Compiled by KEITH DUGGAN, GAVIN CUMMISKEYand SEAN MORAN
TODAY – Leinster SHC semi-final
Wexford v Kilkenny, Wexford Park, 7pm (Live on RTÉ 2) – There is an encouraging narrative for Wexford coming out of a league campaign in which they hung on as a Division One side and during which Kilkenny looked out of sorts even before reaching the final. Getting a home venue is also a major lift in a week which started with the under-21s clinching a win over this evening’s opponents.
There is also no doubt that Colm Bonnar’s side have improved since getting out of Division Two and once the team’s injury crisis passed, they proved fairly competitive. For all that there is new blood in the Wexford line-up, it’s interesting Kilkenny have as many changes from the 2008 Leinster final even if that is partly a reflection of ongoing injuries.
The problem for the home side is the holders are coming off an embarrassing league final defeat and have been considerably strengthened by the additional dynamism of Michael Fennelly’s return at centrefield as well as the longer-awaited recovery of Henry Shefflin, whose ability to direct the team’s attack and command the dead-ball duties will mean a far more composed side than that which collapsed against Dublin.
Wexford will hope their opponents’ signs of decline are confirmed today and that any doubt, however slight, can be exploited. But Kilkenny have the experience not to get too panicked even if things start to go wrong.
In the last episode: The counties last met in the championship in the Leinster final three years ago. Wexford competed tenaciously in the first half and trailed by only two at the break but Kilkenny came out and won the second half 4-12 to 0-7.
You bet:Kilkenny untouchable at 1/8, Wexford 11/2 and the draw is 14/1.
On your marks: Henry Shefflin's return makes this a big debut for under-21 full back Matthew O'Hanlon. Strong in the air and with potentially a long career as the county full back, he'll need his wits about him taking on the best forward of the modern era. There is the consolation that Keith Rossiter, who missed the '08 meeting with injury, is on hand to provide cover if it gets torrid.
Gaining ground:Wexford Park is a great venue and one which has been long under-used for reasons of geography (being out of the way for the purposes of being a neutral ground) and the lack of home-and-away arrangements in the provincial championship. Curiously this is the first championship match here between the counties at this venue for 62 years. Kilkenny won that one.
Just the ticket: Stand tickets (€25), uncovered seats (€20). Terrace (€15). Family tickets for uncovered seats (adults €20 and children €5) and terrace (adults €15 and children €3). Students and OAPs can get €10 and €5 rebate on uncovered seats and terrace respectively.
Crystal gazing:It's probably asking too much of Wexford's Park's galvanic qualities to expect anything more surprising than a contest.
WEXFORD: N Breen; P Roche, M O’Hanlon, K Rossiter; L Prendergast, D Stamp, C Kenny; W Doran, D Redmond; PJ Nolan, H Kehoe, S Banville; R Jacob, G Sinnott, J Berry.
KILKENNY: D Herity; P Murphy, N Hickey, J Tyrrell; P Hogan, B Hogan, JJ Delaney; M Fennelly, M Rice; TJ Reid, R Power, E Larkin; C Fennelly, H Shefflin, R Hogan.
Referee: J Ryan (Tipperary).
Leinster SFC quarter-final
Wexford v Westmeath, Wexford Park, 5pm – Now would be a good time for Ben Brosnan to confirm he really is a heaven-sent replacement for the retired Matty Forde. Either way, on form, which means so little in these games, Wexford’s comprehensive defeat of Westmeath in the league, followed up with their impressive dismissal of Offaly in the opening round, indicates the hosts can progress.
Ciarán Lyng and Redmond Barry are established forwards capable of making Wexford serious contenders for provincial honours should the rest of the team hold up their end. Jason Ryan sends well-conditioned teams out on the field but there are variables here that can tip the scales back in the visitors’ favour. If Dessie Dolan has regained full fitness then Westmeath, along with Denis Glennon, possess enough fire power to upset Wexford.
Both teams know a massive opportunity to reach the Leinster final presents itself if they scramble home here.
In the last episode: Wexford won 0-13 to 1-7 up in Cusack Park last March with Ciarán Lyng gathering 0-6.
You bet:Wexford 4/6, Westmeath 6/4 with Wexford minus one in the handicap.
