The draw for the Lory Meagher Cup 2010 was made.
Warwickshire v Fermanagh
Leitrim v South Down
Donegal v Longford
Cavan receive a bye.
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Friday, October 23, 2009
2010 GAA Hurling Nicky Rackard Cup Draw...
The draw for the Nicky Rackard Cup 2010 was made.
Louth v Tyrone
Armagh v Fingal
Roscommon v Monaghan
London v Sligo
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Louth v Tyrone
Armagh v Fingal
Roscommon v Monaghan
London v Sligo
___
2010 GAA Hurling Christy Ring Cup Draw...
The draw for the 2010 Christy Ring Cup in hurling was made.
Westmeath v Derry
Wicklow v Mayo
Down v Kerry
Meath v Kildare
___
Westmeath v Derry
Wicklow v Mayo
Down v Kerry
Meath v Kildare
___
Thursday, October 22, 2009
2010 GAA Leinster Football Championship Draw....
The draw has been made for the 2010 GAA Leinster Football Championship.
First Round
Louth v Longford
Wicklow v Carlow
Meath v Offaly
Quarter-final
Louth/Longford v Kildare
Wicklow/Carlow v Westmeath
Meath/Offaly v Laois
Wexford v Dublin
___
First Round
Louth v Longford
Wicklow v Carlow
Meath v Offaly
Quarter-final
Louth/Longford v Kildare
Wicklow/Carlow v Westmeath
Meath/Offaly v Laois
Wexford v Dublin
___
2010 GAA Ulster Football Championship Draw....
The draw has been made for the 2010 GAA Ulster Football Championship.
Preliminary Rounds
Derry v Armagh
Quater-Finals
Monaghan v Derry/Armagh
Antrim v Tyrone
Donegal v Down
Cavan v Fermanagh
Semi-Finals
Cavan/Fermanagh v (Monaghan v Derry/Armagh)
Antrim/Tyrone v Donegal/Down
___
Preliminary Rounds
Derry v Armagh
Quater-Finals
Monaghan v Derry/Armagh
Antrim v Tyrone
Donegal v Down
Cavan v Fermanagh
Semi-Finals
Cavan/Fermanagh v (Monaghan v Derry/Armagh)
Antrim/Tyrone v Donegal/Down
___
2010 GAA Connacht Football Championship Draw....
The draw has been made for the 2010 GAA Connacht Football Championship.
Preliminary Rounds
New York v Galway
London v Roscommon
Sligo v Mayo
Leitrim (Bye to semi-final)
Semi-Final
Galway/NY v Sligo/Mayo
Leitrim v Roscommon/London
___
Preliminary Rounds
New York v Galway
London v Roscommon
Sligo v Mayo
Leitrim (Bye to semi-final)
Semi-Final
Galway/NY v Sligo/Mayo
Leitrim v Roscommon/London
___
2010 GAA Munster Football Championship Draw....
The draw has been made for the 2010 GAA Munster Football Championship.
First Round/Quarter-Finals
Clare v Waterford
Kerry v Tipperary
Semi-Finals
Limerick v Clare/Waterford
Cork v Kerry/Tipperary
___
First Round/Quarter-Finals
Clare v Waterford
Kerry v Tipperary
Semi-Finals
Limerick v Clare/Waterford
Cork v Kerry/Tipperary
___
2010 GAA Leinster Hurling Championship Draw....
The draw has been made for the 2010 GAA Leinster Hurling Championship.
Preliminary Round
Carlow v Laois
Quarter-Finals
A. Dublin v Carlow OR Laois
B. Wexford v Galway
C. Antrim v Offaly
Semi-Finals
Winners Quarter-Final A v Kilkenny
Winners Quarter-Final B v Winners Quarter-Final C
___
Preliminary Round
Carlow v Laois
Quarter-Finals
A. Dublin v Carlow OR Laois
B. Wexford v Galway
C. Antrim v Offaly
Semi-Finals
Winners Quarter-Final A v Kilkenny
Winners Quarter-Final B v Winners Quarter-Final C
___
2010 GAA Munster Hurling Championship Draw...
The draw has been made for the 2010 GAA Munster Hurling Championship.
Quarter-finals
Tipperary v Cork
Semi-finals
Clare v Waterford
Limerick v Tipp/Cork
___
Quarter-finals
Tipperary v Cork
Semi-finals
Clare v Waterford
Limerick v Tipp/Cork
___
2010 GAA Football and Hurling Championship Draw...
The draws for the 2010 GAA Football and Hurling championship will take place in Croke Park Thursday and will be broadcast live at 8.25pm (GMT) on RTÉ Two television and also streamed live worldwide on RTÉ.ie.
___
___
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
New Louth Football and Hurling Managers for 2010...
Louth are set to appoint Peter Fitzpatrick and Paddy Kelly as the county's senior football and hurling managers respectively.
The duo were recommended for the posts at Monday evening's meeting of the management committee. However, they must wait for ratification from delegates at the County Board meeting on November 9 before being officially confirmed in the roles.
Fitzpatrick is a former Louth player who also lined out with Leinster in a hugely successful career at club and county level. He has served as minor manager with the county.
Kelly is a former Meath player.
___
The duo were recommended for the posts at Monday evening's meeting of the management committee. However, they must wait for ratification from delegates at the County Board meeting on November 9 before being officially confirmed in the roles.
Fitzpatrick is a former Louth player who also lined out with Leinster in a hugely successful career at club and county level. He has served as minor manager with the county.
Kelly is a former Meath player.
___
Mick O'Dwyer remains Wicklow Football Manager for 2010...
Wicklow senior football manager Mick O'Dwyer has confirmed that he will remain in the role for 2010.
Micko has overseen a huge progression in the fortune of the Garden County footballers since he first took up the post in 2007.
The confirmation of his staying on for a fourth year was made at a county board function last Saturday night.
___
Micko has overseen a huge progression in the fortune of the Garden County footballers since he first took up the post in 2007.
The confirmation of his staying on for a fourth year was made at a county board function last Saturday night.
___
GAA Football All Stars for 2009...
All-Ireland champions Kerry provide seven of the 2009 Vodafone Football All Star team.
All-Ireland runners-up Cork had five players named among the honoured fifteen. One player each from Donegal, Kildare and Tyrone completed the selection.
Kerry's Paul Galvin was named GAA Vodafone Footballer of the Year for 2009.
Donegal's Michael Murphy received the Young Footballer of the Year for 2009.
The 2009 Vodafone Football All-Stars are:
Goalkeeper:
Diarmuid Murphy (Kerry)
Full-Backs:
Karl Lacey (Donegal)
Michael Shields (Cork)
Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Half-Backs:
Tomás O Sé (Kerry)
Graham Canty (Cork)
John Miskella (Cork)
Midfield:
Dermot Earley (Kildare)
Seamus Scanlon (Kerry)
Half-Forwards:
Paul Galvin (Kerry)
Pearse O'Neill (Cork)
Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry)
Full-Forwards:
Daniel Goulding (Cork)
Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone)
___
All-Ireland runners-up Cork had five players named among the honoured fifteen. One player each from Donegal, Kildare and Tyrone completed the selection.
Kerry's Paul Galvin was named GAA Vodafone Footballer of the Year for 2009.
Donegal's Michael Murphy received the Young Footballer of the Year for 2009.
The 2009 Vodafone Football All-Stars are:
Goalkeeper:
Diarmuid Murphy (Kerry)
Full-Backs:
Karl Lacey (Donegal)
Michael Shields (Cork)
Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Half-Backs:
Tomás O Sé (Kerry)
Graham Canty (Cork)
John Miskella (Cork)
Midfield:
Dermot Earley (Kildare)
Seamus Scanlon (Kerry)
Half-Forwards:
Paul Galvin (Kerry)
Pearse O'Neill (Cork)
Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry)
Full-Forwards:
Daniel Goulding (Cork)
Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone)
___
GAA Hurling All Stars for 2009...
Six of the Kilkenny players who helped their county to a fourth successive All-Ireland hurling title in 2009 have been rewarded with All Stars.
Runners-up Tipperary received four All Stars, while Galway and Waterford have picked up two each and Dublin one.
Kilkenny's Tommy Walsh was named Hurler of the Year.
Tipperary's Noel McGrath was named Young Hurler of the Year.
The 2009 Vodafone Hurling All-Stars are:
Goalkeeper:
PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)
Full-Backs:
Ollie Canning (Galway)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny)
Half-Backs:
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)
Midfield:
Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
Alan McCrabbe (Dublin)
Half-Forwards:
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
Full-Forwards:
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
Joe Canning (Galway)
John Mullane (Waterford)
___
Runners-up Tipperary received four All Stars, while Galway and Waterford have picked up two each and Dublin one.
Kilkenny's Tommy Walsh was named Hurler of the Year.
Tipperary's Noel McGrath was named Young Hurler of the Year.
The 2009 Vodafone Hurling All-Stars are:
Goalkeeper:
PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)
Full-Backs:
Ollie Canning (Galway)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny)
Half-Backs:
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)
Midfield:
Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
Alan McCrabbe (Dublin)
Half-Forwards:
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
Full-Forwards:
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
Joe Canning (Galway)
John Mullane (Waterford)
___
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New Westmeath Football Management Team ...
New Westmeath football boss Brendan Hackett has added Olympic boxing champion Michael Carruth to his backroom team, as the team's new masseur.
As expected, former county star Michael 'Spike' Fagan was confirmed as a selector, having trained under Hackett when Ireland played Australia in the 1990 International Rules series.
___
As expected, former county star Michael 'Spike' Fagan was confirmed as a selector, having trained under Hackett when Ireland played Australia in the 1990 International Rules series.
___
New Armagh Football Management Team...
Armagh announced two weeks ago that former Down All-Ireland winning captain Paddy O'Rourke would be their new senior football manager in succession to Peter McDonnell.
Crossmaglen boss Donal Murtagh has confirmed that he has agreed to become one of O'Rourke's selectors.
Renowned fitness trainer Mike McGurn has become part of O'Rourke's backroom team.
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Crossmaglen boss Donal Murtagh has confirmed that he has agreed to become one of O'Rourke's selectors.
Renowned fitness trainer Mike McGurn has become part of O'Rourke's backroom team.
___
GAA Hurling All Stars 2009...
The All-Stars for the hurling selection was announced on Thursday. The stars will be honored on Friday evening at the 2009 Vodafone All Stars awards.
The football selection will be announced and honored along with the hurlers on Friday evening.
The GAA Hurling All Stars 2009.
1. PJ Ryan (Kilkenny) - 1st award
2. Ollie Canning (Galway) - 4th award (‘01, ‘03, ’05)
3. Padraig Maher (Tipperary) - 1st award
4. Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny) - 3rd award (07, ’08)
5. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny) – 7th award in a row (‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ’08)
6. Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh (Waterford) - 2nd award (’07)
7. Conor O’Mahony (Tipperary) - 2nd award (’08)
8. Michael Rice (Kilkenny) - 1st award
9. Alan McCrabbe (Dublin) - 1st award
10. Lar Corbett (Tipperary) - 1st award
11. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny) - 9th award (‘00, ‘02, ‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, ’07, ’08)
12. Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny) - 2nd award (’08)
13. Noel McGrath (Tipperary) - 1st award
14. Joe Canning (Galway) - 2nd award (’08)
15. John Mullane (Waterford) - 2nd award (’03)
___
The football selection will be announced and honored along with the hurlers on Friday evening.
The GAA Hurling All Stars 2009.
