Weekend GAA Previews: Wily O’Loughlins to fend off Na Fianna firepower
ONE TO WATCH: Neil McManus of Ruairí Óg and Ronan Smyth of Portaferry in the Ulster SHC semi-final
Lorrha-Dorrha and Dromin-Athlacca are a couple of scalps that can’t be sneezed at and Corofin might be forgiven for thinking they should be the favourites going into this final. At the same time, beating the Kerry champions who had been in control for a good part of their semi-final was no mean feat for Castlelyons. Both sides are blessed with strong forward lines and but for the expected conditions a shoot-out would be the forecast. Corofin to shade it.
Corofin
They may not be the Cork champions but Denis Walsh’s St Catherine’s have been representing the county nobly thus far in this competition. Scoring 2-16 and 2-17 in their last couple of outings, they are nothing if not consistent and should have too much for their Limerick opponents.
St Catherine’s
Arguably the Leinster final most were anticipating, Na Fianna have done so well to reach this point without Donal Burke. If ever there was a time for him to make a return, it is here but if that’s the case he is sure to have Mikey Butler for company. So sticky on Adam Screeney last week, Butler will be key to debilitating Na Fianna’s firepower. What Na Fianna have going for them here is their pace on the best surface. They must exercise the breadth of the pitch to try and warp their rivals’ excellent defence. All the same, you expect the wiliness of the Kilkenny city side to withstand that and take the title if not overly convincingly. O’Loughlin Gaels.
Go to their local bookies and Naas would be led to believe they needn’t show up for this one. The reigning All-Ireland champions are so fancied they are unbackable. Crokes’ familiarity with the venue has a lot to do with it and the fact they finished nine points better than Naas in last year’s quarter-final. Nevertheless, they don’t seem to be as cohesive as they were this time last year, which has plenty to do with missing personnel. The team that beat St Mary’s Ardee last day showed six changes from the team that won the county final. Naas know where and who they have to shut down and this is a serious test of Crokes’ strength in depth that they should just about pass.
Kilmacud Crokes.
Both teams have had close shaves to get to this point and while Scoil Uí Chonaill’s resolve has to be applauded this could be another one of those many afternoons when Johnny Doyle turns on the charm. Allenwood.
A proud day for both clubs as one of them will be the first from their county to claim a provincial intermediate hurling championship. Runners-up in 2015, the Carrickmore men can create some history. Éire Óg, Carrickmore.
Watching Ballygunner’s defence work in tandem against Na Piarsaigh a couple of weeks ago was a sight to behold. There wasn’t one person who didn’t understand their role and how they work in gangs to crowd out their opponents was testament to their coaching and discipline. Clonlara will have taken note that the direct ball towards the end caused the Ballygunner full-back line a spot of trouble. John Conlon might spend some time at the edge of the square but he should profit more from dropping off Philip Mahony who will dutifully mind the middle. Clonlara will need more from the Galvins who are both match-winners but Ballygunner have an array of hurlers who can push them up the steps. Pauric Mahony is one of them and the relentless work-rate of men like Ronan Power and Peter Hogan should drive the Waterford club to a third consecutive provincial title.
Ballygunner
That familiar feeling that Corofin cultivated in the latter half of the last decade has returned. Gary Sice is rolling back the years with some beautiful football and once more they are showing that quick hands and movement makes for good football. St Brigid’s don’t need to be reminded of what happened the last time they met Corofin in the final. Losing by 14 points in 2016 was a far cry from five years earlier when they were squeezing past Corofin on their way to the second of three consecutive Connacht successes. The margin shouldn’t be as wide this time around but it’s brutally difficult to look past another Corofin triumph.
Corofin.
The home team last claimed this trophy in 2017 when they also vanquished Sligo opposition. They can repeat the trick.
Lahardane MacHales
Glyde Rangers have done enough in this competition to be respected but Milltown look the most likely champions.
Milltown
It took extra-time to split this pair in the 2015 final and this could be another mammoth game between clubs who may just have designs on bigger things. Slaughtneil’s defeat eight years ago was their last in a final and since they have won four to become the most dominant club in the province. With no football distractions, they will be primed for this and Brendan Rogers is undoubtedly as good a hurler as he is a footballer. Neil McManus will have to be marshalled closely but Slaughtneil are rightly favoured.
Slaughtneil
The home champions to make it a worthwhile trip.
Castleblayney.
