BANK OF IRELAND CONNACHT SFC
Galway v Sligo
This rearranged fixture takes place at Pearse Stadium at 5.30pm on Saturday afternoon and, if anything, Sligo will be regretting that it did not go ahead last weekend.
The slim chance that the Yeat’s County had of defeating Galway evaporated with the rain last weekend. If they had faced them on the greasy surface, minus Padraic Joyce, there would have been a hope that the outstanding Galway forwards may become frustrated at the conditions.
Now, however, it seems likely that Mr Joyce will be fit for Saturday he will add experience to the most intimidating set of forwards in the country.
You can’t win anything on paper but even a quick glance at the NFL form of both sides suggests that Tommy Brehany's side will be doing well to stay within ten points of the NFL finalists.
Galway will breeze though this one and change their focus to the Connacht SFC final.
Verdict: Galway
London v Mayo
Mayo look should stay on course for a tilt at the Connacht SFC title when they travel to take on London in Ruislip on Sunday, throw-in at 3.00pm.
A year ago London took Roscommon to a replay but they can hardly expect Mickey Moran’s side to grant them any leeway this time out.
London were abysmal in NFL division 2, failing to register a single win or draw and ending up with a points difference of -95.
Mayo, on the other hand, were very impressive. Moran has unearthed a number of young forwards like Andy Moran and Aidan Kilcoyne. Veteran David Brady seems to have overcome a broken collarbone as he recently lined out in a club match for Ballina.
London have only won a single game in the Connacht Championship, defeating Leitrim in 1977, and it is unlikely that they will do so whenever they are drawn against either Mayo or Galway.
Mayo should win this by a ten points at least.
Verdict: Mayo
BANK OF IRELAND LEINSTER SFC
Wexford v Meath
Paul Bealin will be hoping that the Model County can emerge from their recent slump when they take on Eamon Barry’s Meath side in Croke Park on Sunday, throw-in at 2.10pm.
Wexford were in brutal form during the NFL registering their only win against the side from the Royal County. Speculation is that Mattie Forde has lost his form despite the fact that he still finished as top scorer in Division 1, though this was mainly due to his free-taking ability.
A lot rests on the shoulders of John Hudson and PJ Banville to take some of the scoring pressure off of him.
Meath will depend heavily on the ability of Graham Geraghty to dictate events. If the Models are to cause a shock it is vital that they employ someone, possible Colm Morris, to track the Senchalstown man for the afternoon.
Meath hold all the aces and should continue their run in the Leinster SFC. However, Wexford will not roll over without and fight and should be in touch right up until the final whistle.
Verdict: Meath
Kildare v Offaly
Kildare and Offaly renew what is possibly the closest rivalry in the Leinster SFC at Croke Park this Sunday, throw-in at 4.00pm.
Any time the Lilywhites meet the Faithful during the summer months there are only a couple of points separating the sides when the referee blows his whistle to end proceedings.
However Kildare may be doing well to keep things as close this Sunday. The absence of Glenn Ryan and Damien Hendy - plus doubts over Anthony Rainbow, David Lyons and Kevin O’Neill – could leave them without vital experience.
Offaly are not without their own injury worries as they have left a vacancy in their forwards for flu-stricken Pascal Kelleghan. They should benefit from the fact that they have already played a match, their victory over Westmeath, in the SFC this year.
We could be in line for an intriguing battle between Dermot Earley and Ciaran McManus.
The smart money is on Offaly, but only by three or four points.
Verdict: Offaly
BANK OF IRELAND ULSTER SFC
Tyrone v Derry
The 2005 All-Ireland Champions get the defence of their title underway when they encounter Derry at Omagh on Sunday, throw-in at 2.15pm.
Stephen O’Neill and Brian McGuigan will play no part in events but there is enough depth in Mickey Harte’s squad to suggest that Derry will have their work cut out.
Owen Mulligan returns from a foot injury and should prove to be the thorn in the Oak Leaf side. Kevin Hughes, who missed out on last year’s All-Ireland SFC success due to being in Australia, returns to the side and will add to their options in midfield and in the half-forward line.
Derry started their NFL campaign in blistering form but faltered as the knock outs approached and were left kicking themselves for not making it to the semi-finals. Paddy Bradley will need to improve on his NFL performances if he is to inspire his side into causing a shock.
Given Tyrone’s injury concerns, this battle should prove to be a close encounter but it’s difficult to see anything other than a Tyrone win.
Verdict: Tyrone
