back in April, condemning Cork to the second tier of the Allianz League, when they met again in the Munster Championship over two months later, it was Cork who gained revenge with a 0-23 to 0-15 victory at the Gaelic Grounds.  Key to Cork’s success that day was the man-marking job defender Brian Murphy did on the influential Tony Kelly.  After a dramatic return from injury will he be able to repeat that feat on Sunday? Tom Kenny is the player to make way at wing-back in the only change to the Cork team from the one that faced Dublin in the semi-final.  Clare should stick to the same team that overcame Limerick with somewhat ease in their semi-final.

In what should be an intriguing tactical battle Cork will probably do a mirror image of Clare. They should have a sweeper deployed in their back line because Clare usually deploy a five man forward line utilising the expansive ground of Croke Park. Both sides have speedy players in the forward line but the key to the game may be what happens around the middle of the pitch as that will determine how effective the spare man will be in defence and dictate the time they will have to deliver the ball in to the spaces in the forward line.

Cork have the tradition of defeating the Bannerman in championship matches and in JBM they have a man who has the experiemce of leading a young Rebel team to All Ireland glory already back in 1999.  However, with Davy Fitxgerald showing an expert knowledge of the tactical side of the game, and no doubt he will have a new trick up his sleeve for this game, the Bannermen may just have learned enough from thier defeat to the Rebels already and may just have the momentum coming in to this game to silence Biddy Early once more and carry them to victory.

Verdict: Clare               Odds: 6/5

2013 Championship Challenge Week 16

Sunday, September 1
GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final
Dublin v Kerry, Croke Park, 3.30pm

Lets start with all the talk of history and rivalry and the great games of the past between Dublin and Kerry.  Was the semi final meeting in 1977 between the two counties in fact the graetest game of Gaelic Football played or is the nostalgia blurring our vision?  Or was Maurice Fitzgerald's equalising point from the sideline against the Dubs in Thurles one of the greatest scores of all time?

The strength of their rivalry has been revitalised time and time again by epic championship duels. Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final will be the 27th time the counties have faced each other in the championship, and all but a handful of their meetings have been in either All-Ireland semi-finals or finals.

But that was the past so lets now concentrate on the here and now and the history that is now being created by these bunch of players even though age old rivals.  Prior to dissecting the merits of each county however lets firstly disgard this myth that this Kerry team is an ageing team and that will be the single biggest reason why they will not ultimately be able to cope with the pace and power of the Dubs on Sunday.  After 70 minutes on Sunday Eamon Fitzmaurice's charges may not have been good enough to topple their opponents but it can be gauranteed that it will not be because of ageing limbs.  Looking at the age profile of the six defenders and goalkeeper named to start on Sunday, only two of them namely Tomas & Marc O'Se are over the 30 years bracket and one feels that there are many miles left in these two great servants yet.  The midfield pairing are in their early to mid twenties and save for Paul Galvin in the forward division, and the calibre of the remaining players, they can hardly be classified as over the hill.

This will be the fourth championship meeting between the sides in the last seven seasons. In the 2009 All-Ireland quarter-final Kerry spectacularly returned to form with a 1-24 to 1-7 thrashing of Dublin with manager Pat Gilroy memorably describing his team as being like "startled earwigs" in the opening blitz in which Kerry destroyed them.  Two years later though, in the All Irealnd Final of 2011, when the Kingdom looked to be heading for another All-Ireland title with less than ten minutes to go until Kevin McManamon's goal changed everything and Stephen Cluxton's injury-time winner from a free sealed victory for the Dubs and their first All Ireland title since 1995.  For men used to winning like Colm Cooper, Declan O'Sullivan, Paul Galvin and the Ó Sé brothers it was a horrendous way to lose an All-Ireland final, and whether they admit it or not, Sunday's game is a huge chance for them and the rest of their teammates to exact revenge for that most bitter of defeats.

Looking at both teams form so far this season, Dublin must be lauded for their consistency all through, particularly in what is Jim Gavin's first year in charge. They defeated Westmeath, Kildare and Meath on their way to the Leinster title, recording an impressive average winning margin of 13 points in the process. They looked comfortable in their win over Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-final, and never really looked like losing to the Rebels, but the success of the long ball tactic by the Rebels in on the Dublin fullback line where Ciaran Sheehan was most impressive, will surely be an area that the Kingdom will look to target.  Kerry, on the other hand, struggled badly in the early part of the league season, including a 1-11 to 0-4 loss to Dublin in Killarney, but turned the corner with victories in their final three games to avoid relegation, just, and this was ironically helped by Paul Mannion's last minute score for the Dubs against Donegal. Those early season struggles seem a long time ago now, and it's worth keeping that period in mind when considering how Éamonn Fitzmaurice has fared in his debut season as Kerry boss.  They subsequently breezed through Munster with the second half of the Munster final victory over Cork the only time they wobbled in the province in 2013. Although they were far from at their best in the All-Ireland quarter-final win over Cavan, that was the type of game that they just wanted to get through without showing their full hand, particularly when they knew going in to the game that they would be meeting the Dubs once more in the semi final.

Looking to the tactics briefly, all of the media attention seems to be concentrated on the pace and power of the Dublin team and in particular wing back Jack McCaffrey who has had a spectacular debut season so far.  Is it too simplistic to think that the way to counteract that by Kerry is to put a speed merchant like Darren O'Sullivan on him and try and put him on the back foot?  Will Bernard Brogan be as quiet again as he has been all season or is this the game where he will explode back on the scene once more?  Can Kerry target Stephen Cluxton's kick outs which they did to such success in the 2011 decider?  Can Kerry get a foothold in midfield and put pressure on Cian O'Sullivan who is not a natural midfielder and is utilised more there for his ability to get up and down the pitch and link the play?  And there has been much media speculation this week as to whether Colm Cooper may switch from the forty into the corner for this one. He is named at 11, but perceived weaknesses in the Dublin full-back line have lead to suggestions that he should be deployed closer to goal.   Can Sptephen Cluxton continue his remarkable scoring rate from frees and 45's so far this season?

The absence of Killian Young and Aidan O'Mahony through injury leaves a relatively inexperienced Kerry defence, and certainly Sunday will be a huge day for the likes of Shane Enright, Fionn Fitzgerald, Mark Griffin and Peter Crowley. However, the presence of Marc and Tomás Ó Sé at right-full-back and right-half-back is massive.  For Dublin, there is no major changes to a side that has had a very consistent look all season. The main selection issue was in attack, where Paddy Andrews has got the nod ahead of the impressive Dean Rock with Bryan Cullen also kept in reserve.

With the Kingdom coming in to this encounter somewhat under the radar and the bitter memories of the 2011 defeat coupled with a desire in the Kerry players to win another All Ireland that should not be underestimated, take them to just edge this titanic tussle.

Verdict:  Kerry       Odds: 21/10

2013 Championship Challenge Week 15

Sunday, August 25
GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final
Mayo v Tyrone
Venue: Croke Park
Throw In: 3.30pm

After the furore of their All Ireland Quarter Final victory over Monaghan and in particular Sean Cavanagh's "rugby tackle" that denied the Farney men a goal scoring opportunity, Micky Harte and his men will see the challenge of taking on this bang in form Mayo team as exactly the challenge they need to concentrate the minds on the big prize once more.  In the flesh, Mayo's comprehensive dismantling of All Ireland champions Donegal in another of the quarter finals was as complete a performance as seen in Croke Park in many a year.  Based on form therefore Mayo should advance to another All Ireland Final appearance but if only sport was that predictable.