1. PJ Ryan (Kilkenny) - 1st award
2. Ollie Canning (Galway) - 4th award (‘01, ‘03, ’05)
3. Padraig Maher (Tipperary) - 1st award
4. Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny) - 3rd award (07, ’08)
5. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny) – 7th award in a row (‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ’08)
6. Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh (Waterford) - 2nd award (’07)
7. Conor O’Mahony (Tipperary) - 2nd award (’08)
8. Michael Rice (Kilkenny) - 1st award
9. Alan McCrabbe (Dublin) - 1st award
10. Lar Corbett (Tipperary) - 1st award
11. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny) - 9th award (‘00, ‘02, ‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, ’07, ’08)
12. Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny) - 2nd award (’08)
13. Noel McGrath (Tipperary) - 1st award
14. Joe Canning (Galway) - 2nd award (’08)
15. John Mullane (Waterford) - 2nd award (’03)
___
Monday, October 12, 2009
Allianz GAA NFL opening fixtures announced...
The Allianz GAA NFL opening fixtures have been announced.
The opening day of action throws up some old rivalries with Derry meeting Tyrone and Mayo hosting Joe Kernan's Galway on Saturday, 6 February.
Reigning All-Ireland and League champions Kerry set to open their defence against Dublin on Sunday, 7 February, while the opening weekend of hurling sees Tipperary meet Kilkenny.
Allianz GAA NFL opening fixtures
Saturday 6 February
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)
Division I
Derry v Tyrone
Mayo v Galway
Division II
Laois v Tipperary
Meath v Armagh
Sunday 7 February
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)
Division I
Kerry v Dublin
Monaghan v Cork
Division II
Kildare v Down
Westmeath v Donegal
Division III
Offaly v Fermanagh
Louth v Wexford
Roscommon v Cavan
Antrim v Sligo (2.00pm)
Division IV
London v Limerick
Carlow v Longford
Clare v Wicklow
Leitrim v Waterford
Kilkenny v Bye
Allianz GAA NHL opening fixtures
Saturday 20 February
Division I
Tipperary v Kilkenny (7.30pm)
Sunday 21 February
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)
Division I
Limerick v Galway
Cork v Offaly
Waterford v Dublin
Division II
Laois v Kildare
Clare v Down (1.30pm)
Westmeath v Wexford
Antrim v Carlow
Division IIIA
London v Meath
Derry v Kerry
Armagh v Mayo
Division IIIB
Louth v Sligo
Tyrone v Donegal
Fingal v Wicklow
Roscommon v BYE
Division IV
Monaghan v Fermanagh
Cavan v Leitrim
Longford v South Down
___
The opening day of action throws up some old rivalries with Derry meeting Tyrone and Mayo hosting Joe Kernan's Galway on Saturday, 6 February.
Reigning All-Ireland and League champions Kerry set to open their defence against Dublin on Sunday, 7 February, while the opening weekend of hurling sees Tipperary meet Kilkenny.
Allianz GAA NFL opening fixtures
Saturday 6 February
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)
Division I
Derry v Tyrone
Mayo v Galway
Division II
Laois v Tipperary
Meath v Armagh
Sunday 7 February
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)
Division I
Kerry v Dublin
Monaghan v Cork
Division II
Kildare v Down
Westmeath v Donegal
Division III
Offaly v Fermanagh
Louth v Wexford
Roscommon v Cavan
Antrim v Sligo (2.00pm)
Division IV
London v Limerick
Carlow v Longford
Clare v Wicklow
Leitrim v Waterford
Kilkenny v Bye
Allianz GAA NHL opening fixtures
Saturday 20 February
Division I
Tipperary v Kilkenny (7.30pm)
Sunday 21 February
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)
Division I
Limerick v Galway
Cork v Offaly
Waterford v Dublin
Division II
Laois v Kildare
Clare v Down (1.30pm)
Westmeath v Wexford
Antrim v Carlow
Division IIIA
London v Meath
Derry v Kerry
Armagh v Mayo
Division IIIB
Louth v Sligo
Tyrone v Donegal
Fingal v Wicklow
Roscommon v BYE
Division IV
Monaghan v Fermanagh
Cavan v Leitrim
Longford v South Down
___
Galway get win over New York in the Connacht FDB League Final...
Galway 1-18 New York 0-4
New Galway manager Joe Kernan saw his team secure an easy win against New York in the Connacht FBD League Final at Gaelic Park on Sunday.
Galway got off to a fast start and were 10 points up by half-time with six points coming inside the first 10 minutes of the match. New York failed to register a score until the 15th minute, when John Murtagh finally got their first point and they would only add add three further scores.
Galway's Eoin Concannon got a goal after a good build-up play by wing-back Darren Mullally and excellent scoring from Nicky Joyce saw Kernan's reign get off to the ideal start.
___
New Galway manager Joe Kernan saw his team secure an easy win against New York in the Connacht FBD League Final at Gaelic Park on Sunday.
Galway got off to a fast start and were 10 points up by half-time with six points coming inside the first 10 minutes of the match. New York failed to register a score until the 15th minute, when John Murtagh finally got their first point and they would only add add three further scores.
Galway's Eoin Concannon got a goal after a good build-up play by wing-back Darren Mullally and excellent scoring from Nicky Joyce saw Kernan's reign get off to the ideal start.
___
Friday, September 25, 2009
Vodafone GAA All Stars Football Nominations for 2009...
The nominations for the GAA All Stars in Football for 2009 have been announced.
All-Ireland champions Kerry lead this year's list with 12 All-Star nominations.
Twelve counties are represented in the nominations list, with defeated finalists Cork having the second highest total with 10 nominees, Tyrone third with five and Dublin in fourth with four nominees.
Champions Kerry also have two players - Paul Galvin and Tomas Ó Sé - shortlisted for Footballer of the Year, with Cork's Graham Canty the other nominee. The Young Footballer of the Year will be decided between Donegal's Michael Murphy, Cork's Colm O'Neill and Mayo's Aidan O'Shea.
Only five of last year's All Stars team are nominated - Kerry's Tomas Ó Sé, Declan O'Sullivan and Colm Cooper and Tyrone's Justin McMahon and Davy Harte.
The announcement of the winners will be at the All Stars banquet on Friday, October 16th.
Nominations are:
Goalkeepers
Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
Diarmuid Murphy (Kerry)
Alan Quirke (Cork)
Full Backs
Tommy Griffin (Kerry)
Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Marc Ó Sé (Kerry)
Anthony Lynch (Cork)
Michael Shields (Cork)
Ciarán Hyland (Wicklow)
Karl Lacey (Donegal)
Johnny McCarthy (Limerick)
Justin McMahon (Tyrone)
Half Backs
Graham Canty (Cork)
John Miskella (Cork)
Michael McCarthy (Kerry)
Tomas Ó Sé (Kerry)
Davy Harte (Tyrone)
Ryan McMenamin (Tyrone)
Barry Cahill (Dublin)
Johnny Davey (Sligo)
Andy Moran (Mayo)
Midfield
Dermot Earley (Kildare)
Nicholas Murphy (Cork)
Alan O'Connor (Cork)
Kevin Hughes (Tyrone)
John Galvin (Limerick)
Séamus Scanlon (Kerry)
Half Forwards
Paul Galvin (Kerry)
Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry)
Alan Brogan (Dublin)
Leighton Glynn (Wicklow)
James Kavanagh (Kildare)
Trevor Mortimer (Mayo)
Paddy Kelly (Cork)
Pearse O'Neill (Cork)
Joe Sheridan (Meath)
Full Forwards
Bernard Brogan (Dublin)
Colm Cooper (Kerry)
Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Tommy Walsh (Kerry)
Daniel Goulding (Cork)
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
Michael McCann (Antrim)
Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone)
Alan Smith (Kildare)
Footballer of the Year
Graham Canty (Cork)
Paul Galvin (Kerry)
Tomas Ó Sé (Kerry)
Young Footballer of the Year
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
Colm O'Neill (Cork)
Aidan O'Shea (Mayo)
___
All-Ireland champions Kerry lead this year's list with 12 All-Star nominations.
Twelve counties are represented in the nominations list, with defeated finalists Cork having the second highest total with 10 nominees, Tyrone third with five and Dublin in fourth with four nominees.
Champions Kerry also have two players - Paul Galvin and Tomas Ó Sé - shortlisted for Footballer of the Year, with Cork's Graham Canty the other nominee. The Young Footballer of the Year will be decided between Donegal's Michael Murphy, Cork's Colm O'Neill and Mayo's Aidan O'Shea.
Only five of last year's All Stars team are nominated - Kerry's Tomas Ó Sé, Declan O'Sullivan and Colm Cooper and Tyrone's Justin McMahon and Davy Harte.
The announcement of the winners will be at the All Stars banquet on Friday, October 16th.
Nominations are:
Goalkeepers
Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
Diarmuid Murphy (Kerry)
Alan Quirke (Cork)
Full Backs
Tommy Griffin (Kerry)
Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Marc Ó Sé (Kerry)
Anthony Lynch (Cork)
Michael Shields (Cork)
Ciarán Hyland (Wicklow)
Karl Lacey (Donegal)
Johnny McCarthy (Limerick)
Justin McMahon (Tyrone)
Half Backs
Graham Canty (Cork)
John Miskella (Cork)
Michael McCarthy (Kerry)
Tomas Ó Sé (Kerry)
Davy Harte (Tyrone)
Ryan McMenamin (Tyrone)
Barry Cahill (Dublin)
Johnny Davey (Sligo)
Andy Moran (Mayo)
Midfield
Dermot Earley (Kildare)
Nicholas Murphy (Cork)
Alan O'Connor (Cork)
Kevin Hughes (Tyrone)
John Galvin (Limerick)
Séamus Scanlon (Kerry)
Half Forwards
Paul Galvin (Kerry)
Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry)
Alan Brogan (Dublin)
Leighton Glynn (Wicklow)
James Kavanagh (Kildare)
Trevor Mortimer (Mayo)
Paddy Kelly (Cork)
Pearse O'Neill (Cork)
Joe Sheridan (Meath)
Full Forwards
Bernard Brogan (Dublin)
Colm Cooper (Kerry)
Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Tommy Walsh (Kerry)
Daniel Goulding (Cork)
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
Michael McCann (Antrim)
Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone)
Alan Smith (Kildare)
Footballer of the Year
Graham Canty (Cork)
Paul Galvin (Kerry)
Tomas Ó Sé (Kerry)
Young Footballer of the Year
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
Colm O'Neill (Cork)
Aidan O'Shea (Mayo)
___
Thursday, September 24, 2009
John Owens is Waterford's new football manager...
Last week, former Tipperary star defender John Owens was named as Waterford's new football manager.
Owens succeeds John Kiely, who was controversially sacked after five years.
Owens was a member of the Tipperary minor team that reached the 1984 All-Ireland final, only to lose to Dublin. He had a long career with the Tipperary seniors and represented Munster in the Railway Cup in the mid-1990s.
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Owens succeeds John Kiely, who was controversially sacked after five years.
Owens was a member of the Tipperary minor team that reached the 1984 All-Ireland final, only to lose to Dublin. He had a long career with the Tipperary seniors and represented Munster in the Railway Cup in the mid-1990s.
___
Vodafone GAA All Stars Hurling Nominations for 2009...
The nominations for the GAA All Stars Hurling for 2009 have been announced.
All-Ireland runners up Tipperary have secured the largest amount of nominations for this year's All-Star hurling awards.
Thirteen Tipp players are nominated for awards, while All-Ireland winners Kilkenny have 12 nominations, followed by Galway with six and Waterford with five.
All but three of last year's All Stars team are nominated. The exceptions are Kilkenny's Noel Hickey and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick and Eoin Kelly of Waterford.
Tommy Walsh of Kilkenny, Lar Corbett of Tipperary and John Mullane of Waterford are all up for the Hurler of the Year award.
Tipperary also have two players in the running for Young Hurler of the Year, with Padraig Maher and Noel McGrath vying for the award along with Galway's Joe Canning.
The All Stars banquet will be held on Friday, October 16th.
