2013 Championship Challenge

1. Cavan v's Armagh
    Breffni Park
    Throw in 2pm

This should be an intriguing encounter in the Preliminary Round of the Ulster Senior Football championship between an Armagh team in transition and trying to reach the glory days of the noughties once more and a youthful Cavan side sprinkled with Ulster Under 21 Championship winners in the past three seasons.  Cavan boss Terry Hyland has used a patient approach with bringing through these charges in the past couple of seasons with average League performances and a non existent Championship runs.  Armagh boss Paul Grimley oversaw a topsy turvy Division 2 League campaign in his debut season but a convincing victory over Galway in the Athletic Grounds should give his charges the shot of confidence required going in to this encounter.  With heavyweights Donegal, Tyrone, Down and Derry all in the other side of the provincial draw both these sides will be aware that a victory here could kick start an extended run to the provincial final.  Armagh's greater experience to overcome Cavan's youthful exuberance in this tight encounter.

Prediction: Armagh win    Odds: 4/7

2. Westmeath v's Carlow
    Cusack Park, Mullingar
    Throw in 3.30pm

Based on league form this should be a non event with newly promoted Westmeath having too much armoury for a struggling Carlow side.  Carlow's opening day victory in the National League away to Tipperary is now a distant memory and after struggling past London at home, their campaign fell apart and confidence must therefore be at a low ebb.  On the other hand, Westmeath, with midfielder John Heslin the driving force, will be disappointed with their Division 2 Final loss to Derry but will view this game as a means of getting back confidence and the winning mentality that served them so well for the majority of their League campaign.

Prediction: Westmeath win     Odds: 1/7

3. Galway v's Mayo
    Pearse Stadium, Galway
    Throw in   4pm

In the past four seasons of championship football, Galway have lost six provincial championship and qualifier games by a one point margin.  They have not made it to Croke Park since their defeat to Kerry in that classic encounter in monsoon conditions at headquarters.  Mayo on the other hand are attempting to win their third Connacht title in a row, a feat that has not been achieved since the end of the 80's.  They will still have to do without star forward Michael Conroy for this game and with some other injuries unsettling matters, the Tribesmen will have targeted this game all year to down their great rivals.  On the back of another very impressive All Ireland Under 21 win, manager Alan Mullholland will look to fast track star midfielders Fiontan O'Curraoin and Tom Flynn in to the frey. Mayo are justifiably slight favourites but with home venue and the general tightness of encounters between these great rivals a stalemate may be on the cards.

Prediction: Draw     Odds: 15/2


Pods-itivity Treble   15/1