Back in late May when Donegal blew Tyrone away in the final quarter of the Ulster Championship, few would have predicted that Mickey Harte’s side would outlive the reigning All-Ireland champions but the Red Hands have proven to be the great survivors of the 2013 championship.  These survival skills will now be given their biggest test yet.  Can Player of the Year candidate Sean Kavanagh carry his team over the line once more or will Tyrone's charmed life come to an end?

After their demolition of Donegal in the All-Ireland quarter-final, James Horan’s Mayo are now the team to beat having taken over that mantle from Dublin with a string of outstanding displays.  Their average winning margin in championship 2013 has been an incredible 16 points which was exactly what they beat Donegal by on August 4. They have scored 13 goals in four games, and in the only game they failed to raise a green flag, the Connacht semi-final defeat of Roscommon, they hit 0-21 and had 12 different scorers.  It was also the third year in a row that the Westerners have dethroned the reigning All-Ireland champions. But that becomes an even more annoying statistic if they do not go on now and claim the biggest prize and finally end an All-Ireland drought that dates back to 1951.

The last time the sides met was in Round 3 of the Qualifiers in 2008 when Tyrone won out by 0-13 to 1-9 en route to the third All-Ireland title of the Harte era.  There is in inescapable sense of destiny attached to the current Mayo team, and who would begrudge them, but if there is one team capable of putting a spanner in the works it’s Tyrone with the chief strategist Mickey Harte plotting their downfall.  Tyrone haven’t been anywhere near as impressive in their run to the semi-finals as Mayo, but in Harte's 200th competitive game in charge, can the bookies really be correct in ranking them as such outsiders?

An interesting sub-plot, but vital to the outcome, of this game will be the midfield battle, where two sets of brothers will go head-to-head – the O’Sheas of Breaffy for Mayo against the Cavanaghs of Moy for the Red Hands. Aidan O'Shea gave a powerhouse performance in the defeat of Donegal but will he be tasked with tracking the marauding Seán Cavanagh or play his natural game and let the opposition worry about him?  The game could well be won and lost in that battle.

Tyrone go into the game without the suspended Martin Penrose but Conor Gormley is available and his experience will be vital.  Mayo manager Horan has unsurprisingly kept faith with the same team that started against Donegal the last day with Keith Higgins continuing in the half-forward line where his playmaking and footballing skills were to the fore in the first half against Donegal.  Tyrone will have their systems and structures well in place to negate the Mayo attacking threat but there is something about the Mayo beast this season that exudes an assurance of their quality and they should run down the Tyrone gameplan of containment and advance to the decider of the 3rd Sunday in September.

Verdict: Mayo       Odds: 2/7

2013 Championship Challenge Week 14

All Ireland Hurling Championship Semi Final
Croke Park
Throw In: Sunday 3.30pm

There are numerous homes stretching along the 20km border between Clare and Limerick where both counties flags hang proudly out the same windows in the lead up to this game, an example of the mixed marriages and the split personality that defines many households in the area.  It is also possible to stand on either side of the water for miles and miles along the coast roads and look into the other's territory. No escaping therefore the rivalry between these counties and particularly in the lead up to a game of the magnitude of this All Ireland semi final.

Yet despite their many meetings over the years, Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final between these two rivals is truly seen as a rather novel occasion. It's the first time they have ever met at this stage of the championship. They have met in a championship game at Croke Park before though - that was back in 2007, when Limerick defeated Clare 1-23 to 1-16 in the All-Ireland quarter-final, on their way to being well beaten by Kilkenny in the decider.  They have met twice in the championship since then, their most recent meeting being last season, when Limerick won on a 3-18 to 1-20 scoreline in Phase III of the All-Ireland qualifiers where both John Allen and Davy Fitzgerald were in their first seasons as Limerick and Clare managers at the time.

As much as the rivalry between Clare and Limerick has been discussed ahead of this game, so too has been the potential rivalry between the two men on the sideline. That's because both men are firmly associated with the tactical side of hurling, and there is an expectation that formations and strategies could be central to Sunday's contest i.e Davy Fitzgerald bursting a gut on the sideline pucking every ball with his troops while John Allen would be seen as more sedate with the get up of a professor in his pomp.

The nature of Clare's victory over Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final marked them out as serious contenders for the Liam MacCarthy Cup once more. That convincing 1-23 to 2-14 win came on the back of impressive qualifier wins over Laois and Wexford and made up for their somewhat below par defeat to Cork in Munster back in June.  That form line may not be seen in such a negative light with the Rebels subsequent march to the All Ireland Final.  This form, coupled with the continued success of their U21 team makes Clare as challenging an opposition as Limerick could expect to face at this stage. With so many of those U21s, such as Tony Kelly, Seadna Morey, Podge Collins, David McInerney and Colm Galvin to name but a few, so central to the senior team's hopes, there is no doubt that this is a Banner side on the march.  The big question is whether this is just potential at present and a work in progress or can it manifest itself all the way to the ultimate prize?

This too is new ground for Limerick. This is their first All-Ireland semi-final since 2009, and that match is probably best forgotten from their perspective. They were beaten by 24 points by a rampant Tipperary. This is a new team though. The likes of Declan Hannon, Graeme Mulcahy and Shane Dowling have all blossomed into top class senior hurlers, having starred in the county's Munster U21 triumph in 2011.  Other players from the successful Ardscoil Rís Harty Cup winning teams have also made the step up, and this has already been Limerick's best championship campaign in years. They ended a 17-year wait for a Munster title with a thrilling victory over Cork in the final, having impressively dethroned Tipperary in the provincial semi-final.  This is a different type of challenge though. It's five weeks since Limerick played Cork and the question is whether rustiness will be an issue or not.  Taking last weekends semi final as a baramoter the defeated Dublin players were categoric that their five week lay off did not contribute to their loss.

Limerick seem to have more experience through their ranks and also would seem to have more strength in depth on their bench.  The Clare game plan is unique however and seems to be suiting this group of young, talented hurlers to the tee.  Much will depend on how Limerick adapt to the roving role of Podge Collins once more and the pace of the other Clare forwards who will try and drag their opposite numbers out of position.  Regardless of the outcome of the game, the prospect of the two Shannonside rivals going head to head in an All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park is a mouthwatering one, and in this remarkable championship of 2013, who would bet against another classic?  And therefore the possibility of a further thriller in a replay.

Verdict: Draw            Odds: 10/1

2013 Championship Challenge Week 13

In the words of Alex Ferguson it has now come to the "squeaky bum" time of the season.  No back door, no second chances, man to man and may the best team win.  After the furore of last weekend and Mr Brolly's cat on a hot tin roof impression (was it the biggest plot loss since Eamon Dunphy after the Ireland/Egypt game at Italia 90?) we return to the more sedate surroundings of the hurling championship and the much anticipated semi final clash between Dublin and Cork.

For the second week in a row these two counties will meet in a crucial knock-out championship game at Croke Park.  This will also be the first All-Ireland semi-final meeting between the sides in 85 years, an indicator of how long Dublin have been missing from the top table of the hurling championship.  They did meet in the Qualifiers in 2007 and 2008, Cork winning by five and fourtheen point margins.

