Weekend club and county previews
Cratloe v Sixmilebridge, Cusack Park, 5pm
A GAME that will grabs its fair share of attention, thanks to Sixmilebridge’s stand-in goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald. Cratloe’s attack will keep the fancied side more than honest but don’t possess as much quality all over.
Verdict: Sixmilebridge
Clonoe v Derrylaughan, Dungannon, 4.30pm.
DERRYLAUGHAN are attempting to reach the final for the first time since they won it back in 1981. Their local rivals experienced the big day three years ago and didn’t let the occasion get to them. They’ve enough survivors from that game to win here.
Verdict: Clonoe
Clare SHC semi-final
Crusheen v Kilmaley, Cusack Park, 2.30pm.
ANOTHER tight last four game fancied here with Kilmaley hoping to get back to where they were last in 2004. Champions Crusheen should just about have enough to shrug them off.
Verdict: Crusheen
Athy v Carbury, Newbridge, 3.30pm
A NOVEL county final if ever there was one, pitting two teams who haven’t reach the decider in over 15 years. Athy are favourites on merit after a more convincing path to the final, but don’t rule out a shock.
Verdict: Athy
St Martin’s v James Stephens, Nowlan Park, 2pm.
ST MARTIN’S had a convincing win over Fenians in their quarter-final but James Stephens look like men on a mission this year.
Verdict: James Stephens
A THIRD game in as many weeks might test the fortitude of some of the Shamrock players, although they are rarely found wanting.
Verdict: Ballyhale Shamrocks
Clough-Ballacolla v Portlaoise, O’Moore Park, 3.30pm.
CHAMPIONS of 2009 Clough-Ballacolla go into the final with a lot of backing following their thrashing of The Harps in the semi-final. Portlaoise must keep Willie Hyland quiet to upset the odds.
Verdict: Clough-Ballacolla
Edenderry v Clara, Tullamore, 3.30pm.
EDENDERRY have done well to get to the final but Clara are playing in their third consecutive final and will want to avenge last year’s defeat by Rhode.
Verdict: Clara
St Brigid’s v Elphin, Dr Hyde Park, 3.30pm.
COUNTY final day is an old acquaintance of St Brigid’s who were convincing winners over the same opposition last year. Nothing has changed in the interim to suggest they won’t win again tomorrow.
Verdict: St Brigid’s
Dromore v Omagh, Pomeroy, 4.30pm.
DROMORE are missing key personnel which could prove costly especially if the McMahons, Joe and Justin, are in the mood.
Verdict: Omagh
Oulart-The-Ballagh v Rathnure, Wexford Park, 3.15pm.
AMAZINGLY, this is Oulart-the-Ballagh’s eighth consecutive final appearance, one of their two defeats in that period coming against Rathnure five years ago. Rathnure have rebuilt themselves but are still operating a rung below their opponents.
Verdict: Oulart-the-Ballagh
Cavan v Westmeath, Croke Park 4.15pm.
EVEN though it was the Cavan ladies who squared the game at the death, they looked the better team for long periods of the first game.
Breffni captain Aisling Doonan is the danger for the Westmeath defence and will take some stopping but the Cavan rearguard will be wary of the Lake County’s goal-threat.
Verdict: Cavan
Wicklow v New York, Croke Park 2.30pm.
CONSIDERING the cost of getting back to play the replay, New York will be more than determined to get the job done this time around. Wicklow were fortunate last month but if Emma Clarke is on song they won’t be so lucky on this occasion.
Verdict: New York
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