Nominations:
Goalkeepers:
Brendan Cummins (Tipperary)
PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)
Clinton Hennessy (Waterford)
Full Backs:
JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Paddy Stapleton (Tipperary)
Ollie Canning (Galway)
Fergal Moore (Galway)
Noel Connors (Waterford)
Shane O'Neill (Cork)
Half Backs:
John Tennyson (Kilkenny)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Tony Browne (Waterford)
Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)
Declan Fanning (Tipperary)
John Lee (Galway)
Mark Foley (Limerick)
Stephen Hiney (Dublin)
Midfield:
Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
Alan McCrabbe (Dublin)
Shane McGrath (Tipperary)
James Woodlock (Tipperary)
Seamus Hickey (Limerick)
Gavin O'Mahony (Limerick)
Half Forwards:
Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Pat Kerwick (Tipperary)
John O'Brien (Tipperary)
Ben O'Connor (Cork)
Aonghus Callinan (Galway)
Full Forwards:
Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
Joe Canning (Galway)
Damien Hayes (Galway)
Martin Comerford (Kilkenny)
Richie Power (Kilkenny)
David O'Callaghan (Dublin)
David Treacy (Dublin)
John Mullane (Waterford)
Hurler of the Year
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
John Mullane (Waterford)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Young Hurler of the Year
Joe Canning (Galway)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
___
All-Ireland runners up Tipperary have secured the largest amount of nominations for this year's All-Star hurling awards.
Thirteen Tipp players are nominated for awards, while All-Ireland winners Kilkenny have 12 nominations, followed by Galway with six and Waterford with five.
All but three of last year's All Stars team are nominated. The exceptions are Kilkenny's Noel Hickey and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick and Eoin Kelly of Waterford.
Tommy Walsh of Kilkenny, Lar Corbett of Tipperary and John Mullane of Waterford are all up for the Hurler of the Year award.
Tipperary also have two players in the running for Young Hurler of the Year, with Padraig Maher and Noel McGrath vying for the award along with Galway's Joe Canning.
The All Stars banquet will be held on Friday, October 16th.
Nominations:
Goalkeepers:
Brendan Cummins (Tipperary)
PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)
Clinton Hennessy (Waterford)
Full Backs:
JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Paddy Stapleton (Tipperary)
Ollie Canning (Galway)
Fergal Moore (Galway)
Noel Connors (Waterford)
Shane O'Neill (Cork)
Half Backs:
John Tennyson (Kilkenny)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Tony Browne (Waterford)
Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)
Declan Fanning (Tipperary)
John Lee (Galway)
Mark Foley (Limerick)
Stephen Hiney (Dublin)
Midfield:
Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
Alan McCrabbe (Dublin)
Shane McGrath (Tipperary)
James Woodlock (Tipperary)
Seamus Hickey (Limerick)
Gavin O'Mahony (Limerick)
Half Forwards:
Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Pat Kerwick (Tipperary)
John O'Brien (Tipperary)
Ben O'Connor (Cork)
Aonghus Callinan (Galway)
Full Forwards:
Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
Joe Canning (Galway)
Damien Hayes (Galway)
Martin Comerford (Kilkenny)
Richie Power (Kilkenny)
David O'Callaghan (Dublin)
David Treacy (Dublin)
John Mullane (Waterford)
Hurler of the Year
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
John Mullane (Waterford)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Young Hurler of the Year
Joe Canning (Galway)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
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National Hurling League 2010....
The 2010 National Hurling League will begin on Saturday, February 20th at Semple Stadium.
The match will be a repeat meeting of this year's All-Ireland hurling final between Kilkenny and Tipperary.
This tie will be played under lights.
The other Division One first-round games between Limerick and Galway, Cork and Offaly and Waterford and Dublin will take place the following day.
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The match will be a repeat meeting of this year's All-Ireland hurling final between Kilkenny and Tipperary.
This tie will be played under lights.
The other Division One first-round games between Limerick and Galway, Cork and Offaly and Waterford and Dublin will take place the following day.
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Sunday, September 20, 2009
Kerry defeat Cork in the All-Ireland SFC Final...
Kerry 0-16 Cork 1-09
HALF-TIME - Kerry 0-11 Cork 1-06
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HALF-TIME - Kerry 0-11 Cork 1-06
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Monday, September 14, 2009
All-Ireland SFC Final: Cork v Kerry...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Final
Cork versus Kerry
Venue: Croke Park, September 20 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: Marty Duffy (Sligeach)
Final
Cork versus Kerry
Venue: Croke Park, September 20 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: Marty Duffy (Sligeach)
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Is Paul Grimley going for Armagh Football Manager's job?...
The new Monaghan assistant football manager Paul Grimley, is set to re-enter the race for the Armagh manager's job.
It's understood that Grimley has come under pressure in recent days to allow his name to go forward for the Orchard County vacancy, but Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney insists that he is fully committed to Monaghan.
Grimley applied for the Armagh job two years ago after Joe Kernan's exit, but was overlooked in favour of Peter McDonnell.
After McDonnell stepped down in July, Grimley asked for a five-year term with a review after three years and made other demands, which the board were unwilling to meet.
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It's understood that Grimley has come under pressure in recent days to allow his name to go forward for the Orchard County vacancy, but Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney insists that he is fully committed to Monaghan.
Grimley applied for the Armagh job two years ago after Joe Kernan's exit, but was overlooked in favour of Peter McDonnell.
After McDonnell stepped down in July, Grimley asked for a five-year term with a review after three years and made other demands, which the board were unwilling to meet.
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James McCartan is new Down Football Manager...
Former county star James McCartan was appointed as the new Down senior football manager on Friday night (Sept 11th).
McCartan was ratified on a three-year term at a meeting of the Down County Committee.
His backroom team includes ex-Tyrone trainer Paddy Tally and former Donegal boss Brian McIver.
McCartan, who won All-Ireland medals with the Mourne County in 1991 and 1994, made his name in management by guiding Queen’s University to a Sigerson Cup title in 2007.
In 2005, he led his own club Burren to a county title, before winning the county championship with Antrim side St Gall’s in 2008. Most recently, he managed Derry club side Ballinderry.
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Joe Kernan is new Galway Football Manager...
Joe Kernan was installed as Liam Sammon's successor on Wednesday night's (Sept 9th)Galway football board meeting in Loughgeorge, Galway. Kernan has been handed a three-year term, with a review at the end of each season.
Kernanwas to have said that his "Galway blood" was a guiding factor in his decision to become the senior football manager. His late mother hailed from Ballinasloe and he boasts family connections with John and Pat Donnellan from the three-in-a-row team of the '60s, while his uncle Sean Ward also wore the maroon jersey.
The new manager could have his backroom team finalised as early as Tuesday (Sept. 15th), with Alan Mulholland and Paul McGettigan among those who could be included.
Galway football chairman John Joe Holleran is confident that Kernan is the man to take the Tribesmen forward. Well, we will have to wait and see!
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Sunday, September 6, 2009
Kilkenny defeats Tipp in the All-Ireland SHC Final...
Kilkenny 2-22 Tipperary 0-23
Kilkenny achieved the four-in-a-row after defeating a brave Tipperary side in a closely contested (for the most part) Senior Hurling Championship Final.
Half-Time Score: Kilkenny 0-13 Tipperary 0-11
Tipp's substitute Benny Dunne was sent off in the 54th minute for a wild tackle on Tommy Walsh.
Tipp's Eoin Kelly had 13 points in the match.
Henry Sheflin scored a goal from a penalty in the 63rd minute for Kilkenny.
Martin Comerford scored a goal for Kilkenny in the 64th minute.
Galway beat Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final by a score of 2-15 to 2-11.
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Kilkenny achieved the four-in-a-row after defeating a brave Tipperary side in a closely contested (for the most part) Senior Hurling Championship Final.
Half-Time Score: Kilkenny 0-13 Tipperary 0-11
Tipp's substitute Benny Dunne was sent off in the 54th minute for a wild tackle on Tommy Walsh.
Tipp's Eoin Kelly had 13 points in the match.
Henry Sheflin scored a goal from a penalty in the 63rd minute for Kilkenny.
Martin Comerford scored a goal for Kilkenny in the 64th minute.
Galway beat Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final by a score of 2-15 to 2-11.
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Saturday, September 5, 2009
All-Ireland SHC Final: Kilkenny v Tipperary Match Pick...
Kilkenny take on Tipperary in Sunday’s GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final at Croke Park @ 3:30PM.
Derek Lyng and Richie Hogan have been drafted into the Kilkenny team for this encounter. Lyng comes in at midfield for last year's captain James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, while Hogan gets his first start of the championship at right half forward with Martin Comerford making way. Lyng's inclusion also means there is no starting place for team captain Michael Fennelly.
Henry Shefflin switches to centre forward, while the management have decided not to start fit-again All-Star full back Noel Hickey, with JJ Delaney continuing on the edge of the square.
There are three changes from last year's All-Ireland final with John Tennyson, Michael Rice and Richie Power coming in for Noel Hickey, Fitzpatrick and Comerford.
Kilkenny Team:
PJ Ryan, M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell, T Walsh, B Hogan, J Tennyson, D Lyng, M Rice, R Hogan, H Shefflin, E Larkin, E Brennan, R Power, A Fogarty.
Tipperary boss Liam Sheedy has named an unchanged side for the final against Kilkenny.
Conor O’Mahony will captain the side, having overcome a dead leg following the Premier’s semi-final victory over Limerick.
It means there will be no place on the starting fifteen for squad captain Willie Ryan, who will lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup should Tipperary overcome the four-in-a-row-chasing Cats.
Tipperary Team:
Brendan Cummins, Paddy Stapleton, Padraic Maher, Paul Curran, Declan Fanning, Conor O’Mahony, Brendan Maher, James Woodlock, Shane McGrath, Pat Kerwick, Seamus Callanan, John O’Brien, Noel McGrath, Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett.
The current Cats team are touted as possibly the greatest team of all-time, and as they head for four-in-a-row on Sunday, I can't see them losing this final.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Kilkenny 4/9
Draw 10/1
Tipperary 9/4
Handicap Betting:
Kilkenny (-3.0) evens
Handicap Draw (-3.0) 11/1
Tipperary (+3.0) 10/11
Winner: Kilkenny
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Derek Lyng and Richie Hogan have been drafted into the Kilkenny team for this encounter. Lyng comes in at midfield for last year's captain James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, while Hogan gets his first start of the championship at right half forward with Martin Comerford making way. Lyng's inclusion also means there is no starting place for team captain Michael Fennelly.
Henry Shefflin switches to centre forward, while the management have decided not to start fit-again All-Star full back Noel Hickey, with JJ Delaney continuing on the edge of the square.
There are three changes from last year's All-Ireland final with John Tennyson, Michael Rice and Richie Power coming in for Noel Hickey, Fitzpatrick and Comerford.
Kilkenny Team:
PJ Ryan, M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell, T Walsh, B Hogan, J Tennyson, D Lyng, M Rice, R Hogan, H Shefflin, E Larkin, E Brennan, R Power, A Fogarty.
Tipperary boss Liam Sheedy has named an unchanged side for the final against Kilkenny.
Conor O’Mahony will captain the side, having overcome a dead leg following the Premier’s semi-final victory over Limerick.
It means there will be no place on the starting fifteen for squad captain Willie Ryan, who will lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup should Tipperary overcome the four-in-a-row-chasing Cats.
Tipperary Team:
Brendan Cummins, Paddy Stapleton, Padraic Maher, Paul Curran, Declan Fanning, Conor O’Mahony, Brendan Maher, James Woodlock, Shane McGrath, Pat Kerwick, Seamus Callanan, John O’Brien, Noel McGrath, Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett.
The current Cats team are touted as possibly the greatest team of all-time, and as they head for four-in-a-row on Sunday, I can't see them losing this final.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Kilkenny 4/9
Draw 10/1
Tipperary 9/4
Handicap Betting:
Kilkenny (-3.0) evens
Handicap Draw (-3.0) 11/1
Tipperary (+3.0) 10/11
Winner: Kilkenny
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Joe Kernan interested in Galway Manager's Job...
Joe Kernan has admitted that he has a strong interest in taking over from Liam Sammon as the new Galway football manager.