After their Leinster final hammering of Galway, Dublin will be viewed as slight favourites by many, but Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s young Cork side will be full of confidence following their impressive quarter-final defeat of champions Kilkenny.  Cork will also have tradition on their side in any big game in Croke Park with their last appearance there in the September decider being as recent as 2006 whereas Dublin have to go all the way back to 1961 for their last final appearance at headquarters.
 
Dublin have taken what could be viewed as the more difficult path to the semi-final, having drawn with Wexford in their opening game and then won the replay. Again, they needed a replay to beat Kilkenny in the next round, but in the Leinster final they delivered the finest performance of Anthony Daly’s management reign to beat last year’s All-Ireland finalists, Galway, by 2-25 to 2-13.
It’s been quite a remarkable turnaround for Daly’s side having been humiliated by Kilkenny in Leinster last year while also operating in Divison 2 of the league this season.  To reach an All Ireland Final would be quite the achievement and was summed up well by Daly himself this week: “It's easy talking here today when we know we're in an All-Ireland semi-final and we're Leinster champions but there have been plenty of times you'd be driving home saying to yourself, 'Hi, go way back to your pub and fill porter will ya'.”

Cork are back in the semi-finals for the second year in a row under Jimmy Barry-Murphy, but the feeling is that they are a little bit better prepared this time around. JBM’s young side look fitter and stronger this year and the manager has had another 12 months to fine-tune a very distinct style which is primarily based on pace and swift delivery of the ball in to the inside forwards.  A lack of a goal scoring threat to date may be seen as a deficiency of the system however.  Having performed poorly against Limerick in the Munster final, they returned with a bang against Kilkenny, running the Cats ragged with a superb game-plan based on pressing and relentless running.

Dublin are a younger side with less mileage on the clock and Daly will no doubt have a few tactical aces up his sleeve to deal with the Rebels.  Cork have named an unchanged side from the one that overcame Kilkenny but one change of note to the subs is the inclusion of defender Brian Murphy, who has recovered from a shoulder injury. Dublin are also due to name an unchanged side from their Leinster Final win.

With Dublin having to cope with a five week lay off since their Leinster Final victory, up to that point they had played five weeks in a row and seemed to be getting stronger with each outing, and Cork having the confidence of their victory over Kilkenny and just their general tradition of playing in these type of high pressure games, Jimmy Barry Murphy's side may just shade it to make an All Munster All Ireland Final against Limerick or Clare.

Verdict: Cork               Odds: Evens

2013 Championship Challenge Week 12

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Quarter Final

1. Monagahan v's Tyrone
    Croke Park
    Throw In: Saturday 5pm

A unique and historic fixture between these two Northern rivals as it is the first time that they have met at this stage of the competition and also the fact that Monagahan go in to the game as newly crowned Ulster champions.  After ending their 25 year wait for silverware Malachy O'Rourke's charges will be in bouyant mood.  Looking at the league standings Tyrone should be the warmest of favourites as the Divison 1 runners up take on the Divison 3 champions.  A lot of water has passed under the bridge in the meantime and Monaghan are now being touted as potential All Ireland contenders after their dismantling of champions Donegal.  Tyrone have responded well through the qualifiers since they failed to last the pace against Donegal in their Ulster Championship opener.  The dismissal of Stephen O'Neill against Meath is a significant blow to Tyrone, and if Eoin Lennon and Darren Hughes can tame Sean Kavanagh, who seems to be back to his imperious form of the mid noughties, then their forward line of Kieran Hughes and Conor McManus may just convert enough chances for the Farney men to reach their first All Ireland semi final since 1988.  

Verdict: Monaghan

2. Dublin v's Cork
    Croke Park
    Throw In: Saturday 7pm

A meeting of two of the games traditional heavyweights.  It is just a pity for supporters of both counties that it will not be played as a double header with the All Ireland Hurling semi final between both sides also.  Cork supporters will be worried at how their team seems to be stuttering through this championship campaign.  Manager Conor Counihan has admitted himself that he is unsure as to what his best team is and that seems to have manifested itself in their performances against Kerry and Galway in previous games.  A more cynical team than Galway would have closed out the game last weekend when they led by five points entering the final minutes but on the other hand Counihan will be satisfied with how his charges turned the game around when their backs were firmly to the wall.  Maybe this fixture against raging hot favourites Dublin is just what his charges need to focus the minds and put in a full 70 minute performance.  Dublin, and manager Jim Gavin, on the other hand have a forward line that are working at full throttle and a substitutes bench packed with experience that is the envy of most other counties.  However, for the first half against Meath in the Leinster final, holes were being punched in their defence, their midfield struggled to win primary possession and ace forward Bernard Brogan was once more kept under wraps.  If Aidan Walsh is moved back out to the middle then Cork may crowd out this area and frustrate the Dubs but on present form, and with Eoin Cadogan in particular struggling, they do not seem to be at the necessary pitch to curtail the overall Dublin scoring threat.

Verdict: Dublin 

3. Mayo v's Donegal
    Croke Park
    Throw In: Sunday 4pm

This game has got top billing and seems to be the standout fixture of the weekend.  A repeat of last years All Ireland final where Donegal went for the jugular from the off and seemed to have the game killed off after 15 minutes.  Another tale of All Ireland final woe for the Mayo men.  How much of the hurt from these All Ireland final losses can they store up before it manifests itself in an explosive series of performances that will carry them all the way to the title.  Questions are being raised about how battle hardened they will be going in to this game after their facile run to the Connacht Championship title.  They can only beat what is in front of them however and there has been a steely resolve about them since their first round massacring of Galway.  The addition of Donie Buckley to their backroom team may also prove to be a very shrewd piece of business.  For Jim McGuinness and his Donegal troops they seem to be suffering the same glitch of fate with injuries as the Kilkenny hurlers and this manifested itself in the Ulster Final where they were "out Donegaled" by Monaghan.  Their three year record run in the Ulster Championship also seems to have taken some toll on their legs and even though their qualifier victory over Laois last weekend, after the dreaded six day turnaround, must be commended, a team without Mark McHugh and a not fully fit Karl Lacey, is not the same animal.  With Andy Moran and Cillian O'Connor back to full fitness and Alan Freeman having an outstanding season in their absence, this may just be Mayo's opportunity to turn the tables on their neighbours outside the pressure bubble atmosphere of an All Ireland Final.

Verdict: Mayo

Pods-itivity Treble: 13/2

Other mention:

A repeat of the the All Ireland semi final of 1997 and the famous All Ireland Final in the Polo Grounds, New York, Kerry v's Cavan may not be seen as a stand out fixture of the weekend but nonetheless it is a game between two traditional footballing counties where blanket defences will be left at the door.  This Cavan team have impressed many with their extended championship run to date and the wide spaces of Croke Park may suit their youthful exuberance but Eamon Fitzmaurice and this Kerry team should be clinical enough to exploit any nerves these young palyers will surely be facing

2013 Championship Challenge Week 11

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Round 4 Qualifier

1. Cork v's Galway
    Croke Park
    Throw In: Saturday 5pm

Alan Mulhulland's much criticised Galway side created quite a shock when defeating a free scoring Armagh side in the previous round of the qualifiers.  The switch of Paul Conroy from the full forward berth to the middle of the park along with Under 21 player Tom Flynn was a significant move and the confidence from the victory should make them tricky opponents in their search for their first victory in Croke Park since the 2001 All Ireland Final.  Yet again this season Conor Counihan's Cork side have been somewhat of an enigma.  For forty minutes in the Munster Final against Kerry they were dismal but once the changes were rung they thundered in to the game and the game could have gone either way in the last ten minutes.  The management team have made six changes from that game which highlights that the team they finished that game with was probably a more balanced unit.  This may yet again prove to be a bogey selection but if the pairing of Pierse O'Neill and Alan O'Connor can dominate around the middle like they are capable of and with the menace of Ciaran Sheehan and Brian Hurley in the full forward line, the Rebels should have enough scoring potential to overpower their western opponents.

