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
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Friday, 26 July 2013
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
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
Friday, 19 July 2013
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
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
Friday, 12 July 2013
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
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
Friday, 5 July 2013
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
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
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