O’Rourke Cup Friday 11th April Roscommon Gaels v Padraig Pearses (Hyde Park at 6.30 pm): The Gaels have not played a game yet so they are playing two games this weekend to catch up. Their chances will depend on how many of the five players that they have on the county U-21 panel are available to play after the Connacht final on Wednesday night. Pearses just might have more work done. Prediction: Padraig Pearses. St. Aidans v Elphin (Ballyforan at 8 pm): A very close game in prospect here. Aidans at home will be hard to beat but every team will now be getting into shape for the forthcoming season. If Elphin can get anything close to a full side out they might just be too good. Prediction: Elphin. Saturday 12th April St. Brigids v Kilmore (Kiltoom at 6.30 pm): Brigids slipped up in the last round against Castlerea and they will be hoping to get back on the winning trail. Kilmore will provide stern opposition — however if Brigids get anything close to a full team out they will surely get the two points on offer. Prediction: St Brigids. Sunday 13th April St. Barrys v Castlerea St. Kevins (Tarmonbarry at 4 pm): Castlerea have been going along very nicely and they had a great win over St. Brigids in the last round, putting up a big score too. The loss of Ger Heneghan will be considerable but they still have too much for Barrys. Prediction: Castlerea St. Kevins. St. Faithleachs v Roscommon Gaels (Ballyleague at 2.30 pm): This is the Gaels’ second outing of the weekend and they will have to have a good side out to beat St. Faithleachs, who are hard to defeat at home. This could be close. I’m sitting on the fence. Prediction: A draw. Strokestown v Kilbride (Strokestown at 2.30 pm): A local derby that will certainly be well-contested. Kilbride have started the seson well and they could spring a surprise here if they have close to a full muster. Prediction: Kilbride. Western Gaels v Padraig Pearses (Frenchpark at 2.30 pm): I have been impressed by Western Gaels again this year and they will be hoping to get two more points against Pearses who will be playing their second game in 48 hours. Home advantage to count here. Prediction: Western Gaels. O’Gara Cup Saturday April 12th St. Michaels v Clann na Gael (B) (at Cootehall at 6.30 pm): Both Clann teams are going well so far and Michaels will want to have their wits about them here — but they should be good enough at home. Prediction: St. Michaels. St. Dominics v St. Croans (Knockcroghery at 6.30 pm): Dominics have started the season well and must be one of the favourites for promotion. Croan’s are struggling a bit so Dominics should take the two points. Prediction: St. Dominics. Sunday 13th April Eire Og v Creggs (Loughglynn at 2.30 pm): This should be a good game if both sides can get close to full teams out. However Eire Og look the stronger – especially at home. Prediction: Eire Og. St. Brigids v Tulsk (Kiltoom at 2.30 pm): Brigids’ second team had a great win in the last round but they could find the going tough against Tulsk in Kiltoom. It might be close but the away side should be good enough. Prediction: Tulsk.
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