It is rumored that he has already been contacted by Galway officials about the vacant position.
Kernan has been out of inter-county management since he stepped down as Armagh boss in 2007, having led the Orchard County to an All Ireland title in 2002.
Kernan presided over the most successful period in Armagh GAA history, leading them to a first All-Ireland title in 2002, a first National League title in 2005 and four Ulster championship triumphs, including a treble between 2004-06.
However, he recently ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Armagh managerial position, citing business commitments for his decision.
So why the keen interest in the Galway job? Well, his mother comes from Galway. Though, I don't know if that has anything to do with it!
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It is rumored that he has already been contacted by Galway officials about the vacant position.
Kernan has been out of inter-county management since he stepped down as Armagh boss in 2007, having led the Orchard County to an All Ireland title in 2002.
Kernan presided over the most successful period in Armagh GAA history, leading them to a first All-Ireland title in 2002, a first National League title in 2005 and four Ulster championship triumphs, including a treble between 2004-06.
However, he recently ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Armagh managerial position, citing business commitments for his decision.
So why the keen interest in the Galway job? Well, his mother comes from Galway. Though, I don't know if that has anything to do with it!
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Waterford Hurling Manager Fitzgerald to undergo heart surgery...
Waterford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald is to undergo cardiac surgery later this week.
The 37-year-old will be admitted to a Dublin hospital on Wednesday to have stents inserted into one of the arteries around his heart because of a blockage. He recently visited a doctor after feeling unwell and was shocked to learn that he would need the operation at such a young age.
Fitzgerald is a non-drinker and non-smoker, but it was stated that there is a history of heart conditions in his family.
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The 37-year-old will be admitted to a Dublin hospital on Wednesday to have stents inserted into one of the arteries around his heart because of a blockage. He recently visited a doctor after feeling unwell and was shocked to learn that he would need the operation at such a young age.
Fitzgerald is a non-drinker and non-smoker, but it was stated that there is a history of heart conditions in his family.
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Bradley stays on as Antrim Football Manager...
Liam Bradley has agreed to continue as football manager of the Saffrons County for another year after a number of issues were resolved.
The Derry man was appointed for a three-year term last October, but last month revealed that he would postpone making a decision about his future until everything had been sorted out to his satisfaction.
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The Derry man was appointed for a three-year term last October, but last month revealed that he would postpone making a decision about his future until everything had been sorted out to his satisfaction.
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Dublin's Ciaran Whelan retires from inter-county football...
Ciaran Whelan has retired from playing inter-county football for Dublin, after 14 years of service.
The veteran midfielder's decision comes as no surprise after he had hinted at retirement in the wake of Dublin's 17-point All-Ireland SFC quarter-final thrashing by Kerry in August.
He won six Leinster medals and two All-Stars but never got the opportunity to play in an All-Ireland final.
He revealed that he could no longer give the commitment required for another season at the top level. But he insisted that he retired with no regrets.
Best of luck to him!
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The veteran midfielder's decision comes as no surprise after he had hinted at retirement in the wake of Dublin's 17-point All-Ireland SFC quarter-final thrashing by Kerry in August.
He won six Leinster medals and two All-Stars but never got the opportunity to play in an All-Ireland final.
He revealed that he could no longer give the commitment required for another season at the top level. But he insisted that he retired with no regrets.
Best of luck to him!
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All-Ireland SHC Final, Kilkenny v Tipperary...
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
Final
Kilkenny versus Tipperary
Venue: Croke Park, September 6 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)
Final
Kilkenny versus Tipperary
Venue: Croke Park, September 6 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)
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Sunday, August 30, 2009
Kerry defeat Meath in the All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final...
Kerry 2-08 Meath 1-07
Kerry are through to their sixth consecutive All-Ireland SFC final, after beating Meath in a lacklustre semi-final.
Captain Darran O'Sullivan scored a goal for Kerry from a penalty in the 4th minute.
Meath captain Stephen Bray hurt his shoulder in the 6th minute and was replaced by Mickey Burke.
Half-Time Score: Kerry 1-03 Meath 0-04
Tommy Walsh scored a goal for Kerry at the beginning of the second half.
Cian Ward put the ball in the net in injury time for Meath.
We can only hope, that Kerry and Cork will provide a final in three weeks time that will be worthy of the All-Ireland championship.
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Kerry are through to their sixth consecutive All-Ireland SFC final, after beating Meath in a lacklustre semi-final.
Captain Darran O'Sullivan scored a goal for Kerry from a penalty in the 4th minute.
Meath captain Stephen Bray hurt his shoulder in the 6th minute and was replaced by Mickey Burke.
Half-Time Score: Kerry 1-03 Meath 0-04
Tommy Walsh scored a goal for Kerry at the beginning of the second half.
Cian Ward put the ball in the net in injury time for Meath.
We can only hope, that Kerry and Cork will provide a final in three weeks time that will be worthy of the All-Ireland championship.
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All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final: Kerry v Meath Match Pick...
Kerry take on Meath in this Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final at Croke Park @ 3:30 PM.
Tadhg Kennelly will start for Kerry for this encounter. He takes Tommy Walsh's place after coming on for him when injured during the quarter-final victory over Dublin.
Kennelly is at centre forward, with Declan O'Sullivan at full-forward. Walsh has recovered and is among the substitutes.
Kieran Donaghy is also on the bench but lacks match fitness after overcoming his foot injury.
Kerry Team:
D Murphy; M O Se, T Griffin, T O'Sullivan; T O Se, M McCarthy, K Young; D O Se, S Scanlon; P Galvin, T Kennelly, D Walsh; C Cooper, Declan O'Sullivan, Darran O'Sullivan.
Meath have made one change for this semi-final against Kerry.
Captain Stephen Bray returns from suspension to take his place in the Royal county attack with Mickey Burke dropping to the bench and Seamus Kenny returning to the half back line.
Bray has completed his four-week ban after being sent off in the qualifier victory over Limerick.
Anthony Moyles is deemed fit enough to start at full-back, while Kenny and Chris O'Connor have also overcome minor injury worries.
Meath Team:
P O'Rourke; C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King; N Crawford, B Meade; P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray; D Bray, B Farrell, C Ward.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Kerry 1/8
Draw 11/1
Meath 6/1
Handicap Betting:
Kerry (-5.0) 6/5
Handicap Draw (-5.0) 8/1
Meath (+5.0) 5/6
Winner: Meath
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Tadhg Kennelly will start for Kerry for this encounter. He takes Tommy Walsh's place after coming on for him when injured during the quarter-final victory over Dublin.
Kennelly is at centre forward, with Declan O'Sullivan at full-forward. Walsh has recovered and is among the substitutes.
Kieran Donaghy is also on the bench but lacks match fitness after overcoming his foot injury.
Kerry Team:
D Murphy; M O Se, T Griffin, T O'Sullivan; T O Se, M McCarthy, K Young; D O Se, S Scanlon; P Galvin, T Kennelly, D Walsh; C Cooper, Declan O'Sullivan, Darran O'Sullivan.
Meath have made one change for this semi-final against Kerry.
Captain Stephen Bray returns from suspension to take his place in the Royal county attack with Mickey Burke dropping to the bench and Seamus Kenny returning to the half back line.
Bray has completed his four-week ban after being sent off in the qualifier victory over Limerick.
Anthony Moyles is deemed fit enough to start at full-back, while Kenny and Chris O'Connor have also overcome minor injury worries.
Meath Team:
P O'Rourke; C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King; N Crawford, B Meade; P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray; D Bray, B Farrell, C Ward.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Kerry 1/8
Draw 11/1
Meath 6/1
Handicap Betting:
Kerry (-5.0) 6/5
Handicap Draw (-5.0) 8/1
Meath (+5.0) 5/6
Winner: Meath
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final: Kerry v Meath...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Semi-Final
Kerry versus Meath
Venue: Croke Park, August 30 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: Gearóid Ó Conamha (Gaillimh)
Semi-Final
Kerry versus Meath
Venue: Croke Park, August 30 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: Gearóid Ó Conamha (Gaillimh)
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Cork v Tyrone in SFC - Most Watched GAA match this year...
It was reported that Cork's victory over Tyrone in the All Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final, made it the most watched GAA game this year so far in the Championship on all TV channels.
IMHO, if Kerry beats Meath in next weekend's other semi-final, then a Cork versus Kerry All-Ireland Final could easily be the least watched final on the worldwide basis!
Remember the 2007 SFC Final?
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IMHO, if Kerry beats Meath in next weekend's other semi-final, then a Cork versus Kerry All-Ireland Final could easily be the least watched final on the worldwide basis!
Remember the 2007 SFC Final?
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Sunday, August 23, 2009
Cork get surprise win over Tyrone in the All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final ....
Cork 1-13 Tyrone 0-11
Cork are into the All-Ireland SFC final after they deservedly beat defending champions Tyrone at Croke Park.
Daniel Goulding got the goal for Cork in the 8th minute.
Cork's Alan O'Connor received a second yellow in 30th minute and was sent off.
Half-Time Score: Cork 1-9 Tyrone 0-07
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Cork are into the All-Ireland SFC final after they deservedly beat defending champions Tyrone at Croke Park.
Daniel Goulding got the goal for Cork in the 8th minute.
Cork's Alan O'Connor received a second yellow in 30th minute and was sent off.
Half-Time Score: Cork 1-9 Tyrone 0-07
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Where is Sam Maguire going in 2009?...
During the Senior Football Championship this summer, I was running an opinion poll on where the Sam Maguire Cup would be heading this year. At the time of this posting, there were four teams left in the Championship - Tyrone, Kerry, Cork and Meath.
Now, it is time to end this poll and provide the results.
Question: Where is Sam Maguire going this year to end the Decade?
Interestingly enough, the largest percentage (at 39%) is for a new team in this decade to win Sam Maguire. This is still possible (as of the semi-final stages). Both Cork and Meath haven't won the Championship in this decade, though they each have contested a final - Cork lost to Kerry in 2007 and Meath lost to Galway in 2001.
Not far behind at 35%, many have the opinion that Tyrone will retain Sam Maguire this year. Last year, they defeated Kerry in the final.
At the lowest percentage (26%), many that took the poll thought that one of the other teams other than Tyrone (Kerry, Galway, Armagh) that won an All-Ireland SFC in the 2000's would win it this year. Kerry being part of the four teams left, can still prove this opinion correct.
The All-Ireland semi-finals - Cork v Tyrone is on August 23rd and Kerry v Meath is on August 30th.
Well, come Final day on September 20th, we will know who's opinion was the correct one!
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Now, it is time to end this poll and provide the results.
Question: Where is Sam Maguire going this year to end the Decade?
- Tyrone, to hold onto it (35%)
- One of the other only holders of the 2000's - Kerry-Galway-Armagh (26%)
- Other, new county in this decade (39%)
Interestingly enough, the largest percentage (at 39%) is for a new team in this decade to win Sam Maguire. This is still possible (as of the semi-final stages). Both Cork and Meath haven't won the Championship in this decade, though they each have contested a final - Cork lost to Kerry in 2007 and Meath lost to Galway in 2001.
Not far behind at 35%, many have the opinion that Tyrone will retain Sam Maguire this year. Last year, they defeated Kerry in the final.
At the lowest percentage (26%), many that took the poll thought that one of the other teams other than Tyrone (Kerry, Galway, Armagh) that won an All-Ireland SFC in the 2000's would win it this year. Kerry being part of the four teams left, can still prove this opinion correct.
The All-Ireland semi-finals - Cork v Tyrone is on August 23rd and Kerry v Meath is on August 30th.
Well, come Final day on September 20th, we will know who's opinion was the correct one!
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Saturday, August 22, 2009
All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final: Cork v Tyrone Match Pick...
Cork takes on Tyrone in Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final at Croke Park, @ 3:30 PM.
Anthony Lynch returns to the Cork team for this encounter.
