Weekend GAA Previews: Munster clash not just about hurlers of the year

John McGrath and Shane O’Donnell lock horns when Loughmore-Castleiney face Éire Óg in the Munster Club semi-final. 

John McGrath and Shane O'Donnell composite image

SATURDAY

AIB Munster Club SFC quarter-final:

Clonmel Commercials v St Finbarr's, Clonmel Sportsfield, 1.15pm (C. Maguire, Clare).

The one-week turnaround couldn’t be helped and Clonmel will be deeply appreciative that St Finbarr's were willing to postpone this game by a week following the passing of Philly Ryan. It came so easy to Commercials last weekend that the game itself shouldn’t affect them here but the celebrations and emotions that went with that victory might. St Finbarr's know this will be a good test of their provincial credentials. Commercials have the size to match them but you would think the Barrs have the depth to absorb what’s thrown at them. 

Verdict: St Finbarrs.

AIB Munster Club JHC semi-finals:

Kilrossanty (Waterford) v Cahir (Tipperary), Lemybrien, 1.15pm (E. Stapleton, Limerick).

The examination they passed against The Banner combined with the home fixture should work in Kilrossanty’s favour. 

Verdict: Kilrossanty.

Knockaderry (Limerick) v Kilbrittain (Cork), Knockaderry, 1.15pm (J. Bugler, Clare).

Tom Condon is still producing the goods for Knockaderry and he needed to against Kenmare Shamrocks. The concern for Kilbrittain is a month’s lay-off since beating Glen Rovers. 

Verdict: Knockaderry.

AIB Leinster Club SFC quarter-final:

Athy (Kildare) v Summerhill (Meath), Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 5.15pm (A. Nolan, Wicklow) Live RTÉ.

A game that could swing either way despite Athy being made out to be heavy favourites. Athy had it all their own way against Baltinglass in Aughrim but this should be a battle for the most part. Eoghan Frayne is a match-winner and they are strong around the middle but the Athy spine is strong and they have plenty of backs able to kick scores. 

Verdict: Athy.

AIB Ulster SHC semi-final:

St John’s (Antrim) v Setanta (Donegal), Owenbeg, 6pm.

Setanta’s entry into the senior stakes this year is a positive sign but it will be a day of damage limitation in Derry’s centre of excellence. It’s new ground for the Antrim champions too but they should find their groove. 

Verdict: St John’s.

SUNDAY

AIB Munster Club SHC semi-finals:

Ballygunner (Waterford) v Sarsfields (Cork), Azzurri Walsh Park, 1.15pm (A. Tierney, Tipperary) Live TG4.

Ballygunner won’t want to be fooled a second time and in fairness they shouldn’t. At the same time, they can’t think for a second that they have most cause to win this semi-final. Sarsfields are an ambitious crew and defending their county title will have given them incredible belief as they go about attempting to keep a hold on their provincial silverware. Ballygunner showed the last day they aren’t overly dependent on Pauric Mahony but he will be needed here. Tactics were the story of last year’s final but this should come down to sheer appetite. Ballygunner have it. 

Verdict: Ballygunner.

Éire Óg, Ennis (Clare) v Loughmore-Castleiney, Biomet Zimmer Páirc Chíosóg, 1.15pm Deferred TG4.

This and last year’s hurlers of the year lock horns here but it would be myopic to think it will all come down to John McGrath and Shane O’Donnell. Neither side leans too much on their star men and in what could be a grinder of a game it might be the less-heralded players who impress most. Seeing as both teams have their fair share of footballers, the apparent edge Loughmore-Castleiney have over others doesn’t so much come into play here. They are probably still playing a little within themselves but that mightn’t be such a bad thing. 

Verdict: Loughmore-Castleiney.

AIB Connacht Club SFC semi-final:

Moycullen (Galway) v Leitrim Gaels (Leitrim), Pearse Stadium, 1.30pm.

Moycullen should tread on the wary side of this one. Leitrim Gaels pack a punch and while it shouldn’t be enough to cause an upset, they won’t want to be taken all the way. 

Verdict: Moycullen.

St Brigid’s (Roscommon) v Ballina Stephenites (Mayo), King & Moffatt Hyde Park, 1.30pm.

Ballina were in enough scrapes in the Mayo championship to be steeled for this trip to Roscommon town. We’re at a loss to explain why they are such strong favourites although Brian Stack and Ben O’Carroll are in fine fettle. If the mercurial Evan Regan sparkles, Ballina can win but the safer option is the home outfit. 

Verdict: St Brigid’s.

AIB Munster Club IHC semi-finals:

Tallow (Waterford) v O’Callaghan’s Mills (Clare), Mallow, 1.15pm (C. O’Donovan, Tipperary).

After that mad game against Garryspillane, Tallow will be hoping for a calmer afternoon in Mallow. O’Callaghan Mills came through a rollicking game themselves and skinning the Kerry champions carries weight as they travel south. 

Verdict: O’Callaghan’s Mills.

Upperchurch-Drombane (Tipperary) v Ballinhassig (Cork), FBD Semple Stadium, 1.15pm (S. Walsh, Waterford).

Upperchurch-Drombane pride themselves on their defence and on the larger surface in Thurles it will have to be so tight against Ballinhassig. Ger Collins and Conor Desmond will be difficult to mute for the 60 minutes. 

Verdict: Ballinhassig.

AIB Leinster Club SFC quarter-finals:

Naomh Mairtín (Louth) v Portarlington (Laois), Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda, 1.30pm (P. Coyle, Meath).

The Louth champions have reached the last four in the past couple of seasons, which Naomh Mairtín might think bodes well for them. But this is anyone’s game. It might be them by a hair. 

Verdict: Naomh Mairtín.

The Downs (Westmeath) v Tullamore (Offaly), TEG Cusack Park, 1.30pm (A. Smith, Meath).

Luke Loughlin has the ability and the form to own this game but Tullamore are grafters, gave would-be All-Ireland champions Cuala a game of it in Parnell Park last year and have already shown they don’t know when they are beaten. 

Verdict: Tullamore.

Castletown Liam Mellows (Wexford) v Ballyboden St Enda’s (Dublin), Chadwicks Wexford Park, 1.30pm (K. Williamson, Offaly).

Castletown will want to give a better account of themselves than last year when St Loman’s eased passed them into the semi-finals. Ballyboden’s attack looks too strong to be held. Verdict: Ballyboden St Enda’s.

AIB Ulster Club SHC semi-final:

Portaferry (Down) v Slaughtneil (Derry), Box-It Athletic Grounds, 3.30pm (C. McDonald, Antrim).

The Derry champions have injury concerns, which mightn’t be such a bad thing seeing as how they are almost unbackable to win the province. They just can’t get ahead of themselves. 

Verdict: Slaughtneil.