Battle of the Gaels!
Game Of The Weekend
Who’s in Action? Western Gaels v Roscommon Gaels. Where and When? On Sunday in Strokestown at 3.30 pm.
The Lowdown: This could be a cracking game as a win would probably put Roscommon Gaels into a semi-final while Western Gaels need a win to keep up their challenge.
The Frenchpark-based side were beaten at midfield against St Brigid’s where Ian Kilbride and Padraig Kelly were in good form – but when Finbar Cregg got going at full-forward they looked dangerous.
They have plenty of good players to worry Roscommon Gaels. Roscommon Gaels looked impressive last Sunday against Pearses, but Shane Curran’s side were short a good few players and this game will be a good indicator of the progress they have made.
They have a lot of good young players, but this will be a big test. There will not be much in it but Roscommon Gaels look strong in attack and if they can get an even break at midfield they can win it narrowly.
People Sport Prediction: Roscommon Gaels by two points.
Who’s in Action? Clann na nGael v St Brigid’s. Where and When? In Pairc an Piarsaigh on Saturday at 5 pm.
The Lowdown: Clann are approaching the last chance saloon and they have their two hardest games left. Brigid’s have not been pulling up any trees so far this summer but they are winning each game they play all the same – and comfortably too.
Ian Kilbride and Padraig Kelly are playing well at midfield and despite the loss of Senan Kilbride up front they still have the firepower to get the scores they need. I am expecting a big effort from Clann and Donie Shine, Johnny Dunning and Ultan Harney will be vital to them.
All three will have to play well if they are to have a chance here. A Clann win is possible but it would be a surprise.
People Sport Prediction: St Brigid’s.
Who’s in Action? Padraig Pearses v St Faithleach’s. Where and When? On Sunday evening in Dr Hyde Park at 5.30 pm.
The Lowdown: Pearses badly need a win. They struggled last weekend against Roscommon Gaels.
Faithleach’s have improved since the start of the season and they can win this clash. The Murtagh brothers are crucial to their effort and with Darragh Hussey playing well and Stephen Ormsby back in the fold they might just be good enough to prevail.
People Sport Prediction: St Faithleach’s.
Who’s in Action? Kilmore v Strokestown. Where and When? In Kilglass on Saturday at 7 pm.
The Lowdown: Strokestown played some great football last weekend against Elphin and with a lot of their key players returning they are a side with great potential. Kilmore have been struggling and they look destined for a relegation struggle. It would be a shock if Strokestown were not to win this match.
People Sport Prediction: Strokestown.
Who’s in Action? Elphin v Castlerea St Kevin’s. Where and When? On Sunday in Strokestown at 2 pm.
The Lowdown: Elphin have fallen away after a good start and they need a win badly. Nigel Dineen has got a great tune out of the Castlerea players this year and they have three wins out of three under their belts. Playing Neil Collins in attack is an interesting ploy, and with Ger Heneghan playing as well as ever for the club they look nailed on for another win.
People Sport Prediction: Castlerea St Kevin’s.
Who’s in Action? St Croan’s v Boyle. Where and When? At Dr Hyde Park on Sunday evening at 7 pm.
The Lowdown: Boyle have really picked up over their last couple of games and they are scoring heavily. St Croan’s were unlucky to lose out against Castlerea last weekend and they are still a very competitive outfit. Boyle might just have the firepower in attack to shade it but it promises to be a close encounter. The Smith brothers could be decisive.
People Sport Prediction: Boyle.