Lynch missed the Munster final victory against Limerick and his side's quarter-final win over Donegal with a groin injury, but has been passed fit.
The return of Lynch to the starting fifteen sees Kieran O'Connor drop to the bench in the only change to the side that beat Donegal.
Colm O'Neill keeps his place in the attack ahead of James Masters, who is carrying an injury.
Cork Team:
A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O'Connor, N Murphy; P Kerrigan, P O'Neill, P Kelly; D Goulding, C O'Neill, D O'Connor.
Enda McGinley returns to the Tyrone team and resumes his midfield partnership with Kevin Hughes in what will be his first start in more than two months. McGinley's inclusion is the only change from the team that defeated the Lilywhites by two points.
Sean Cavanagh moves from midfield to centre forward, with Tommy McGuigan the player to lose out.
In an interesting positional switch in defence, full back Justin McMahon switches to centre back in a direct swap with Conor Gormley.
Manager Mickey Harte appears to have decided to utilise McMahon's height to combat towering Cork centre forward Pearse O'Neill.
Tyrone Team:
P McConnell, PJ Quinn, C Gormley, R McMenamin, D Harte, Justin McMahon, P Jordan, K Hughes, E McGinley, B Dooher, S Cavanagh, Joe McMahon, M Penrose, S O'Neill, O Mulligan.
This match will be only the second championship meeting of Tyrone and Cork. The Rebels cruised to a 5-10 to 2-4 in the 1973 All-Ireland semi-final.
Tyrone is bidding for a spot in their fourth All Ireland final this decade (winning their previous three finals - '03, '05 and '08), but in Cork they will surely face their toughest opponents yet in this year's campaign. Cork are something of an unknown quantity, despite the eight-point Munster semi-final replay win over Kerry and the subsequent annihilation of Donegal in the All Ireland quarter-final.
I believe the O'Neill County are on course to claim another All-Ireland title and should win this semi-final clash. However, it will be a tough uncomprising battle between both teams. Although I won't predict a draw on the day - I wouldn't be surprised if there was one.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Tyrone 4/6
Draw 15/2
Cork 13/8
Handicap Betting:
Tyrone (-1.0) 10/11
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 8/1
Cork (+1.0) 11/10
Winner: Tyrone
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Anthony Lynch returns to the Cork team for this encounter.
Lynch missed the Munster final victory against Limerick and his side's quarter-final win over Donegal with a groin injury, but has been passed fit.
The return of Lynch to the starting fifteen sees Kieran O'Connor drop to the bench in the only change to the side that beat Donegal.
Colm O'Neill keeps his place in the attack ahead of James Masters, who is carrying an injury.
Cork Team:
A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O'Connor, N Murphy; P Kerrigan, P O'Neill, P Kelly; D Goulding, C O'Neill, D O'Connor.
Enda McGinley returns to the Tyrone team and resumes his midfield partnership with Kevin Hughes in what will be his first start in more than two months. McGinley's inclusion is the only change from the team that defeated the Lilywhites by two points.
Sean Cavanagh moves from midfield to centre forward, with Tommy McGuigan the player to lose out.
In an interesting positional switch in defence, full back Justin McMahon switches to centre back in a direct swap with Conor Gormley.
Manager Mickey Harte appears to have decided to utilise McMahon's height to combat towering Cork centre forward Pearse O'Neill.
Tyrone Team:
P McConnell, PJ Quinn, C Gormley, R McMenamin, D Harte, Justin McMahon, P Jordan, K Hughes, E McGinley, B Dooher, S Cavanagh, Joe McMahon, M Penrose, S O'Neill, O Mulligan.
This match will be only the second championship meeting of Tyrone and Cork. The Rebels cruised to a 5-10 to 2-4 in the 1973 All-Ireland semi-final.
Tyrone is bidding for a spot in their fourth All Ireland final this decade (winning their previous three finals - '03, '05 and '08), but in Cork they will surely face their toughest opponents yet in this year's campaign. Cork are something of an unknown quantity, despite the eight-point Munster semi-final replay win over Kerry and the subsequent annihilation of Donegal in the All Ireland quarter-final.
I believe the O'Neill County are on course to claim another All-Ireland title and should win this semi-final clash. However, it will be a tough uncomprising battle between both teams. Although I won't predict a draw on the day - I wouldn't be surprised if there was one.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Tyrone 4/6
Draw 15/2
Cork 13/8
Handicap Betting:
Tyrone (-1.0) 10/11
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 8/1
Cork (+1.0) 11/10
Winner: Tyrone
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Thursday, August 20, 2009
All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final: Cork v Tyrone...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Semi-Final
Cork versus Tyrone
Venue: Croke Park, August 23 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: John Bannon (An Longfort)
Semi-Final
Cork versus Tyrone
Venue: Croke Park, August 23 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: John Bannon (An Longfort)
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Will Mick O'Dwyer become new Galway Manager?...
Liam Sammon's resignation as Galway manager this week has prompted speculation that Mick O'Dwyer could be tempted to head West next year, having made no secret of his admiration for the Tribesmen in the past.
The 73-year-old Kerry legend stated that he wouldn't be coming back to Wicklow officials with a definite answer about remaining in charge of the county's footballers, until October at the earliest.
I wonder if this just strictly a rumor. I don't think the bookies have made any speculation on who maybe the next Galway manager.
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The 73-year-old Kerry legend stated that he wouldn't be coming back to Wicklow officials with a definite answer about remaining in charge of the county's footballers, until October at the earliest.
I wonder if this just strictly a rumor. I don't think the bookies have made any speculation on who maybe the next Galway manager.
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Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tipp demolish Limerick in the All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final...
Tipperary 6-19 Limerick 2-07
Tipperary will face defending champions Kilkenny in the GAA All-Ireland SHC final following their runaway win over Limerick at Croke Park.
Half-Time Score: Tipperary 3-08 Limerick 0-04
The Treatymen never got going, while Tipp took full advantage with an exhibition of scoring, including three goals in the opening quarter from Eoin Kelly, Noel McGrath and Pat Kerwick. Tipperary's Lar Corbett scored three second half goals after being held scoreless until the 55th minute.
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Tipperary will face defending champions Kilkenny in the GAA All-Ireland SHC final following their runaway win over Limerick at Croke Park.
Half-Time Score: Tipperary 3-08 Limerick 0-04
The Treatymen never got going, while Tipp took full advantage with an exhibition of scoring, including three goals in the opening quarter from Eoin Kelly, Noel McGrath and Pat Kerwick. Tipperary's Lar Corbett scored three second half goals after being held scoreless until the 55th minute.
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Thursday, August 13, 2009
All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final, Limerick v Tipperary Match Pick...
Limerick will play Tipperary in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final at 3:30pm on Sunday August 16th at Croke Park.
Limerick Manager Justin McCarthy has given the to Ollie Moran at centre forward in place of Wayne McNamara who takes his place on the bench.
In turn, David Breen moves to corner forward with Paul Browne switching to the wing. Elsewhere, Seamus Hickey lines out at right half back with Gavin O'Mahony moving to midfield.
Niall Moran hasn't recovered sufficiently from his broken finger to start but makes the bench.
Limerick Team:
B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; S Hickey, B Geary, M Foley; D O'Grady, G O'Mahony; J Ryan, O Moran, P Browne; D Breen, P McNamara, A O'Shaughnessy.
Tipperary have made just one change for this encounter.
Brendan Maher comes into the side at left half-back in place of Conor O'Brien in the only change from the side that beat Waterford in July's Munster final.
The reshuffled defence will see Padraic Maher at full-back, Paul Curran at left corner-back and Maher at left wing-back.
Tipperary Team:
Brendan Cummins, Paddy Stapleton, Padraic Maher, Paul Curran, Declan Fanning, Conor O’Mahony (C), Brendan Maher, James Woodlock, Shane McGrath, Pat Kerwick, Seamus Callanan, John O’Brien, Noel McGrath, Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett.
The last time these two teams met was in the Munster SHC semi-final (2007) and it took 3 matches to decide which team would go into the Munster final. Limerick won the decider by 0-22 to 2-13. The Treatymen went on the final that year, but lost out to Kilkenny by 2-19 to 1-15. Tipperary, on the other hand, have not been in All-Ireland Final since 2001, which they won by beating Galway 2-18 to 2-15.
Although Tipp are heavy favorites going into this match, the Shannonsiders have gained alot of experience through taking the scenic route to the All-Ireland hurling semi-final and should put it up to Tipp. Since their replay defeat to Waterford in the Munster SHC, Limerick have beaten Wexford, Laois and Dublin. I believe that this will help them get an upset win over their county neighbors. A superb performance from Limerick dual star Stephen Lucey will be key, if they are to pull off this victory upset.
The winners will face defending champions and four in a row chasing Kilkenny in the final on the 6th September.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Tipperary 1/5
Draw 14/1
Limerick 4/1
Handicap Betting:
Tipperary (-6.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-6.0) 12/1
Limerick (+6.0) 5/6
Winner: Limerick
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Limerick Manager Justin McCarthy has given the to Ollie Moran at centre forward in place of Wayne McNamara who takes his place on the bench.
In turn, David Breen moves to corner forward with Paul Browne switching to the wing. Elsewhere, Seamus Hickey lines out at right half back with Gavin O'Mahony moving to midfield.
Niall Moran hasn't recovered sufficiently from his broken finger to start but makes the bench.
Limerick Team:
B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; S Hickey, B Geary, M Foley; D O'Grady, G O'Mahony; J Ryan, O Moran, P Browne; D Breen, P McNamara, A O'Shaughnessy.
Tipperary have made just one change for this encounter.
Brendan Maher comes into the side at left half-back in place of Conor O'Brien in the only change from the side that beat Waterford in July's Munster final.
The reshuffled defence will see Padraic Maher at full-back, Paul Curran at left corner-back and Maher at left wing-back.
Tipperary Team:
Brendan Cummins, Paddy Stapleton, Padraic Maher, Paul Curran, Declan Fanning, Conor O’Mahony (C), Brendan Maher, James Woodlock, Shane McGrath, Pat Kerwick, Seamus Callanan, John O’Brien, Noel McGrath, Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett.
The last time these two teams met was in the Munster SHC semi-final (2007) and it took 3 matches to decide which team would go into the Munster final. Limerick won the decider by 0-22 to 2-13. The Treatymen went on the final that year, but lost out to Kilkenny by 2-19 to 1-15. Tipperary, on the other hand, have not been in All-Ireland Final since 2001, which they won by beating Galway 2-18 to 2-15.
Although Tipp are heavy favorites going into this match, the Shannonsiders have gained alot of experience through taking the scenic route to the All-Ireland hurling semi-final and should put it up to Tipp. Since their replay defeat to Waterford in the Munster SHC, Limerick have beaten Wexford, Laois and Dublin. I believe that this will help them get an upset win over their county neighbors. A superb performance from Limerick dual star Stephen Lucey will be key, if they are to pull off this victory upset.
The winners will face defending champions and four in a row chasing Kilkenny in the final on the 6th September.
Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Tipperary 1/5
Draw 14/1
Limerick 4/1
Handicap Betting:
Tipperary (-6.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-6.0) 12/1
Limerick (+6.0) 5/6
Winner: Limerick
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All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final, Limerick v Tipperary...
Semi-Final
Limerick versus Tipperary
Venue: Croke Park, August 16 @ 3:30 PM
Referee: Brian Gavin (Uíbh Fhailí)
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Galway Manager Sammon steps down...
Galway football boss Liam Sammon will not take up the option of a third year in charge of the county’s senior footballers after announcing his decision to players and the county board last night.
An outstanding player for the county, Sammon took over from Peter Ford towards the end of 2007. He led them to a Connacht title in 2008 before Kerry got the better of the Tribesmen in a pulsating All-Ireland quarter-final.