On your marks: Lyng or Dolan. Glennon or Brosnan. Someone must grab hold of this affair.
Gaining ground:See hurling preview.
Just the ticket: See hurling preview.
Crystal gazing:A difficult call but Wexford are on a role, so we'll go with them to continue that.
WEXFORD: A Masterson; J Wadding, G Molloy, B Malone; A Flynn, D Murphy, A Doyle; R Quinlivan, D Waters; S Roche, C Lyng, B Brosnan; C Morris, E Bradley, R Barry.
WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; F Boyle, K Gavin, A Finnan; G Egan, K Martin, D Harte; D Daly, D Corroon; P Sharry, David Glennon, C Lynam; P Greville, Denis Glennon, D Dolan.
Referee: P Hughes (Armagh).
TOMORROW – Connacht SFC semi-final
Leitrim v Roscommon, Carrick-on-Shannon, 2pm (Live on RTÉ 2) – The old complaint about Connacht always being the same old, same old does not apply just now. Last year, it was Sligo who sent the pillars crashing down by defeating both Galway and Mayo – only to have their thunder stolen by Roscommon in the Connacht final. This year, Leitrim completed a bewildering reversal of fortune for the Sligo men by beating them in Markievicz Park.
Roscommon have been impressively solid in the league and did what they had to do in their opening game in New York. Their one blip was a flat performance in the league final. It remains to be seen if Donal Shine can match the extravagant form he hit last summer. But the notion that Roscommon are something of a one-man show is wrong. They have men who know their way around a championship match in Senan Kilbride, Karol Mannion and Ian Kilbride and emerging stars like Cathal Cregg.
Mickey Moran has given Leitrim the weapon that has too often eluded them: self-belief. And Leitrim have valuable options such as John McKeon, one of the most consistent defenders of the last decade, to bring in. Emlyn Mulligan showed flashes of his creativity in that win: a more involved performance from him could spell trouble for Roscommon. The Leitrim defence was exceptionally disciplined against Sligo and with a marksman like Shine prowling, they will have to repeat that here.
The visitors are favourites to win. The obligation is on Leitrim to put back-to-back performances together.
In the last episode: The counties met last year on a sweltering day in Dr Hyde Park. Leitrim football was still in mourning over Philip McGuinness and for several reasons were forced to field an inexperienced team. The game was still up for grabs after half-time but a Donal Shine goal put Roscommon on their way. Shine finished with 1-8 and Roscommon won by 1-13 to 0-11 to reach their first Connacht final since 2004.
On your marks:One of the highlights of Leitrim's performance against Sligo was the performance of Conor Beirne, who mixed the conventional ball-winning ability of a number 14 big man with an ability to kick points. He caused nightmares in the Sligo full-back line, a fact that Fergal O'Donnell and Roscommon will be keenly aware of. Whether Beirne will be the fulcrum of the Leitrim attack this time or whether they devise a different strategy will be key to this game.
Gaining ground:Seán McDermott Park has undergone extensive renovations and after Leitrim's heroics against Sligo, it should do brisk business tomorrow.
Just the ticket: Covered stand is €30. Uncovered is €25. Terrace places are €20. Concessions apply.
You bet:Leitrim are available at 11/4. Roscommon are quoted at 2/5. A draw is 13/2.
Crystal gazing: Leitrim's half-back division was brilliant against Sligo – a similar charge here and the home team could be in business. Leitrim are capable of winning this game and are worth a punt. But Roscommon have been reliable and steady and represent a safer bet to advance to their second Connacht final in succession.
LEITRIM: C McCrann; D Reynolds, R Gallagher, P Maguire; B Prior, G Reynolds, W McKeon; T Beirne, D Lowe; P Brennan, E Mulligan, R Lowe; A Croal, C Beirne, J Glancy.
ROSCOMMON: G Claffey; S McDermott, P Domican, N Carty; I Kilbride, D Keenan, D Ward; M Finneran, K Mannion; S O’Grady, K Higgins, C Cregg; C Devanney, S Kilbride, D Shine.
Referee: P McEnaney (Monaghan).