Verdict: Cork

GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Quarter Final

2. Kilkenny v's Cork
    Semple Stadium, Thurles
    Throw In: Sunday 2pm

This game is the meeting of the two most successful counties in the history of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship but their first at this stage of the competition so therefore it should be a gripping encounter.  After their defeat against Dublin in the Leinster Final the obituaries were being written about this great Kilkenny team. But boy have they responded in titanic struggles with Tipperary and Waterford.  They are showing signs of wear and tear but the two weeks break since their last game will have done them good and given their injured players some extra time to recover.  For Cork, the main issue Jimmy Barry-Murphy is likely to have been dealing with is rebuilding his players’ confidence after the Munster final defeat to Limerick. They failed to hit the same heights as they did in their semi-final win over Clare, no doubt the harsh dismissal of Patrick Horgan had an impact, therefore only a return to those performance levels, and more,  will do against the Cats.  Although the Cork forwards gave the Kilkenny defence the run-around for much of theie league encounter in Nowlan Park earlier this year, the continued loss of defensive lynchpin Brian Murphy from the Cork rearguard may just be the one defining aspect of this game that may swing it in the Kilkenny's favour.

Verdict: Kilkenny

3. Clare v's Galway
    Semple Stadium, Thurles
    Throw In: Sunday 4pm

Will the real Galway team please stand up?  The most consistent part of this Galway team seems to be their inconsistency.  To go from minutes of capturing the All Ireland title last September to getting the run around from Dublin in the Leinster Final some weeks back, the Galway faithful must yearn for some consistency from their side.  Clare have a good record overall against Galway in the championship and they have won three of their last five encounters against them.  After a flat performance against Cork in the Munster semi final, the Bannermen have responded with strong performances in a comprehensive victory over Laois and an extra time victory over Wexford in a game they should have killed off long before the final whistle of normal time. The word on the street is that Galway have closed the doors to their training sessions in recent weeks as they bid to get back into a position to compete at the top level again.  With Clare having a major injury worry ahead of the game with talented centre forward Tony Kelly struggling with an eye injury, and Galway backs to the wall and a reaction expected after the Leinster Final defeat, Anthony Cunningham's men may just upset the form book and progress to an All Ireland semi final meeting with Limerick.

Verdict: Galway

Pods-itivity Treble: 5/2

Other Mentions:

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Round 4 Qualifiers

London's historic efforts so far in the Connacht Championship deserve the reward of a run out in Croke Park for this tie but after their impressive win over Derry last time out, Cavan should bring the curtain down on the Exiles season.

How will All Ireland champions Donegal respond to the dreaded six day turnaround after their surprise loss to Monaghan in the Ulster Final?  Although Laois have momentum, and Mark McHugh's loss is a big one, expect a kick from Jim McGuiness' men to overcome this hurdle

The toughest of the four qualifier ties to call is that between Meath and Tyrone. Meath were impressive for forty minutes before fading against Dublin in the Leinster Final.  Tyrone have gone about their business with their usual professionalism in the qualifiers and their experience may just see them through in this tussle 
 

2013 Championship Challenge Week 10

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Round 3 Qualifiers

1. Galway v's Armagh
    Pearse Stadium, Salthill
    Throw In: Saturday 5pm

After taking such a significant beating by Mayo in the opening round of the Connacht Championship and following that up with less than impressive victories over Tipperary and Waterford in the qualifiers, Galway manager Alan Mulholland will more than earn his crust to take on the challenge of free scoring Armagh in this qualifier.  Although Armagh were rudderless in their Prelimary Round Ulster Championship defeat by Cavan they have bounced back with impressive victories over Wicklow and Leitrim with ace marksman Jamie Clarke to the fore.  Manager Paul Grimley deserves great credit for rallying his troops after the criticism received, some of it very personal, after the Cavan defeat, and with Galway seeming to lack leaders on the pitch, the Orchard County men should advance to an All Ireland Quarter Final appearance against Cork

Verdict: Armagh

2. Derry v's Cavan
    Celtic Park, Derry
    Throw In: Saturday 5pm

As ever Derry will be difficult to beat on their own patch in Celtic Park.  After fading dramatically in the second half of their Ulster Championship semi final defeat to Down, they exacted revenge in their five point victory over the Mourne County men in the second round of the qualifiers two weeks ago.  Coupled with a home victory over Sligo in the first round, a series of home ties in the qualifiers is allowing Brian McIver and his charges build up something of a head of steam once more.  Cavan's season has already been a succesful one on the basis that it has lasted in to late July.  After an agonising one point defeat to Monaghan in the Ulster Chapionship semi final, Terry Hyland and his men put in a very creditable performance in defeating Fermanagh for a second time this season in a tempetuos encounter a week later in the qualifiers.  With Eugene Keating and Martin Dunne once more to the fore Cavan will not lack a scoring threat but it may just be a step too far for this young but promising team to down the Oak Leaf county men on this occasion.  

Verdict: Derry

3. Wexford v's Laois
    Wexford Park
    Throw In: Saturday 7pm

After getting the better of Louth in a belter of an encounter Wexford would have gone in to their Leinster Championship semi final game against Meath in Croke Park in confident mood.  However, that bubble was burst in a five point defeat to the Royals and the model county have now had to take the qualifier route.  Credit to them for picking up the pieces immediatley with their extra time victory over Longford in Pearse Park last weekend.  Justin McNulty and his Laois charges also had to take a serious look at themselves after a ten point trouncing by Louth at home in Portlaoise in round one of the Leinster Championship.  They have since recovered well with qualifier victories over Carlow and a very comprehensive victory over Mick O'Dwyer's Clare in Ennis.  In what is a very tough encounter to call the combination of home advantage and the benefit of their hard fought victory last weekend may just swing this encounter in the yellow bellows favour

Verdict: Wexford

Pods-itivity Treble: 9/2

Other mentions:

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Round 3 Qualifiers

Although Kildare overcame Louth with a late rally in the previous round their confidence may still be brittle after their heavy beating by Dublin in the Leinster Championship semi final and a strong looking Tyrone side with Stephen O'Neill back in the fold may just overpower them in Newbridge

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship 2013 Final

Mayo to overpower a spirited London side whose fairytale season will continue with another outing in the last round of the qualifiers

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship 2013 Final

An interesting statistic is that Donegal have not defeated Monaghan in the Ulster Championship since 1983 but it is difficult to see Malachy O'Rourke's men putting a stop to this Donegal's sides strive for a third Ulster Championship in a row  

