The weekend's matches
SUNDAY
Waterford SHC final
Ballygunner v De La Salle, Walsh Park, 3.30
It would be simplifying matters to state the mere presence of John Mullane can guide De La Salle back into the Munster championship, which they won in 2008. In fact, they are equally strengthened by the return of Kevin Moran to centre back and progress of minor prospect Jake Dillon.
Whether that will be enough to ease past the defending champions is uncertain, especially considering the heavy defeat Ballygunner already inflicted upon them in the group stages.
Ballygunner to prevail by the slimmest of margins.
Kilkenny SHC final
Carrickshock v O’Loughlin Gaels
Nowlan Park, 3.30
Just as the balance of power shifted back to Tipperary at intercounty level, the club scene in Kilkenny has also altered dramatically with Ballyhale Shamrock’s drive for five ended by O’Loughlin Gaels. But the real story of the championship has been the progress of Richie Power’s Carrickshock. They must go back to 1951 for their last county title while O’Loughlin’s won it in 2003 and contested the 2006 decider.
Martin Comerford should make a genuine imprint on the occasion for Gaels but with Richie and the younger brother John (a current minor) in rampant form, the Power clan can finally bring home some club medals to place alongside all those shiny intercounty accolades.
Cork SFC final
Nemo Rangers v St Finbarr’s, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4.0
This marks the first meeting between these fierce rivals in a county final for 17 years with Nemo’s superior fire power primed to overrun even the significant presence of Michael Shields in the St Finbarr’s defence.
The Cork county board never seemed likely to delay this fixture, thus forcing the All Star full back to choose between representing club or country. Shields choose the former but the 25-year wait for a ninth county title still looks set to continue.
Mayo SF final: Castlebar Mitchels v Ballintubber, McHale Park, 3.30.
A novel and emotional game in store here, played against the backdrop of the recent tragic deaths of Ger Feeney and Donal McEllin off Inishbofin island. Feeney’s sons Alan and Richie are captain and vice-captain respectively of Castlebar, and his nephew John Feeney is captain of Ballintubber. Ballintubber, under the direction of new Mayo manager James Horan, are contesting their first county final, while Castlebar’s last county final win was in 1993, their last final appearance was in 1994.
Tyrone SFC final
Carrickmore v Coalisland
Omagh, 4.0
A 20-year wait and the dominant force in Tyrone club football now standing in their way, the challenge facing Coalisland seems almost too great. Carrickmore, ably marshalled by Conor Gormley in the defence, are buoyed by the experience of seeing off Omagh, with a late Kevin McNally point, in the semi-final and it should stand to them if matters get tight again here.
Carlow SFC final (replay)
Rathvilly v Old Leighlin
Dr Cullen Park, 3.45
Can Old Leighlin beat Rathvilly at the third time of asking in a county final? Unlikely. Having lost last season’s decider and grabbing a draw last week from the jaws of victory, after Seamus Kinsella missed a late free, it seems set up for Rathvilly to finally retain their crown, especially if big Brendan Murphy returns unscathed from Irish duty.
Dublin SH semi-finals: Kilmacud Crokes v St Vincents, Parnell Park, 2.0; Ballyboden St Endas v O’Tooles, Parnell Park, 3:30.
Kilmacud Crokes are still on course to record a rare football-hurling championship double, while Ballyboden, who achieved that honour last year, face a tough challenge against O’Tooles to keep their hopes alive of winning four in succession.
Tipperary SFC Semi-finals: Cahir v Aherlow, Leahy Park, Cashel, 2.30; Loughmore- Castleiney v Moyle Rovers, Leahy Park, Cashel, 4.0.
Both Aherlow and Cahir have been in impressive form on route to this semi-final and will be hard to separate, while defending champions Moyle Rovers should have the confidence to get past Loughmore Castleiney.
AIB Leinster club SFC preliminary round:
Moorefield (Kildare) v Portlaoise (Laois), Newbridge, 3.0
Moorefield left it dangerously late before getting past Newbridge rivals Sarsfields last Sunday, hitting 15 wides on route to their two-point win. At the same time Portlaoise, defending Leinster champions, were collecting their fourth Laois title in a row, thanks to a late goal by Paul Cahillane, and should have the experience to edge this.
Garrycastle (Westmeath) v Longford Slashers (Longford), Mullingar, 3.15
As last year’s beaten Leinster club finalists, Garrycastle will look to go one step further this year, and enjoyed a comfortable win in the Westmeath final. Longford Slashers however won’t lack incentive, as they launch their first Leinster campaign in 16 years.
Skryne (Meath) v Rathnew (Wicklow), Páirc Tailteann, 3.0.
Skryne clocked up an impressive 0-21 in the Meath final, with Trevor Giles still providing some inspiration, to collect their first title since 2004, but are guaranteed a tough battle against Rathnew, who plan to have Leighton Glynn on board – who hit 2-2 in the county final – less than 24 hours after he lines out for Ireland in the International Rules.
AIB Ulster club SHC final: Loughgiel (Antrim) v Keady Michael Dwyers (Armagh), Casement Park, 3.30.
With reigning Ulster champions Dunloy eliminated, Loughgiel Shamrocks present the Antrim challenge this year, the 1982 champions, with star county forward Liam Watson on board, should have enough to handle Armagh’s surprise finalists Keady Michael Dwyer’s. The latter upset Derry’s Lavey in the semi-final.