Leinster SFC quarter-final
Carlow v Louth, Portlaoise, 3.30 – That Carlow manager Luke Dempsey has named five fresh faces including goalkeeper Trevor O’Reilly and three defenders hardly bodes well for a team that has no significant history of beating Louth. Factor in the desire in the Wee County to rid themselves of the memory of last year’s debacle in the Leinster final and Carlow would seem to have an uphill task.
Brian White’s enforced emigration and John O’Brien’s unavailability are notable blows but the return of Mick Fanning at centre back shows his value to their progress. And the road back to the provincial decider is clear. Beat Carlow and the winner of Wexford versus Westmeath await in the semi-final. Get over that and either Kildare or Dublin will provide them with a shot at redemption for 2010.
All Star Paddy Keenan will be called upon to keep the hugely athletic Brendan Murphy in check, while the beacon in the full forward line will once again be Shane Lennon. If these two show up, and they always tend to, then the likes of JP Rooney will thrive.
In the last episode: Carlow don't tend to win this fixture and only a late goal gave a respectable shine to the 2009 affair, which Louth won 1-13 to 1-11.
You bet:Louth 1/6, Carlow 5/1. Carlow can also be got at 5/4 with plus four-point handicap.
On your marks: Watch out for the sight of Carlow's brilliant young midfielder Brendan Murphy in full flight.
Gaining ground:Situated on the outskirts of Portlaoise, O'Moore Park is always a welcoming and easily accessible ground just off the motorway.
Just the ticket:Stand €20 (children €5), terrace €10 (children €3).
Crystal gazing: Louth to beat the four-point spread.
LOUTH: S Connor; D Byrne, A Hoey, D Finnegan; R Finnegan, M Fanning, L Shevlin; P Keenan, B Donnelly; D Crilly, D Reid, A Reid; D Maguire, S Lennon, JP Rooney.
CARLOW: T O’Reilly; A Murphy, C Lawlor, B Kavanagh; P Cashin, S Redmond, K Nolan; B Murphy, D Foley; P Hickey, T Walsh, E Finnegan; B Murphy, S Gannon, D St Ledger.
Referee: D Fahy (Longford).
Ulster SFC quarter-final
Cavan v Donegal, Kingspan Breffni Park, 3.30 (Deferred coverage on BBC 2, 7pm) – Cavan were coming at this championship campaign from a position of strength, that is, until Galway washed over them in the All-Ireland under-21 final. Still, joint managers Terry Hyland and Val Andrews have kept faith in the next generation by handing out eight debuts, including a worrying five defenders.
Jim McGuinness’ side swept past Laois in the Division Two final, but their dour, claustrophobic victory over Antrim in the preliminary round lacked similar substance.
Donegal and McGuinness didn’t care. It was a match when Antrim flooded the defence, surrounding Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden to reduce the big men’s influence.
It worked yet Donegal did enough to progress.
Now they will aim to play the more attractive style of football associated with Donegal. The return of Michael Hegarty will undoubtedly assist this venture.
In the last episode:Many of the Cavan players making their championship debut here were part of the 0-13 to 1-4 dismantling of Donegal in the Ulster Under-21 semi-final in March.
You bet: Cavan 4/1, Donegal clear favourites at 1/4 with the handicap giving Cavan four points at evens.
On your marks: The kids are alright? If Galway jarred their collective psyche, what can the twin towers of Murphy and McFadden do to them?
Gaining ground:At least two hours driving from Donegal but could be worth it.
Just the ticket: Patrons can pay at the gate with under 16s free onto terrace and uncovered seating. Adult terrace €15, students €10 with open seating €25. Covered stand, by ticket only, is €27.
Crystal gazing:Donegal to cut loose and beat the spread.
CAVAN: J Reilly; J McEnroe, P Carroll, D O’Dowd; N Murray, J McCutcheon, D Reilly; R Cullivan, D Givney; G McKiernan, M Lyng, F Flanagan; N McDermott, E Keating, S Johnston.
DONEGAL: P Durcan; K Lacey, N McGee, P McGrath; K Cassidy, A Thompson, Marty Boyle; R Kavanagh, K Rafferty; M McElhinney, M Hegarty, R Bradley; M McHugh, M Murphy, C McFadden.
Referee: M Duffy (Sligo).