2013 Championship Challenge Week 9

1. Kilkenny v's Waterford
    GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Phase III

    Semple Stadium, Thurles
    Throw In: Saturday 7pm 

After Kilkenny’s victory over arch rivals Tipperary in what was billed as the biggest game in the relatively short history of the qualifiers they must now ready themselves for a first ever clash with  Waterford at this stage of the championship.  The Cats have won their last five championship encounters with the Deise men, including a 2-19 to 1-16 victory in the 2011 All-Ireland semi-final as well as the 3-30 to 1-13 mauling in the 2008 All-Ireland final.  Both teams boast an impressive record in Qualifier competition so something will have to give on Saturday.  After an extremely intense and professional defensive display in the second half against Tipperary, particularly from Paul Murphy and Jackie Tyrell, and with their injury crisis easing, the feeling is that Brian Cody's men are coming to the right pitch before the latter stages of the championship.  However, Michael Ryan’s Waterford cannot be discounted. They will be well rested since their comfortable Phase 1 win over Westmeath, and one of the stand out performances of the season so far from Maurice Shanahan in his 0-13 point haul against Offaly, so their forwards should give the Kilkenny full-back line an even sterner test than Tipperary managed last week.  A place in the final six of the championship awaits the winners, but with King Henry and Michael Fennelly named on the bench for the Cats, take them to have enough in the tank to progress and a well earned two week break before the All Ireland quarter finals.

Verdict: Kilkenny

2. Dublin v's Meath
    Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship 2013 Final
    Croke Park
    Throw In: Sunday 2pm

Power, pace, athleticism, youthful exuberance, all traits associated with the performances of this Dublin team under new manager Jim Gavin so far this season.  Can a Meath team in transition, and under new management also in Mick O'Dowd, trully believe that they have the artilery to compete.  While any championship meeting between the two counties still has a currency that no other Leinster fixture can match, their rivalry doesn't currently have the same spark that defined it throughout the 1980s and 1990s.  If Dublin win on Sunday, it will be their eighth Leinster Championship win in nine years. One has to go back to the 1920s to find such an unchecked spell of dominance from any team in the province.  After beating both Westmeath and Kildare in previous rounds by 16 points each is complacency the only obstacle rather the quality of the Meath line up that could down the Dubs?  However, Meath are probably the only team in Leinster, and one of the few teams in Ireland, who will not fear Dublin. Tradition and history, both distant and recent, will tell them they have no need to.  That should not be enough to halt this Dublin machine, and despite the best efforts of Graham Reilly, who continued an impressive run of form with another excellent display in the semi final victory over Wexford, the Dubs should march on to an All Ireland Quarter Final appearance at headquarters on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Verdict: Dublin

3. Limerick v's Cork
    Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship 2013 Final
    Gaelic Grounds, Limerick
    Throw In: Sunday 4pm 
 
Sunday’s Munster final is something of a novelty as the sides have not met in a provincial decider since 1992 when Cork won that game by 1-22 to 3-11 in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.  Both are looking to end relatively lengthy spells without a Munster title, although Cork’s barren run, which dates back to 2006, pales in comparison when you consider Limerick’s stretches back a decade further to 1996 and the heady days of Ciaran Carey and co.  In terms of their head-to-head record in Munster finals, Cork have fared far better, winning 14 of the 21 deciders they have contested and with their tradition and history they will feel confident that they can overcome their Shannonside rivals.  After suffering relegation from the top tier in the Allianz Hurling League Cork went in a little under the radar and surprised many with their excellent display when defeating a fancied Clare in the semi final, with youngsters like Séamus Harnedy and Conor O’Sullivan particularly impressive.  However, Limerick, under the shrewd mangement of former Cork manager, John Allen, have been equally impressive and provided the first real shock of the 2013 championship when they beat Tipperary by 1-18 to 1-15 in a superb Munster quarter-final at Semple Stadium.  The loss of Brian Murphy is a serious blow to Cork manager Jimmy Barry Murphy and with Limerick naming an unchanged team and with key performances expected from full-back Richie McCarthy and experienced captain Donal O’Grady once more, the Treaty men may just shade this encounter and kick off wild celebrations in the Gaelic Grounds.

Verdict: Limerick

Pods-itivity Treble:  5/2 

Other mentions:

GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Phase III

Clare to nudge past Wexford in this tussle in Thurles

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Round 2 Qualifiers

Armagh to overcome Leitrim, Wexford to down Leinster counterparts Longford, Fermanagh to gain revenge over Cavan in Ulster derby and Kildare to recover from trouncing by Dublin against Louth 

2013 Championship Challenge Week 8

1. Clare v's Laois
    Cusack Park, Ennis
    Throw In: Saturday 3pm

The meeting of Clare and Laois in Phase 2 of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship Qualifiers forms part of a tasty double header in Ennis along with an All Ireland Football Championship Phase 2 qualifier.  What is rare is wonderful and this will be a rare double header between these two counties.
Laois will come in to this hurling qualifier in bouyant mood after a very competitive Leinster semi-final against Galway and this is bonus territory for them after what has been a very positive championship run under Séamus Plunkett so far.  Having defeated both Antrim and Carlow and running Galway so close, a place in Phase 2 is a reasonable reward though for a county that has endured a lot of torrid seasons in the Hurling Championship in recent times.  For the Bannermen they had been enjoying a similar feel-good factor until their 0-23 to 0-15 defeat to Cork in the Munster semi-final.  This was a damaging defeat for Clare who had serious Munster title ambitions going into that game.  This game is now a shot at redemption for Clare and considering they were many peoples' dark horses for an All-Ireland run at the start of the season victory is the minimum requirement for them on Saturday so they get the nod with Laois left with plenty of positives to work on for next season.

Verdict: Clare

2. Kilkenny v's Tipperary
    Nowlan Park, Kilkenny
    Throw In: Saturday 7pm 

So Kilkenny and Tipperary come together in a knock-out game before any of the provincial championships have been decided.  Who would have thought at the beginning of the season!  Are the Cats in decline? Can Tipperary step in to their back yard and sneak away with a win?  Kilkenny have now gone two years without a Leinster title for the first time since 1997.  Tipperary's attempt to claim a third successive Munster title has also failed.  It is very difficult to put your neck on the line to call this one.  Going on previous form between these sides in the latter stages of the Championship over the past no. of years the encounters have been close and tense apart last year’s All-Ireland semi-final where the Cats romped to an 18-point victory.  This years League Final encounter was once more a very close affair with Michael Fennelly dominating and scoring a Man of the Match 2-3 playing in an attacking role. However, crucially, Kilkenny are short a number of key personnel from the league final, with Michael Fennelly and Paul Murphy still out of contention and Jackie Tyrrell, who is named in the side, still recovering from a quad injury. Henry Shefflin hasn’t been named in the squad, but that won’t stop the rumour mill about a potential late inclusion on Saturday night.  On the other hand Tipperary manager Eamon O’Shea has a full squad to choose from and he has plumped for experience with both Eoin Kelly and Lar Corbett returning to their full forward line.  It is never wise to write off the Cats but they do seem to be showing some signs of wear and tear, especially in defence, and if a new-look Tipperary attack can fire on Saturday, Kilkenny could be looking at their earliest championship exit since 1996.