After a brilliant start to their 2009 NFL campaign, Galway were touted as genuine Sam Maguire contenders. The Tribesmen lost to Mayo in this year’s Connacht decider and were then were dumped out of the Qualifiers in the fouth round by Donegal,(a one-point victory at Markievicz Park last month).
Galway are now on the lookout for Sammon's successor. Former star midfielder Kevin Walsh, who made a big impact with Sligo this year, is the obvious favourite to replace Sammon. However, there are others such as ex-Clare manager Frank Doherty and Eoin O'Donnellan, who led Salthill/Knocknacarra to an All-Ireland club title in 2006, could also be interested.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
GAA Live Streaming....
Where can you watch the All-Ireland Finals in Hurling and Gaelic Football on the internet?
Are either RTÉ or Setanta going to make these matches available through a live internet stream or just available through Pub channels for those of us living outside of Ireland?
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Are either RTÉ or Setanta going to make these matches available through a live internet stream or just available through Pub channels for those of us living outside of Ireland?
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Kilkenny defeat Waterford in the All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final...
Kilkenny 2-23 Waterford 3-15
Kilkenny have eased into the All-Ireland Hurling Final, after defeating a brave Waterford side in an entertaining encounter at Croke Park.
The Cats got off to the better start, but a Shane Walsh goal in the fifth minute gave the Waterford side a brief lead in the game. However, Eddie Brennan got a goal in the 13th minute, to give the lead back to Kilkenny. The Cats would never again trail in this match.
Kilkenny's Henry Sheflin hit a total of 1-06 for his side in the first half.
Half-Time Score: Kilkenny 2-12 Waterford 1-09
The Deise got the second half off to a great start with another goal from Shane Walsh. However, Kilkenny maintained their lead with consistent scoring from Sheflin. He got another 8 points in the second half for the Cats to bring his tally for the day to 1-14.
Waterford's Eoin Kelly got a goal from a 65 yards free in the 64th minute, but it wasn't enough for the Deise to mount a serious comeback.
Kilkenny ran out worthy winners in the end. The Cats will face the winners of the other SHC semi-final between Limerick and Tipperary.
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Kilkenny have eased into the All-Ireland Hurling Final, after defeating a brave Waterford side in an entertaining encounter at Croke Park.
The Cats got off to the better start, but a Shane Walsh goal in the fifth minute gave the Waterford side a brief lead in the game. However, Eddie Brennan got a goal in the 13th minute, to give the lead back to Kilkenny. The Cats would never again trail in this match.
Kilkenny's Henry Sheflin hit a total of 1-06 for his side in the first half.
Half-Time Score: Kilkenny 2-12 Waterford 1-09
The Deise got the second half off to a great start with another goal from Shane Walsh. However, Kilkenny maintained their lead with consistent scoring from Sheflin. He got another 8 points in the second half for the Cats to bring his tally for the day to 1-14.
Waterford's Eoin Kelly got a goal from a 65 yards free in the 64th minute, but it wasn't enough for the Deise to mount a serious comeback.
Kilkenny ran out worthy winners in the end. The Cats will face the winners of the other SHC semi-final between Limerick and Tipperary.
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Mayo lose out to Meath in the All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final...
Meath 2-15 Mayo 1-15
Meath defeated the favorites Mayo in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final.
The Mayo men got off to the better start, getting four points within the first 15 minutes; while it was the 17th minute before Meath registered their first score. However, the Royal County slowly got back into the match and lead by a point at half time.
David Bray scored a goal for Meath on the 19th minute.
Half-Time Score: Meath 1-5 Mayo 0-7
The Royals started the scoring in the second half. In the first 10 minutes, both teams were level on a couple of occasions. On the 51st minute, Mayo's Aidan O'Shea fists the ball into the Meath net, for Mayo to go 4 points ahead. However, Meath were awarded a penalty on the 53rd minute and Cian Ward scored a goal from it.
Mayo held the lead (by 1 point) with 7 minutes to go, but Meath got the equaliser (8th time in the match that the scores were level). Meath then added another 4 unanswered points. Mayo got 2 points at the end, but it wasn't enough.
Despite the new pitch surface at Croke Park, conditions were slippery and both sides struggled with this throughtout the match.
Meath will now meet Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final on August 30th. The last time these two teams met, was in the 2001 All-Ireland SFC semi-final, that Meath convincingly won by 2-14 to 0-5.
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Meath defeated the favorites Mayo in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final.
The Mayo men got off to the better start, getting four points within the first 15 minutes; while it was the 17th minute before Meath registered their first score. However, the Royal County slowly got back into the match and lead by a point at half time.
David Bray scored a goal for Meath on the 19th minute.
Half-Time Score: Meath 1-5 Mayo 0-7
The Royals started the scoring in the second half. In the first 10 minutes, both teams were level on a couple of occasions. On the 51st minute, Mayo's Aidan O'Shea fists the ball into the Meath net, for Mayo to go 4 points ahead. However, Meath were awarded a penalty on the 53rd minute and Cian Ward scored a goal from it.
Mayo held the lead (by 1 point) with 7 minutes to go, but Meath got the equaliser (8th time in the match that the scores were level). Meath then added another 4 unanswered points. Mayo got 2 points at the end, but it wasn't enough.
Despite the new pitch surface at Croke Park, conditions were slippery and both sides struggled with this throughtout the match.
Meath will now meet Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final on August 30th. The last time these two teams met, was in the 2001 All-Ireland SFC semi-final, that Meath convincingly won by 2-14 to 0-5.
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Kilkenny v Waterford All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final Match Pick...
Kilkenny take on Waterford in the first of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship Semi-Finals in Croke Park on August 9 @ 4:00 PM.
Brian Hogan and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick return to the Kilkenny team ahead of the clash against Waterford.
However, there is no starting place for the fit-again Noel Hickey, with JJ Delaney continuing at full back.
Hogan will be making his first championship appearance of the year after missing the Leinster campaign due to the broken collarbone he sustained in the early stages of the NHL final against Tipperary on May 3 last. The O'Loughlin Gaels' clubman's return to centre back sees John Tennyson moving to left half back in place of John Dalton.
Fitzpatrick, who came on as a sub against Dublin in the Leinster final after missing most of the season because of club commitments and illness, starts at midfield with Derek Lyng surprisingly dropping to the bench.
There are no changes in attack which means that the Cats will parade 13 of the team that demolished Waterford in last year's All-Ireland final, with Tennyson for Hickey and Michael Rice for Lyng the only alterations.
Kilkenny Team:
PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, J Tennyson; J Fitzpatrick, M Rice; H Shefflin, M Comerford, E Larkin; E Brennan, R Power, A Fogarty.
Dan Shanahan has failed to break into the Waterford team for this semi-final, despite his dramatic impact in the closing stages of the quarter-final win over Galway.
The former Hurler of the Year has to be content with a place on the subs bench again along with his younger brother Maurice, who was also introduced against the Tribesmen. However, Shane Walsh - who also came off the bench against Galway and scored a crucial late goal - is included at right half forward in a side that shows two changes from the quarter-final.
Eoin McGrath is also introduced to the attack at left corner forward with Jamie Nagle and Shane Casey the players to lose out. In Nagle's absence, Kevin Moran switches from wing forward to midfield to form a new partnership with Shane O'Sullivan.
Ken McGrath and Gary Hurney are both named among the substitutes and it's expected that the former will see action at some stage as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Waterford:
C Hennessy; E Murphy, A Kearney, N Connors; T Browne, M Walsh, D Prendergast; S O'Sullivan, K Moran; S Prendergast, S Molumphy, S Walsh; J Mullane, E Kelly, E McGrath.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Kilkenny 1/8
Draw 15/1
Waterford 6/1
Handicap Betting Hide
Kilkenny (-9.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-9.0) 11/1
Waterford (+9.0) 5/6
Winner: Kilkenny
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Brian Hogan and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick return to the Kilkenny team ahead of the clash against Waterford.
However, there is no starting place for the fit-again Noel Hickey, with JJ Delaney continuing at full back.
Hogan will be making his first championship appearance of the year after missing the Leinster campaign due to the broken collarbone he sustained in the early stages of the NHL final against Tipperary on May 3 last. The O'Loughlin Gaels' clubman's return to centre back sees John Tennyson moving to left half back in place of John Dalton.
Fitzpatrick, who came on as a sub against Dublin in the Leinster final after missing most of the season because of club commitments and illness, starts at midfield with Derek Lyng surprisingly dropping to the bench.
There are no changes in attack which means that the Cats will parade 13 of the team that demolished Waterford in last year's All-Ireland final, with Tennyson for Hickey and Michael Rice for Lyng the only alterations.
Kilkenny Team:
PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, J Tennyson; J Fitzpatrick, M Rice; H Shefflin, M Comerford, E Larkin; E Brennan, R Power, A Fogarty.
Dan Shanahan has failed to break into the Waterford team for this semi-final, despite his dramatic impact in the closing stages of the quarter-final win over Galway.
The former Hurler of the Year has to be content with a place on the subs bench again along with his younger brother Maurice, who was also introduced against the Tribesmen. However, Shane Walsh - who also came off the bench against Galway and scored a crucial late goal - is included at right half forward in a side that shows two changes from the quarter-final.
Eoin McGrath is also introduced to the attack at left corner forward with Jamie Nagle and Shane Casey the players to lose out. In Nagle's absence, Kevin Moran switches from wing forward to midfield to form a new partnership with Shane O'Sullivan.
Ken McGrath and Gary Hurney are both named among the substitutes and it's expected that the former will see action at some stage as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Waterford:
C Hennessy; E Murphy, A Kearney, N Connors; T Browne, M Walsh, D Prendergast; S O'Sullivan, K Moran; S Prendergast, S Molumphy, S Walsh; J Mullane, E Kelly, E McGrath.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Kilkenny 1/8
Draw 15/1
Waterford 6/1
Handicap Betting Hide
Kilkenny (-9.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-9.0) 11/1
Waterford (+9.0) 5/6
Winner: Kilkenny
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Saturday, August 8, 2009
Mayo v Meath All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final Match Pick...
Mayo take on Meath in the last of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals in Croke Park on August 9 @ 2:00 PM.
Mayo manager John O'Mahony has sprung a surprise by including broken hand victim Barry Moran in his starting XV for this encounter against Meath.
The big Castlebar Mitchels clubman is named at full forward, despite breaking a bone in his hand during training last week. His inclusion means there is still no place for former All-Star Conor Mortimer, who came off the bench to score a crucial second half goal against Galway in the Connacht final.
The team shows one change from the side that beat Galway with Donal Vaughan coming in at right corner back for Liam O'Malley.
Mayo Team:
K O'Malley; D Vaughan, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; P Gardiner, T Howley, A Moran; D Heaney, McGarrity; P Harte, A Dillon, T Mortimer; A Kilcoyne, B Moran, A O'Shea.
Meath management haven't yet named their starting fifteen.
Meath Team: TBC
Mayo are favourites to progress and their superior attack should see them through with a little to spare.
Kerry await the winners in the semi-final.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Mayo 4/9
Draw 15/2
Meath 5/2
Handicap Betting:
Mayo (-3.0) 6/5
Handicap Draw (-3.0) 9/1
Meath (+3.0) 5/6
Winner: Mayo
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Mayo manager John O'Mahony has sprung a surprise by including broken hand victim Barry Moran in his starting XV for this encounter against Meath.
The big Castlebar Mitchels clubman is named at full forward, despite breaking a bone in his hand during training last week. His inclusion means there is still no place for former All-Star Conor Mortimer, who came off the bench to score a crucial second half goal against Galway in the Connacht final.
The team shows one change from the side that beat Galway with Donal Vaughan coming in at right corner back for Liam O'Malley.
Mayo Team:
K O'Malley; D Vaughan, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; P Gardiner, T Howley, A Moran; D Heaney, McGarrity; P Harte, A Dillon, T Mortimer; A Kilcoyne, B Moran, A O'Shea.
Meath management haven't yet named their starting fifteen.
