Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY
Munster SFC Final
Dr Crokes (Kerry) v UCC (Cork), Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, 2pm – Live TG4
No problem on the familiarity front. So expect a little contempt as well.
Daithí Casey and Johnny Buckley were key figures in UCC’s march to the Cork county title but have since returned to their natural environment.
The students still have a sizeable scattering of Kerry footballers. But nothing, as yet, to match the consistent excellence of Gooch Cooper, Eoin Brosnan and, more recently, Kieran O’Leary.
In the Munster semi-final Kilmurry Ibrickane made a good fist of taming Cooper, leaving two men either side of him for the 60 minutes. The Kerry captain soaked up the less-than-friendly and constant attention before striking four mortal blows down the home straight.
Dr Crokes are also buoyed by the improving fitness of Ambrose O’Donovan and David O’Leary’s expected return at corner back after a thumb injury. This week manager Harry O’Neill cited UCC half backs Tom Clancy, Niall Daly and Seán Kiely as their opponents’ most effective line. But then he mentioned players from every other line too.
Perhaps to entice a reaction from Buckley – so effective at Sigerson level but yet to break into the Kerry team – O’Neill also lauded the dominance of UCC midfielders Will Kennedy and Jamie O’Sullivan in the comprehensive semi-final defeat of Tipperary’s Moyle Rovers. Also, Paul Geaney and Gavin O’Grady have more than covered the loss of Casey’s placed ball expertise.
Both clubs are seeking a fourth provincial title. UCC’s last great run was in 1999, while Dr Crokes progressed all the way to the 2007 All-Ireland final before Crossmaglen eventually did away with them in the replay. That experience, coupled with Cooper’s presence, should be enough again.
Munster SHC final (replay)
Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) v Crusheen (Clare), Semple Stadium, Thurles, 2pm – Deferred TG4
With the midweek skirmish over coin-tossing for venues and ticket prices (reduced to €10) having abated, the focus can switch back to what should be an engrossing replay. Not that the actual hurling will be much to shout about.
But that’s not the point, as Na Piarsaigh’s manager and Clare native Seán Stack explained this week. “Some were saying (the draw) was a dour, dull affair. But they are the people who don’t understand the game of hurling. It was a real contest; some of the defending was just magnificent, especially considering the conditions. Players were getting their feet stuck when running on to ball. They had to go back to get it and that did create the ruck situations but it was played with enormous intensity.”
More of the same is expected.
Crusheen are an established force on their own patch but the attacking ability of Shane Dowling and Kevin Downes makes Na Piarsaigh’s arrival onto the provincial landscape this year fascinating. Dowling is still only 18 but Downes showed enough spark during Limerick’s league and championship campaigns to be placed on the periphery of elite forwards in the country.
David Breen is another weapon in a physically imposing attack.
Both clubs are seeking a first provincial title. Na Piarsaigh can prevail but only if they stymie the influence of Pat Vaughan and Fergus Kennedy.
All-Ireland Club SFC quarter-final
St Brigid’s (Roscommon) v Fulham Irish (London), Ruislip, 1pm
Even the ongoing investigations into the unruly post-match scenes that overshadowed St Brigid’s capturing of the Connacht title for a third time would be blanketed by the Roscommon champions losing in London tomorrow.
But veterans like Karol Mannion and Frankie Dolan know how this is done. Victory here, which should be at a canter, will set up an All-Ireland semi-final against the Leinster champions.
Senan Kilbride may be the main attacking target nowadays and Frankie Dolan’s inter-county days may be in the past but his heroic point in the provincial final killed off Corofin to prove he remains a majestic gatherer of vital scores.
Leinster SFC semi-finals
St Brigid’s (Dublin) v Portlaoise (Laois), Parnell Park, 2pm
Despite the emergence of Kilmacud Crokes these past 16 years, Portlaoise are still the most successful club in Leinster. The problem is they have yet to transfer that into national success. That must be the aim for 2012.
St Brigid’s have faced a similar problem when trying to capture county titles but on their last entry to the provincial arena, in 2004, they beat Kildare’s Round Towers in the final. A year later Portlaoise won a sixth Leinster title with their record seventh coming in 2010.
They have dominated Laois for five years and know how to win at the next stage so the natural progression is to replicate the achievements of similar dominant forces like Kilmacud, Nemo Rangers and Crossmaglen.
The problem, however, is Dublin opposition. Crokes and St Vincent’s have beaten them in recent years.
St Brigid’s All-Ireland-winning Dublin veteran Barry Cahill turned down a well-earned team holiday to San Diego to play here, while the influence of Paddy Andrews must be curbed if Portlaoise are to progress to another final.
There are concerns over the fitness of midfielder Adrian Kelly but from the solidity of Cahir Healy and Kevin Fitzpatrick in defence right up the field to Craig Rodgers and their prodigal son Colm Parkinson suggests the Laois men have enough quality to progress.
Athy (Kildare) v Garrycastle (Westmeath), Newbridge, 2pm
The expected scoring return from Dessie, Gary and James Dolan should suffice to put Anthony Cunningham’s Westmeath champions into the Leinster final. Of course, this would mean the recently appointed Galway hurling manager must keep his focus on football for a few more weeks.
That Mick Foley abandoned a winter holiday in Malaysia to return for this match will instill extra belief through a young Athy team.
Foley was recognised with an All Star after some immense defensive performances for Kildare during the championship. He played a challenge game last weekend and is expected to mark Dessie Dolan. That could prove the decisive factor in this contest.
And yet, Athy made it this far, beating Offaly and Carlow champions, without their All Star. But with David O’Shaughnessy expected to dominate at midfield, Garrycastle look an attractive handicap bet at 6/5 (-2 points).
