Galway likely to avenge Roscommon defeat

SUNDAY

Connacht SFC final

Roscommon v Galway, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, 4.0 [LIVE, RTÉ 1]

For the past two years, Galway have struggled to put good displays back to back but there may have been a straw in the wind with the walloping of Sligo following success in the big Connacht summit in Castlebar.

Roscommon’s win in last year’s final was predicated on tactical coups in defence, Enda Smith’s display at centrefield and getting their lively forwards into the game. Smith’s form hasn’t been at the same level this year and Galway’s defence has looked more assured all year.

Crucial question: will they moderate the defensiveness sufficiently to allow a full press on Roscommon's suspect defence? Fintan Cregg may not play centre back as listed and overall they will need to steady the ramparts having conceded two goal chances to Leitrim in the first quarter, as signs are that Damien Comer, Barry McHugh and Shane Walsh are beginning to maximise output.

Roscommon well capable of springing another ambush on Galway

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Cavan blow Wicklow out of the water

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That Limerick point and the summer of ’96

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Both teams have been going well but Galway anywhere near full bore will have too much.

Last meeting: 2017 Connacht final, at Pearse Stadium, Galway, Roscommon 2-15, Galway 0-12.

Just the ticket: Sold out.

Odds: Roscommon 9/4, Galway 4/9 and 8/1 draw.

Verdict: Galway to win

Referee: David Coldrick (Meath)

Munster SHC round five

Clare v Limerick, Cusack Park, Ennis, 2.0 [LIVE, RTÉ 1]

An exceptional occasion beckons with both counties vying for a Munster final place. Clare’s late surge in Thurles was a morale boost even if Tipp ain’t what they were and the home match means a lot – they haven’t lost here in championship to Limerick since 1990.

They will, in all likelihood, be more assured this week, eliminating the poor touch that looked like unravelling them a week ago. All that said, Limerick have been gaining altitude all year. Last week’s cuffing of a bedraggled Waterford was exactly what was required to maintain momentum and their forward power gets more impressive each day.

Their half backs have been dynamic and steadfast and the exchanges will be ferocious in that middle third. Limerick have been in the ascendant all year and daunting as their latest test is, in the dreaded third week, the only way is up.

Last meeting: 2017 Munster semi-final, at Semple Stadium, Thurles, Clare 3-17, Limerick 2-16.

Just the ticket: Sold out.

Odds: Clare 5/4, Limerick 5/6 and 9/1 draw.

Verdict: Limerick to win

Referee: James Owens (Wexford).

Waterford v Cork, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 2.0 – A grim time for Waterford, seeing out their championship about three months earlier than last year and with the sparkle of the feisty moral win over Tipp well flattened last week.

Limerick showed that Cork can be disrupted by aggression but whether on their fourth and final week, Waterford can find that in the toolkit is open to question. Cork will benefit from the week’s rest after two gruelling draws and if they can apply the sort of polish evident in the first-half of their last visit to Thurles, their opponents will sadly but literally have no answers.

Last meeting: 2017 All-Ireland semi-final, at Croke Park, Waterford 4-19, Cork 0-20.

Just the ticket: Pre-pay – Stand €20, Terrace €15. Match day – €25, Terrace €20. Juveniles €5.

Odds: Cork 1/6, Waterford 5/1 and 14/1 draw.

Verdict: Cork to win

Referee: John Keenan (Wicklow).