A feast of Gaelic games is on this weekend so we’ve selected the tastiest morsels, just for you.
Allianz Football League Division 1; Dublin v Tyrone, Saturday, 7pm
While Tyrone sit a point above the Dubs in the table, it’s Jim Gavin’s side that are in arguably better nick.
Two defeats out of three doesn’t look great on paper, but it’s been as tough a start as they could have had in their opening league fixtures. The three sides they’ve faced – Cork, Donegal and Kerry – occupy three of the top four spots in the table.
Tyrone have a win and a draw in their last two games after an opening day defeat, but they have their toughest games ahead of them, and have failed to beat both Monaghan and Derry, who occupy the bottom places in the top flight.
Mickey Harte’s men have been playing ultra-defensive football so far, and while they haven’t been giving away many scores, they’ve the lowest points total in the division.
Against Dublin, that will have to improve. Donegal showed in the summer that to topple the Dubs with a defensive system, you’ll need to be quick on the counter.
Both sides look strong enough to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap, but defeat tomorrow should all but end either side’s hopes of a semi-final spot.
On home turf and with a quality surface under their feet, Dublin should get back to winning ways.
Allianz Football League Division 1; Cork v Kerry, Sunday, 2pm
Has Paul Galvin’s return to the Kerry panel been a distraction? Probably not, but you just know some pundits will run with that line should Cork beat their biggest rivals on Sunday.
The Rebels owe Kerry a performance after last year’s Munster Final humiliation, but it’ll be a big ask, with a strong Kerry side named.
The Kingdom cleaned up in midfield during last week’s victory against Dublin, and Cork have picked Eoin Cadogan in the centre of the pitch to combat that.
Despite defeat last time out, Cork have impressed so far in the league, comfortably beating the Dubs on day one, before showing all of their resilience to come through a classic against Monaghan.
With the sides level on points and scoring difference so far, we’re following that trend by plumping for a draw in Pairc Uí Rinn this Sunday afternoon.
Allianz Hurling Leagues Division 1A; Tipp v Clare, Sunday, 2pm
While Dublin v Cork is also on this weekend, and they currently sit proudly at the top of the table, the game between the two teams at the bottom of the table carries even more intruige.
Fierce rivals at the best of times, Clare’s situation means this is a must-win game for them if they are to preserve their top-tier status. A third defeat on the bounce would put them deep in the relagation mire with just two games left and Davy Fitz will surely have his charges revved up.
As a boost to the Banner, Clare should be able to welcome back Tony Kelly, David McInerney and Conor McGrath to the team while Brendan Bugler is expected to be named in defence after a trial at midfield.
All of this will toughen up the home side but the visitors will come in full of hope. They bounced back well from an opening day shellacking by Dublin to beat Galway last time out and the team sent into battle by Eamon O’Shea should be a strong one.
When the sides met in the Waterford Crystal tournament in January, Clare came away with a one-point win. There is much more at stake on Sunday, but the result could well be the same, a narrow win for the Banner.
Allianz Hurling Leagues Division 1B; Wexford v Limerick, Sunday, 12.45pm
For any Wexford fan, the sight of Limerick will bring back horrific memories of the brutal beating they received back in July. A high-flying Wexford, fresh from dispatching All Ireland champions Clare, were brought crashing to earth as Limerick handed out a 4-26 to 1-11 beatdown in a sun-splashed Semple Stadium.
Liam Dunne will surely use that no show as a motivating tool for a game that could seal Wexford’s return to the top flight of the game. After two wins, the Model are top of the table and a win over the favourites for promotion will put them in pole position for a spot in 1A next term.
Dunne is boosted by the return of Andrew Shore from suspension and Conor McDonald to the forwards but TJ Ryan has a few big names back too.
Biggest of all is Declan Hannon, set to make his first appearance of the year for the Treaty after injury while David Breen is also back in the forwards.
A win for Limerick puts them right back in the mix for a long overdue promotion so this game should have the cut and thrust of a Championship game to it at Wexford Park.
Because of the prize at stake, home advantage and the added ingredient of avenging last summer’s debacle, we’re giving the nod to Wexford here, but only just.
