AIB Connacht SFC Semi-Final
Pádraig Pearses v Tir Conaill Gaels at McGovern Park, Ruislip on Sunday at 2 pm
On the face of it a clash with the London champions for a place in the Connacht club senior final is a hurdle that Pádraig Pearses should be able to negotiate without much bother. But Clann na nGael almost came a cropper against the exact same opposition twelve months ago in Dr. Hyde Park so they have been well warned. At home this time around, the London champions will fancy their chances of taking a big scalp.
Paul Coggins’ side were well in that game last year until the final quarter and under the astute management of the very experienced Ballinlough man, they will pose a significant threat to the Roscommon champions. A number of the players who were impressive against Clann last year are still with the London champions, including Liam Gavigan, Killian Butler, Matt Moynihan, Liam Gallagher Philip Butler and Adrian Hanlon.
But Pearses were very impressive against Tourlestrane last Sunday and if they can play to their potential they can win this semi-final. Niall Daly remains their talisman and he will lead from the front once again. Conor Daly, Hubert Darcy, Paul Carey, Ronan Daly, Niall Carty, Mark Richardson and Shane Carty all played well in Sligo and they will have to the same again this weekend.
But good forwards win championship games, and if Carey and Darcy can produce their best then Pearses should make it through to the final which would be a serious achievement at their very first attempt.
Prediction: Pádraig Pearses
