It’s another blockbuster weekend of GAA action.
Hurling folk never had it as good in their lives. For the second weekend in a row, there’s no football on television. The small ball is ruling the roost yet again Sunday’s two crunch clashes drawing RTÉ’s attention.
Cork and Tipperary’s clash in Thurles already has a season riding on it while Kilkenny and Galway’s Pearse Stadium time bomb will give a huge indication on where everyone stands.
For supporters, the round-robin must be the best thing since JJ Delaney’s hook on Seamie Callanan. Already, it’s heavy hitting, already there are necks on the line.
The All-Ireland football champions are back in action too, and they are facing what must be the most ambitious handicap mountain of all time, in + 22 against the Garden County.
Here’s our 111/1 accumulator to give you a song to sing.
Obviously don’t lump the kitchen sink on, but it is worth a small tipple.
Clare -2 to beat Waterford at 10/11
Waterford are as depleted as they could possibly be, minus Mahony, Gleeson and the two Bennets and if Clare don’t take the points here, there will be an inquisition into why they can’t win in Munster.
It’s now or never for these Banner boys. Shane O’Donnell and co. will make it happen.
Offaly hurlers + 7 against Wexford
Kevin Martin’s Faithful charges managed to keep it tight against both Galway and Kilkenny, keeping inside the bookies’ handicap against the Cats.
While we do fancy the Yellow Bellies to topple them, we do expect Offaly to score more and concede less, with Wexford’s lack of a marquee forward keeping them in the game.
Tipperary footballers to beat Cork 10/11
The Tipperary footballers historically struggle at home, probably because of their historically low key support in the face of a hurley infested county.
But with Quinlivan on form, Sweeney back fit and Liam McGrath banging them in, Liam Kearns’ men should be booking their place in a third Munster final in three years…just about.
Donegal -6 to beat Derry at evs
Derry are in the doldrums. When Donegal get a run on a team, like they did against Cavan in the first round, they’re dangerous. Paddy McBrearty wasn’t firing on all cylinders that day, if he gets going here, Derry are a beaten docket.
Carlow footballers +7 against Kildare evs
If we know anything about this Carlow side it’s that they’ll keep this one tight. A stuttery Kildare haven’t won in 11 games and they’ll be edgy here. They should still win, but not by that much.
Wicklow +22 against Dublin evs
Has there even been a steeper handicap in GAA history? Realist John Evans has basically written off his own team but Jesus, surely the bookies’ eyes are bigger than their bellies here.
Kilkenny +2 against Galway evs
The game of the weekend. Kilkenny have come out on top of the last four championship meetings of these sides, but these are different times. Galway are a different animal now and their favourites tag is deserved.
The Cats are exciting though with Colin Fennelly back flying it and Richie Hogan in line to start, they’ll be dangerous as ever.
111/1.