Meath Team: TBC
Mayo are favourites to progress and their superior attack should see them through with a little to spare.
Kerry await the winners in the semi-final.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Mayo 4/9
Draw 15/2
Meath 5/2
Handicap Betting:
Mayo (-3.0) 6/5
Handicap Draw (-3.0) 9/1
Meath (+3.0) 5/6
Winner: Mayo
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Friday, August 7, 2009
All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final, Kilkenny v Waterford...
All-Ireland Hurling Championship
Semi-Final
Semi-Final
Kilkenny versus Waterford
Venue: Croke Park, August 9 @ 4.00 PM
Referee: Barry Kelly (Westmeath)
Venue: Croke Park, August 9 @ 4.00 PM
Referee: Barry Kelly (Westmeath)
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All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals, Mayo v Meath...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Quarter-Final
Mayo versus Meath
Venue: Croke Park, August 9 @ 2.00 PM
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan)
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Monday, August 3, 2009
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Win Market Odds...
As we approach next weekend's match that will decide the last semi-final spot for this year's SFC, I take another look at which teams are among the favorites.
According to boylesports.com the odds are as follows:
Kerry 11/8
Tyrone 6/4
Cork 4/1
Mayo 12/1
Meath 35/1
Last year's runners-up Kerry have regained top spot among the favorites to win this year's championship. While 2008 winners Tyrone have dropped to second spot.
Interestingly enough, the Top 3 have reverted back to what they were at the beginning of the championship (though the odds have slightly changed).
Tyrone will be playing Cork in the first SFC semi-final on August 23rd; while Kerry must await winners of the Mayo and Meath quarter-final clash, to see who they will be playing in the other Semi-Final.
Are we going to have the same pairing (Kerry-Tyrone) as last year for the Final? Or are the likes of Cork, Mayo or Meath going to upset that pairing and possibly win the Sam Maguire Cup?
Well, as they say only time will tell! It all happens on the day (quoting another cliche).
On another small note, since 2004 Kerry, Tyrone, Mayo and Cork are the only teams to have reached the All-Ireland SFC Final:
2004 Kerry 1-20 Mayo 2-9
2005 Tyrone 1-16 Kerry 2-10
2006 Kerry 4-15 Mayo 3-5
2007 Kerry 3-13 Cork 1-9
2008 Tyrone 1-15 Kerry 0-14
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According to boylesports.com the odds are as follows:
Kerry 11/8
Tyrone 6/4
Cork 4/1
Mayo 12/1
Meath 35/1
Last year's runners-up Kerry have regained top spot among the favorites to win this year's championship. While 2008 winners Tyrone have dropped to second spot.
Interestingly enough, the Top 3 have reverted back to what they were at the beginning of the championship (though the odds have slightly changed).
Tyrone will be playing Cork in the first SFC semi-final on August 23rd; while Kerry must await winners of the Mayo and Meath quarter-final clash, to see who they will be playing in the other Semi-Final.
Are we going to have the same pairing (Kerry-Tyrone) as last year for the Final? Or are the likes of Cork, Mayo or Meath going to upset that pairing and possibly win the Sam Maguire Cup?
Well, as they say only time will tell! It all happens on the day (quoting another cliche).
On another small note, since 2004 Kerry, Tyrone, Mayo and Cork are the only teams to have reached the All-Ireland SFC Final:
2004 Kerry 1-20 Mayo 2-9
2005 Tyrone 1-16 Kerry 2-10
2006 Kerry 4-15 Mayo 3-5
2007 Kerry 3-13 Cork 1-9
2008 Tyrone 1-15 Kerry 0-14
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Kerry triumph over Dublin in the SFC Quarter-Final...
Kerry 1-24 Dublin 1-07
Kerry got a comfortable win over a disappointing Dublin side in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final match at Croke Park.
Kerry's Declan O'Sullivan was Man of the Match.
Kerry's Colm Cooper scored a goal in the opening minute of the game.
Conal Keaney scored the goal for Dublin.
Half-Time Score: Kerry 1-14 Dublin 0-3
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Kerry got a comfortable win over a disappointing Dublin side in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final match at Croke Park.
Kerry's Declan O'Sullivan was Man of the Match.
Kerry's Colm Cooper scored a goal in the opening minute of the game.
Conal Keaney scored the goal for Dublin.
Half-Time Score: Kerry 1-14 Dublin 0-3
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Dublin v Kerry SFC Quarter-Finals Match Pick...
Dublin take on Kerry in Monday's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final in Croke Park at 2:00 PM.
Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has made one change for which sees Bryan Cullen replacing the suspended Ger Brennan.
Cullen, who impressed following his introduction in the Leinster final victory over Kildare, slots into the void left at centre back by Brennan, who was issued with a straight red card against the Lilywhites.
Otherwise, the team is unchanged with Darren Magee holding off the challenge of Ciaran Whelan to keep his place in midfield.
Dublin Team:
S Cluxton; D Henry, D Bastick, P Andrews; P Griffin, B Cullen, B Cahill; R McConnell, D Magee; P Flynn, D Connolly, B Brogan; A Brogan, C Keaney, J Sherlock.
Colm Cooper and Tomás O Sé have been restored to the Kerry team for this Quarter-final clash.
The pair were dropped for the Round Four Qualifier win over Antrim last week, but will start at wing back and corner back respectively for the hugely-anticipated encounter.
Donnacha Walsh has also been included in the half-forward line, with Tadhg Kennelly missing out.
In defence, Aidan O’Mahony has been sacrificed while Sean O’Sullivan’s absence was inevitable given the return of Cooper.
Kieran Donaghy has also revealed that he could play some part for Kerry in this match. Donaghy’s season was thought to be over when he went fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot for the second time this year in the narrow win over Longford.
Kerry Team:
D Murphy; M O Sé, T Griffin, T O’Sullivan; T O Sé, M McCarthy, K Young; D O Sé, S Scanlon; P Galvin, Declan O’Sullivan, D Walsh; C Cooper, T Walsh, Darran O’Sullivan.
The Dubs have put on quite a performance in this year's championship, while the Kingdom have been less than impressive coming through the qualifiers. Therefore, the better prediction would be a Dublin win.
However, Dublin haven't beaten Kerry in the championship since the classic 1977 All-Ireland semi-final. Some would say that history won't hold any relevance on this encounter. I don't know abouth that. Last week, I would have written Kerry off. Now, I got a funny feeling that they are going to win this one.
A friend of mine is predicting a draw like what happened in the Dublin-Kerry 2001 SFC quarter-final encounter. That day, substitute Maurice Fitzgerald rescued a draw for Kerry in injury-time in a match the Kingdom had dominated for all bar the last 12 minutes. I don't think so....no draw on this one.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Dublin 4/5
Draw 15/2
Kerry 11/8
Handicap Betting:
Dublin (-1.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 8/1
Kerry (+1.0) 10/11
Winner: Kerry
___
Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has made one change for which sees Bryan Cullen replacing the suspended Ger Brennan.
Cullen, who impressed following his introduction in the Leinster final victory over Kildare, slots into the void left at centre back by Brennan, who was issued with a straight red card against the Lilywhites.
Otherwise, the team is unchanged with Darren Magee holding off the challenge of Ciaran Whelan to keep his place in midfield.
Dublin Team:
S Cluxton; D Henry, D Bastick, P Andrews; P Griffin, B Cullen, B Cahill; R McConnell, D Magee; P Flynn, D Connolly, B Brogan; A Brogan, C Keaney, J Sherlock.
Colm Cooper and Tomás O Sé have been restored to the Kerry team for this Quarter-final clash.
The pair were dropped for the Round Four Qualifier win over Antrim last week, but will start at wing back and corner back respectively for the hugely-anticipated encounter.
Donnacha Walsh has also been included in the half-forward line, with Tadhg Kennelly missing out.
In defence, Aidan O’Mahony has been sacrificed while Sean O’Sullivan’s absence was inevitable given the return of Cooper.
Kieran Donaghy has also revealed that he could play some part for Kerry in this match. Donaghy’s season was thought to be over when he went fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot for the second time this year in the narrow win over Longford.
Kerry Team:
D Murphy; M O Sé, T Griffin, T O’Sullivan; T O Sé, M McCarthy, K Young; D O Sé, S Scanlon; P Galvin, Declan O’Sullivan, D Walsh; C Cooper, T Walsh, Darran O’Sullivan.
The Dubs have put on quite a performance in this year's championship, while the Kingdom have been less than impressive coming through the qualifiers. Therefore, the better prediction would be a Dublin win.
However, Dublin haven't beaten Kerry in the championship since the classic 1977 All-Ireland semi-final. Some would say that history won't hold any relevance on this encounter. I don't know abouth that. Last week, I would have written Kerry off. Now, I got a funny feeling that they are going to win this one.
A friend of mine is predicting a draw like what happened in the Dublin-Kerry 2001 SFC quarter-final encounter. That day, substitute Maurice Fitzgerald rescued a draw for Kerry in injury-time in a match the Kingdom had dominated for all bar the last 12 minutes. I don't think so....no draw on this one.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Dublin 4/5
Draw 15/2
Kerry 11/8
Handicap Betting:
Dublin (-1.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 8/1
Kerry (+1.0) 10/11
Winner: Kerry
___
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Kildare lose to Tyrone in the SFC Quarter-Final...
Tyrone 0-16 Kildare 1-11
The Lilywhites put it up to the O'Neill County, but came up short in the end. It was Tyrone's brilliant second half performance that helped them overcome a 4 point deficit at the interval to beat Kildare in a thrilling SFC quarter-final clash at Croke Park.
Half-time score: Tyrone 0-06 Kildare 1-07
Ronan Sweeney scored the goal for Kildare.
Tyrone play Cork in the All-Ireland SFC semi-final on August 23rd.
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The Lilywhites put it up to the O'Neill County, but came up short in the end. It was Tyrone's brilliant second half performance that helped them overcome a 4 point deficit at the interval to beat Kildare in a thrilling SFC quarter-final clash at Croke Park.
Half-time score: Tyrone 0-06 Kildare 1-07
Ronan Sweeney scored the goal for Kildare.
Tyrone play Cork in the All-Ireland SFC semi-final on August 23rd.
___
Cork steamroll past Donegal in the SFC Quarter-Final...
Cork 1-27 Donegal 2-10
The Rebels easily defeated a Tir Chonaill side that never threatened to cause an upset in this SFC quarter-final encounter at Croke Park.
The Rebels were rarely tested by a clearly fatigued Donegal side and the game was over as a contest inside the first 25 minutes as Cork established a huge lead which they never looked like relinquishing.
HALF TIME - Cork 0-13 Donegal 0-03
Paul Kerrigan scored the Cork goal, while Rory Kavanagh and Stephen Griffin got the goals for Donegal.
Cork are the first team to qualify for the GAA All Ireland Senior Football Semi-final.
___
The Rebels easily defeated a Tir Chonaill side that never threatened to cause an upset in this SFC quarter-final encounter at Croke Park.
The Rebels were rarely tested by a clearly fatigued Donegal side and the game was over as a contest inside the first 25 minutes as Cork established a huge lead which they never looked like relinquishing.
HALF TIME - Cork 0-13 Donegal 0-03
Paul Kerrigan scored the Cork goal, while Rory Kavanagh and Stephen Griffin got the goals for Donegal.
Cork are the first team to qualify for the GAA All Ireland Senior Football Semi-final.
___
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Limerick lose out to Meath in the SFC Quarter-Final ...
Meath 1-13 Limerick 2-09
Meath set up an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final clash with Mayo, thanks to the narrowest of Qualifier wins over Limerick at Portlaoise on Saturday night.
The Royals were lucky to escape with the win after captain Stephen Bray was sent off in the 65th minute and Limerick scored two second half goals to ensure a nervous final few minutes.
However, Meath hung on at the death for a victory that will atone for the embarrassing Qualifier defeat to the Treaty County last year.
