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
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