Verdict: Tipperary

3. Kerry v's Cork
    Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
    Throw In: Sunday 2pm

This the 105th Munster Championship meeting of great rivals Cork and Kerry has been a harder sell than is normally the case. Perhaps it’s the sense of familiarity given the sides have met 22 times since the advent of the Qualifiers in 2001 or maybe it’s the feeling that no matter what the outcome is, both sides will be back in Croke Park on the August Bank Holiday weekend for the All-Ireland quarter-finals.  However, it’s still held as dearly as ever to those for whom a win can mean bragging rights over their neighbours or co-workers for the next 12 months.  In four of the last seven times they have played at Fitzgerald Stadium, the game has ended in a draw.  So far this season both sides had up and down league campaigns while dishing out heavy beatings in the Munster Championship to this point.  Colm Cooper’s positioning at centre-forward for Kerry in those games, where he performed superbly in a play-making role, as well as Kieran Donaghy’s omission from the side on Sunday, hints at a change in style under new manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice.  Cork manager Conor Counihan has also been slowly rebuilding a new side with the inclusion of exciting youngsters Brian Hurley and John O'Rourke.  Counihan is bullish that by giving youth its chance they can trouble the Kerry rearguard, particularly debutant Mark Griffin who starts at full-back in place of the injured Aidan O’Mahony.  However, with Kerry defending an unbeaten record in Killarney dating back to 1995, take them with their greater overall experience and Cooper once more dictating matters to just over come their great rivals.

Verdict: Kerry

Pods-itivity Treble          4/1

Other mentions:

GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship 2013 Round 2

Galway to overcome Waterford in Salthill, Laois to bring curtain down on Clare and Mick O'Dwyer's season,  Derry to get revenge on Down and Tyrone to put an end to Roscommon's hopes for another season

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship 2013 Semi Final - Replay 

Down to take second chance this time around and defeat the Derry men

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship 2013 Final

In a very tight encounter to call, Galway to burst the euphoric Dublin bubble

2013 Championship Challenge Week 7

All Ireland senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 1

1. Westmeath v's Fermanagh
    Cusack Park, Mullingar
    Throw In: Saturday, 3pm

Westmeath travelled to Croke Park for their Leinster Championship Quarter Final tie with Dublin with a spring in their step after a successful League campaign and promotion back to Division 1 for next season.  However, it was a chastening experience with the Dubs releasing their full artillery in the wide spaces of Croker.  This qualifier tie now gives them the opportunity to get back up off the canvass and get their season back running again.  Likewise, Fermanagh and manager Peter Canavan, will be bitterly disappointed that in a game where they did not show up at all in the first half, that their stirring second half performance did not yield more in their Ulster Championship Quarter Final tie with Cavan.  With talisman Dessie Dolan back in the frey for the Lake County men and Denis Glennon the focal point of their forward division, take them to advance to the next round.

Verdict: Westmeath

2. Derry v's Sligo
    Owenbeg, Derry
    Throw In: Sunday 5pm

Both of these sides will be bitterly disappointed with their provincial championship defeats but where Derry sparkled in the first half, they ran out of steam in the second and were reigned in by Down.  On the other hand Sligo only woke from their slumber against London in the final ten minutes but by then they had given themselves too much of a mountain to climb.  Derry full forward Eoin Bradley was in sparkling form in the Down game but his subsequent unfortunate shoulder injury is a blow to the Oak Leaf county men.  Sligo manager Kevin Walsh to his credit held his council after the London defeat despite the cloak and dagger challenge to his managerial capabilities by former player Eamon O'Hara on the national airwaves.  He is bound to get a response from his troops but travelling to Derry's back yard is never easy at the best of times so take Brian McIvers men to advance.

Verdict: Derry

3. Monaghan v's Cavan
    Clones
    Throw In: Saturday 7pm

Cavan have strung two Ulster Championship wins back to back this year for the first time since 2001, over Armagh and Fermanagh respectively, and they have played a game more than Monaghan, who got to this stage as a result of their quarter-final win over Antrim.  Pundit Pat Spillane had his well publicised views of the quality of the fair in these encounters but this will matter not one bit to these neighbours if one of them can advance to an Ulster Final meeting with heavyweights Donegal.  Cavan manager Terry Hyland has been very pleased with the manner of his sides' two wins so far, and how they forged out the results when the games got tight.  For Monaghan boss Malachy O'Rourke, the challenge is to break the impressive Cavan defence down.  They found them extremely hard to break down in their league encounter in February where Cavan ran out comfortable eight point winners.  With Cavan forwards Martin Dunne and Eoghan Keating also in sparkling form at the other end, confidence could not be higher.  It might just be a step too far for this young team this year though against experienced campaigners such as Owen Lennon, Dick Clerkin and Paul Finlay.

Verdict: Monaghan

Pods-itivity Treble:   3/1

Other mentions:

In the other All Ireland Qualifiers Round 1, Laois to overcome Carlow, Tyrone to win in Tullamore, Louth to beat Antrim, Longford to pip Limerick, Galway to get past Tipperary, Armagh to get better of Wicklow

In the Leinster Football Championship semi finals, Meath to halt Wexford and Dublin to power past Kildare.  In the Connacht Championship semi final replay, Leitrim to take second chance against London

In the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Phase 1, Waterford to defeat Westmeath and Wexford to defeat Carlow.  In the Leinster Hurling Championship semi final replay, Kilkenny to get better of Dublin second time around.  In the Ulster Hurling Championship semi final, Down to defeat Derry

2013 Championship Challenge Week 6

1. Offaly v's Waterford
    O'Connor Park, Tullamore
    Throw In: Saturday 7pm

These two counties have only met twice in all the years of the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and both of these have been since the advent of the Qualifiers.  Although the Deise won both of those encounters they no longer seem to carry the menace of that team of the noughties and their second half fade out in their previous outing against Clare has left many people doubting their ability to sustain a meaningful challenge in this years championship.  Manager Michael Ryan is confident that his troops can however rectify matters and that confidence in the camp is high for this encounter.  Although Offaly were beaten in the end by Kilkenny in their Leinster quarter-final, Ollie Baker and his players will take plenty from the game given they rattled the All-Ireland champions in the first half before succumbing to the power of the Cats in the second. Their gameplan worked very well with their tactic of bombarding the Kilkenny full-back line with direct balls yielding four goals.  However, on the basis that there is another kick in this Waterford team, take them to just shade this tight encounter.

Verdict:  Waterford

2.  Donegal v's Down
     Kingspan Breffni Park
     Throw In: Sunday 2pm

When Donegal emphatically defeated Down in lasts years Ulster Final on a scoreline of 2-18 to 0-13 they announced themselves as genuine All Ireland contenders.  Their combination of defensive strength and counter attacking in waves left a lasting impression.  The absence of the talismanic Karl Lacey and midfielder Neil Gallagher will have an effect on how the Donegal machine functions but they seem to have the back up to cope as they showed in their victory over Tyrone.  For Down, manager James McCartan has been able to name an unchanged side from their impressive quarter final victory over Derry.  Still shorn of the talented Dan Gordon and Danny Hughes through injury, they have coped admirably in their absence but to compete with Donegal it is hard to overstate how difficult it is for a county like Down in its current position to have to cope for so long without a duo as talented and influential as them.  With Jim McGuinness and his men striving for a third Ulster title in a row it is hard to see the Mourne men stopping them in their tracks on this occasion.

Verdict:  Donegal

3. Dublin v's Kilkenny
    Portlaoise
    Thrown In: Sunday 3.50pm

When these teams go head to head on Sunday, it will be exactly one year to the day since they met in last year's Leinster Hurling Championship semi-final.  Big things were expected of Anthony Daly's side before that game but they were utterly routed by the Cats on the day, who ran out 2-21 to 0-9 winners.  They have been trying to recover from this defeat ever since.  Kilkenny's appetite for success continues unabated as they showed in their league final victory over Tipperary and the return to fitness of key midfielder Michael Fennelly is a major boost.  Daly will hope that Dublin's replay victory over Wexford will make a genuine difference to the competitiveness of his team in this encounter.  Dublin's year has already been a success with promotion back to Division 1A of the league but this would seem a step too far and the Cats should advance to another tantalising Leinster Final against last years foes Galway.

Verdict:  Kilkenny

Pods-itivity Treble:   2/1

Other mentions:

Wexford to erase disappointment of replay loss to Dublin with victory over Antrim in Wexford Park despite the best efforts of Antrim sharpshooter Neil McManus.  Westmeath to get the better of the ex pats London in this Ruislip encounter.  London's fairytale Connacht championship voyage to come to a halt by an Emelyn Mulligan inspired Leitrim in the Connacht Football Championship.  Jimmy Barry Murphy's Cork to put injury setbacks aside and put the shackles on Tony Kelly to down Clare  

2013 Championship Challenge Week 5

1. Wicklow v's Meath
    Aughrim
    Throw In: Sat 7pm

In the 125 year history of the Leinster Senior Football Championship. Meath have an exceptional record against Wicklow, so you could say that history and tradition weigh heavily on this fixture. Despite struggling badly in the third tier of the National League, and being relegated, Wicklow, under manager Harry Murphy, have progressed to this quarter-final meeting as a result of a morale-boosting victory in Round 1 over Longford. That 1-15 to 0-16 win was the Garden County's first in 2013, and was hugely needed, given they went seven games without a victory in the league.  Meath, although losing the Division 3 League Final to Monaghan, will still feel they had a positive spring under new manager Mick O'Dowd.  They name two championship debutants in their selection this weekend with Mickey Newman and Eamonn Wallace, who both had excellent league campaigns, getting their summer reward.  Even though this Meath team is a long way from the great team of the mid to late 90's, take them to muscle their way through to a semi final meeting with Wexford.

Verdict: Meath                   Odds: Meath(-4)  11/10

2. Fermanagh v's Cavan
    Brewster Park
    Throw In: Sun 2pm

This will be the fourth championship meeting between these two counties in the last five seasons.  In terms of their form over the last three or fours years, in both league and championship, there has been very little to separate the two sides. Cavan's impressive victory over Armagh in the preliminary round probably tips the scales in their favour.  They surprised many that day with an incisive display and particularly the performances of Martin Dunne and Eoghan Keating in the full forward line.  Fermanagh manager Peter Canavan will have his troops well drilled and he can continue to avail of the services of the experienced Barry Owens, James Sherry and Ryan McCluskey.  Owens should restrict the chances available to Dunne this time around, but with the confidence of the Armagh win and the infusion of successful underage players, Terry Hyland's charges may just about continue their quest to reach the provincial final.

Verdict: Cavan                  Odds: Evens

3. Mayo v's Roscommon
    McCale Park, Castlebar
    Throw In: Sun 4pm

Have no doubt about it, this Mayo side showed in their quarter final dismantling of Galway a hard nosed edge and a drive to succeed that could see them go a long way in this seasons All Ireland series once more.  Mayo are yet to lose a Connacht Championship game under James Horan and they will be hoping to extend that impressive run to seven games when they host the Rossies on Sunday.  The loss of influential free taker Cillian O'Connor is a blow to the Mayo men but he is replaced by the industrious Richie Feeney and Andy Moran is a further option from the bench and is now injury free.  For his counterpart John Evans the stats make grim reading as the Rossies have lost four successive Connacht Championship games to Mayo, as well as an All-Ireland Qualifier game in 2002.  The loss of Donie Shine as the focal point of their attack is a major blow and they will depend heavily on the experience and confidence of the All Ireland Club Championship winning St Brigids players such as Karl Mannion and Sean Kilbride.  With home venue and chasing a third successive Connacht title, Mayo should get over the line here with a bit to spare.

Verdict: Mayo                 Odds: Mayo (-7)  2/1

Pods-itivity Treble:        12/1

Other mentions:

Dublin to take their second chance and defeat Wexford.  Cork to overpower Micko and Clare to set up another Munster Final meeting with Kerry.  Laois to put up a spirited performance but fall short against Galway in the Leinster Hurling Championship.  Down, fresh from their last minute Christy Ring Cup victory to continue their winning vein of form against Armagh in the Ulster Hurling Championship

2013 Championship Challenge Week 4

1. Offaly v's Kilkenny
    O'Connor Park, Tullamore
    Throw In: Sunday, 2pm

The legend that is Brian Cody will make his return to the sideline for the Cats in this Leinster Championship Quarter Final tie with neighbours Offaly.  What was once a compelling rivalry, these sides have not crossed paths much in recent years, but the fact that Offaly have lost their last eight championship meetings against the Cats, confidence by the Faithful County supporters is in short supply.  They may take some heart from the fact that Sunday will represent the end of Henry Shefflin's historic run of consecutive championship games dating back to 1999 and also that influential midfielder Michael Fennelly will be absent.  Kilcormac Kiloughey's and Coolderry's Leinster Championship success and extended All Ireland club run in the past few seasons should strengthen the confidence in Ollie Baker's ranks, but it impossible to see Offaly's wait for a positive summer result against Kilkenny not to extend another year.

Verdict: Kilkenny                 Odds: Kilkenny winning margin     7-9 pts   4/1

2. Louth v's Wexford
    Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda
    Throw In: Sunday, 3.30pm

The Wee County men have already played their first championship game of the year, recording a very impressive 1-16 to 1-6 win over Laois.  That win hinted at real progress being made under new manager Aidan O'Rourke, and the team is likely to be brimming with confidence now as they continue their bid to reach the Leinster final. Wexford are also under new management this season, with Aidan O'Brien having succeeded long-serving boss Jason Ryan at the start of the season.  Both sides played in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League this season, with Louth retaining their status with a fourth-place finish in contrast to Wexford's relegation, even though Wexford did defeat Louth in their League meeting at Sunday's venue.  Shorn of Mattie Forde, Wexford will depend heavily once more on Ciaran Lyng and Redmiond Barry for scores.  However, if Brian White and Shane Lennon can repeat their scoring feats from the Laois game, Louth may just do enough to get over the line.

Verdict: Louth                    Odds: Louth win    4/6

3. Limerick v's Tipperary
    Gaelic Grounds, Limerick
    Throw in: Sunday 4pm

While Limerick failed to get out of Division IB of the Allianz League, agonisingly losing the decider to Dublin, Tipperary recovered from a poor start in the competition to push Kilkenny all the way in a championship intensity final at Nowlan Park last month. Lar Corbett has failed to recover from the injury he suffered in that final and Eoin Kelly also has to be satisfied with a place on the bench.  Limerick manager John Allen has opted for the experience of Seamus Hickey and Seanie Tobin in his forward line to the surprising exclusion of exciting young talents Kevin Downes and Shane Dowling.  There should be a magnificant atmosphere in the Gaelic Grounds with both sides capable of fast free flowing hurling.  However, with exciting youngster Jason Forde making his championship bow and Paudie Maher driving on his team from the half back line, Tipperary may just have enough defensively to negate an exciting Limerick attack and get enough scores themselves to take the spoils.

Verdict: Tipperary         Odds: Tipperary winning margin       4-6 pts   4/1

Pods-itivity Treble     20/1

Other mentions:

A Paul Finlay inspired Monaghan to overcome Antirm in Casement Park to set up an Ulster semi final meeting against either Cavan or Fermanagh.  Manager Liam Dunne is bullish about Wexford's chances of upsetting the Dubs in the Leinster Hurling championship quarter final meeting and Wexford's record in their last five championship meetings with Dublin is impressive, however, a pretty much full strength Dublin side would seem to have greater firing power up front to overcome this hurdle.     

2013 Championship Challenge Week 3

The smash hit single of 1997 by the punk band Chumbawamba called "Tubthumping" was informally known better by its prominent lyric "I get knocked down but I get up again".  Rather apt after how punch drunk I felt after last weekends string of unfancied results but a new week brings about new confidence and another attempt to pin point the value in the betting market.

So, here goes once more:

1. Offaly v's Kildare
   Croke Park
   Throw in 5pm

When these two counties met at the same stage of Leinster Championship last year, Kildare ran out comfortable winners by a thirtheen point margin.  Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney will be satisfied with thier Division 1 league campaign and will take positives from their narrow semi final defeat to Tyrone where three of this years Leinster Under 21 winning team played.  Five members of the same team will now make their championship debuts in this game which is a serious show of confidence by the gaffer.  Under new manager Emmet McDonnell, the Faithful men have steadied the ship and gained promotion from Division 4 of the Allianz League while losing the decider at headquarters to Limerick.  Following that form line however from Limerick's showing against Cork last w'end, the wide expanses of Croke Park should even allow for the traditionally wayward Kildare forward line to rack up another large score here

Verdict: Kildare                 Odds: Kildare (-9)   11/10

2. Kerry v's Waterford
    Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
    Throw in  7pm

The Kerry machine rolled in to action last weekend and hit the ground running against a very disappointing Tipperary side which a lot more was expected of.  Eamon Fitmaurice keeps faith with the same starting 15 for this encounter which is a show of support for those who put in a thoroughly professional shift last weekend.  With a six day turnaround between games it was thought that Fitzmaurice would shuffle his pack but the likes of Darren O'Sullivan and Bryan Sheehan will be held in reserve once more.  For new Waterford manager Niall Carew and his players this is a daunting trip but they will hope now that they can at least be as, if not more, competitive than Tipperary were last w'end.  They also have star man Gary Hurney returning from injury and if he can receive any decent suppy of ball then he could cause the Kerry defence a scare or two. 

Verdict: Kerry                   Odds: Kerry (-13) 4/5

3. Derry v's Down
    Celtic Park, Derry
    Throw in  2pm

The fact that these two sides are changing places in the League for next season suggests that there should be very little between them in this encounter.  Derry, under new manager Brian McIver, earned many plaudits for their victory over a bang in form Westmeath side in the Division 2 league final.  With an exiting blend of youth and experience, including the likes of Gerard O'Kane, Mark Lynch and Paddy Bradley there is a sense of anticipation in Derry once more.  Unfortunately, as they have seen only too many times over the years, it is when in this situation that the Oak Leaf men are most vulnerable.  Down manager James McCartan is in a fortunate position to be able to name ten of the team that started the All Ireland Final loss in 2010 but they will miss the experience of Dan Gordon and Danny Hughes who are only now returning from injury.  McIver should have some inside information after working as part of the backroom team with McCartan in Down, and with home venue, Derry get the nod in what should be an intense tussle.

Verdict: Derry               Odds: Derry win 10/11

Pods-itivity Treble       7/1

Other mentions:  The Dubs to overcome Westmeath in their own back yard with a bit to spare, watch out for the exciting Ciaran Kilkenny at centre forward.  In the Munster Hurling Championship, the meeting of Clare and Waterford in Thurles should be a riveting encounter.  Davy Fitzgeralds youthful Clare side are fancied to give Tipperary the biggest run for their money in Munster, but if Brick Walsh can put the shackles on the exciting Tony Kelly, then in the white hot atmosphere of Thurles, the Deise may just upset the Banner on this occasion   

2013 Championship Challenge contd

Last weeks predictions did not go according to plan, we will put it down to early season rustiness.  Maybe Armagh and Galway will put there performances down to something like that also! 

So here we go again:

1. Limerick v's Cork
Gaelic Grounds. Limerick
Throw in 7pm

These two teams have had many interesting tussles in the Munster Championship in the last ten years or so and Limerick fans still remember fondly their victory over the Rebels in 2003.  Limerick's victory in the Division 4 League Final and promotion to Division 3 for next season should give them a good confidence boost but unfortunately they will be without ace marksman Ian Ryan for this encounter.  This loss is even more prevalent with the fact that Limerick have failed to raise a green flag in their last five Munster Senior Football Championship encounters against the Leesiders. Cork manager Conor Counihan has handed championship debuts to five players for this game and he is putting his faith in three of the losing All Ireland Under 21 team of this year, Damian Cahalane, John O'Rourke and Brian Hurley.  The unfortunate injury to the somewhat jinxed Colm O'Neill is a blow to the Cork management but with players like Donncha O'Connor and Paul Kerrigan stepping up to the mark, they must be fancied to edge this encounter.  With five debutants however the value is in the handicap betting and therefore a vote of confidence is given to the Shannonsiders to match the 6 point handicap

Verdict: Cork                          Odds: Limerick(+6) 11/10
 

2. Laois v's Louth
O'Moore Park, Portlaoise
Throw in 3pm

An interesting aside to this encounter is the head to head between both managers, Justin McNulty of Loais and Aidan O'Rourke of Louth, both Armagh All Ireland winning teammates in 2002.  Friendships will be set aside however for this encounter between both teams who operated in Divsion 2 of the Allianz League this year.  Both sides could not be seperated in the league encounter and hence the closeness of the pre match betting.  Laois teams have been criticised for failing to build on underage success while Louth have struggled to come to terms with their heartbraking Leinster Final loss to Meath in 2010.  Home venue however and big performances from proven performers Ross Munnelly and Colm Begley should edge the Laois men over the line

Verdict: Laois                       Odds:  8/15


3. London v's Sligo
Ruislip, London
Throw in 2.30pm

A clash of a Division 4 team against a Division 3 team in this encounter.  Due to the large number of players exiting these shores to the likes of London etc the Exiles would be expected to mount a more serious challenge in League and Championship than they have done previously.  Their League campaign this year was a very disappointing one however with only one victory in their seven games.  They have also been hampered in their preperations for this game by not being allowed to travel to Ireland for warm up games.  Sligo manager Kevin Walsh however has seen enough in his time as player and manager to know that nothing can be taken for granted when summer football kicks in.  The retirement of stalwart Eamon O'Hara will deprive his dressing room of much needed experience but with big performances from wing back Charlie Harrisson and corner forward Mark Breheny they should avoid a potential banana skin here and set up a semi final meeting with Leitrim. 

Verdict: Sligo                  Odds: 4/11

Pods-itivity Treble   4/1

Other mentions: Kerry to overcome Tipperary, Longford to edge Wicklow in Aughrim and as the heavyweight tussle between Donegal and Tyrone seems too close to call, a possible draw there