Meath's Chris O'Connor was Man of the Match.
Half Time Score: Meath 1-6 Limerick 0-5
___
Meath set up an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final clash with Mayo, thanks to the narrowest of Qualifier wins over Limerick at Portlaoise on Saturday night.
The Royals were lucky to escape with the win after captain Stephen Bray was sent off in the 65th minute and Limerick scored two second half goals to ensure a nervous final few minutes.
However, Meath hung on at the death for a victory that will atone for the embarrassing Qualifier defeat to the Treaty County last year.
Meath's Chris O'Connor was Man of the Match.
Half Time Score: Meath 1-6 Limerick 0-5
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Kildare v Tyrone in the All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals Match Pick...
Kildare meet Tyrone in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final in Croke Park on August 2 @ 4:00 PM.
Gary White and Eamonn Callaghan have been drafted into the Kildare team for this encounter against Tyrone.
Last year's under 21 captain Gary White has been named at left half back in place of the injured Mikey Conway, who has been ruled out for eight months after rupturing cruciate ligaments in last Saturday's qualifier win over Wicklow.
The other change sees Eamonn Callaghan return to the full forward line in place of Ken Donnelly. The Naas clubman was unable to start the Wicklow game with a groin injury, but has proven his fitness to manager Kieran McGeeney ahead of the meeting with the Ulster champions.
Kildare Team:
T Corley; E Bolton, H McGrillen, M Foley; M O'Flaherty, B Flanagan, G White; D Flynn; D Earley; J Kavanagh; P O'Neill; R Sweeney; E Callaghan, A Smith, J Doyle.
Pascal McConnell will make his first appearance for Tyrone since last year's All-Ireland football final. He takes over from the injured John Devine in goal. It is the only change from the side that defeated Antrim in the Ulster final. Devine is facing up to two months on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in training last weekend.
Sean Cavanagh remains at midfield alongside Kevin Hughes after scoring 1-4 in a man of the match performance against Antrim, meaning there is no starting place for All-Star midfielder Enda McGinley, who picked up a hamstring injury prior to the Clones clash but came on as a second half substitute.
Tyrone Team:
P McConnell; PJ Quinn, Justin McMahon, R McMenamin; D Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan; K Hughes, S Cavanagh; B Dooher, T McGuigan, Joe McMahon; M Penrose, S O'Neill, O Mulligan.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Tyrone 3/10
Draw 9/1
Kildare 7/2
Handicap Betting:
Tyrone (-4.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-4.0) 9/1
Kildare (+4.0) 5/6
Winner: Tyrone
___
Gary White and Eamonn Callaghan have been drafted into the Kildare team for this encounter against Tyrone.
Last year's under 21 captain Gary White has been named at left half back in place of the injured Mikey Conway, who has been ruled out for eight months after rupturing cruciate ligaments in last Saturday's qualifier win over Wicklow.
The other change sees Eamonn Callaghan return to the full forward line in place of Ken Donnelly. The Naas clubman was unable to start the Wicklow game with a groin injury, but has proven his fitness to manager Kieran McGeeney ahead of the meeting with the Ulster champions.
Kildare Team:
T Corley; E Bolton, H McGrillen, M Foley; M O'Flaherty, B Flanagan, G White; D Flynn; D Earley; J Kavanagh; P O'Neill; R Sweeney; E Callaghan, A Smith, J Doyle.
Pascal McConnell will make his first appearance for Tyrone since last year's All-Ireland football final. He takes over from the injured John Devine in goal. It is the only change from the side that defeated Antrim in the Ulster final. Devine is facing up to two months on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in training last weekend.
Sean Cavanagh remains at midfield alongside Kevin Hughes after scoring 1-4 in a man of the match performance against Antrim, meaning there is no starting place for All-Star midfielder Enda McGinley, who picked up a hamstring injury prior to the Clones clash but came on as a second half substitute.
Tyrone Team:
P McConnell; PJ Quinn, Justin McMahon, R McMenamin; D Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan; K Hughes, S Cavanagh; B Dooher, T McGuigan, Joe McMahon; M Penrose, S O'Neill, O Mulligan.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Tyrone 3/10
Draw 9/1
Kildare 7/2
Handicap Betting:
Tyrone (-4.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-4.0) 9/1
Kildare (+4.0) 5/6
Winner: Tyrone
___
Cork v Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals Match Pick ...
Cork meet Donegal in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final in Croke Park on August 2 @ 2:00 PM.
Anthony Lynch has been passed fit to line out for Cork in Sunday's All-Ireland football quarter-final against Donegal.
He missed the Munster final victory over Limerick with a groin injury, but returns in the left corner back spot.
Noel O'Leary also returns to the defence after missing the Munster final as a result of the four-week suspension he received in the semi-final replay win over Kerry. John Miskella is also back after recovering from a knee injury.
Cork Team:
A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O'Connor, N Murphy; P Kerrigan, P O'Neill, P Kelly; D Goulding, J Masters, D O'Connor.
Donegal manager John Joe Doherty has named an unchanged team for the third consecutive week.
After a shaky start to the championship, the Tir Chonaill men have recorded excellent wins over Derry and Galway in the past two weekends and Doherty has not surprisingly opted for a no-change policy for the meeting with the Munster champions in Croke Park.
Donegal Team:
M Boyle; F McGlynn, N McGee, K Lacey; B Dunnion, B Monaghan, E McGee; B Boyle, K Cassidy; R Kavanagh (captain), B Roper, L McLoone; C Dunne, M Murphy, C McFadden.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Cork 2/5
Draw 15/2
Donegal 11/4
Handicap Betting:
Cork (-3.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-3.0) 9/1
Donegal (+3.0) 10/11
Winner: Cork
___
Anthony Lynch has been passed fit to line out for Cork in Sunday's All-Ireland football quarter-final against Donegal.
He missed the Munster final victory over Limerick with a groin injury, but returns in the left corner back spot.
Noel O'Leary also returns to the defence after missing the Munster final as a result of the four-week suspension he received in the semi-final replay win over Kerry. John Miskella is also back after recovering from a knee injury.
Cork Team:
A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O'Connor, N Murphy; P Kerrigan, P O'Neill, P Kelly; D Goulding, J Masters, D O'Connor.
Donegal manager John Joe Doherty has named an unchanged team for the third consecutive week.
After a shaky start to the championship, the Tir Chonaill men have recorded excellent wins over Derry and Galway in the past two weekends and Doherty has not surprisingly opted for a no-change policy for the meeting with the Munster champions in Croke Park.
Donegal Team:
M Boyle; F McGlynn, N McGee, K Lacey; B Dunnion, B Monaghan, E McGee; B Boyle, K Cassidy; R Kavanagh (captain), B Roper, L McLoone; C Dunne, M Murphy, C McFadden.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Cork 2/5
Draw 15/2
Donegal 11/4
Handicap Betting:
Cork (-3.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-3.0) 9/1
Donegal (+3.0) 10/11
Winner: Cork
___
Limerick v Meath in the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Match Pick...
Limerick take on Meath in the last match of the Senior Football Championship Qualifiers (Round 4) in Portlaoise on Saturday (Aug 1) @ 7:00 PM.
Limerick manager Mickey 'Ned' O'Sullivan will start with the same side that suffered a heartbreaking Munster final defeat to Cork for this clash against Meath.
Dual stars Mark O'Riordan and Stephen Lucey will be back in action again just six days after helping the Limerick hurlers to an All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Dublin.
Limerick Team:
S Kiely; J McCarthy, S Gallagher, M O'Riordan; S Lavin, S Lucey, P Ranahan; J O'Donovan, J Galvin; P Browne, C Joyce-Power, S Buckley; G Collins, S Kelly, I Ryan.
Meath manager Eamonn O'Brien has kept faith with the team that defeated Roscommon last weekend for this encounter.
With Kevin Reilly still sidelined due to a back injury, Anthony Moyles continues at full back, while Mark Ward has to be content with a place on the subs bench once again as Nigel Crawford and Brian Meade continue their midfield partnership.
The in-form Joe Sheridan leads the attack once more.
Meath Team:
P O'Rourke; C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King; N Crawford, B Meade; P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray; D Bray, B Farrell, C Ward.
The Treaty County hammered Meath in last year's All-Ireland qualifiers (4-12 to 4-03 ). A defeat that brought Colm Coyle's tenure as Meath manager to an abrupt end, and his successor O'Brien will be hoping to avoid a similar fate. However, this clash is expected to be a much tighter affair with the winners going on to meet Connacht champions Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter-final on Sunday week.
The Royals are favorites going into this game. But, I think the Shannonsiders have been more impressive this season. I am going for a close encounter and Limerick to win by a narrow margin.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Meath 8/15
Draw 15/2
Limerick 2/1
Handicap Betting:
Meath (-2.0) evens
Handicap Draw (-2.0) 17/2
Limerick (+2.0) evens
Winner: Limerick
___
Limerick manager Mickey 'Ned' O'Sullivan will start with the same side that suffered a heartbreaking Munster final defeat to Cork for this clash against Meath.
Dual stars Mark O'Riordan and Stephen Lucey will be back in action again just six days after helping the Limerick hurlers to an All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Dublin.
Limerick Team:
S Kiely; J McCarthy, S Gallagher, M O'Riordan; S Lavin, S Lucey, P Ranahan; J O'Donovan, J Galvin; P Browne, C Joyce-Power, S Buckley; G Collins, S Kelly, I Ryan.
Meath manager Eamonn O'Brien has kept faith with the team that defeated Roscommon last weekend for this encounter.
With Kevin Reilly still sidelined due to a back injury, Anthony Moyles continues at full back, while Mark Ward has to be content with a place on the subs bench once again as Nigel Crawford and Brian Meade continue their midfield partnership.
The in-form Joe Sheridan leads the attack once more.
Meath Team:
P O'Rourke; C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King; N Crawford, B Meade; P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray; D Bray, B Farrell, C Ward.
The Treaty County hammered Meath in last year's All-Ireland qualifiers (4-12 to 4-03 ). A defeat that brought Colm Coyle's tenure as Meath manager to an abrupt end, and his successor O'Brien will be hoping to avoid a similar fate. However, this clash is expected to be a much tighter affair with the winners going on to meet Connacht champions Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter-final on Sunday week.
The Royals are favorites going into this game. But, I think the Shannonsiders have been more impressive this season. I am going for a close encounter and Limerick to win by a narrow margin.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Meath 8/15
Draw 15/2
Limerick 2/1
Handicap Betting:
Meath (-2.0) evens
Handicap Draw (-2.0) 17/2
Limerick (+2.0) evens
Winner: Limerick
___
Friday, July 31, 2009
All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals: Dublin v Kerry...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Quarter-Finals
Dublin versus Kerry
Páirc an Chrócaigh, August 3 @ 2.00 PM
Referee: Pat McEnaney (Muineachán)
Quarter-Finals
Dublin versus Kerry
Páirc an Chrócaigh, August 3 @ 2.00 PM
Referee: Pat McEnaney (Muineachán)
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All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals: Kildare v Tyrone...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Quarter-Finals
Kildare versus Tyrone
Páirc an Chrócaigh, August 2 @ 4.00 PM
Referee: Gearóid Ó Conamha (Gaillimh)
Quarter-Finals
Kildare versus Tyrone
Páirc an Chrócaigh, August 2 @ 4.00 PM
Referee: Gearóid Ó Conamha (Gaillimh)
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All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals: Cork v Donegal...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Quarter-Finals
Quarter-Finals
Cork versus Donegal
Páirc an Chrócaigh August 2, @ 2.00 PM
Referee: Maurice Deegan (Laois)
Páirc an Chrócaigh August 2, @ 2.00 PM
Referee: Maurice Deegan (Laois)
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All Ireland SFC Qualifiers Rd 4: Limerick v Meath...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Qualifiers Round 4
Limerick versus Meath
Portlaoise, August 1 @ 7:00 PM
Referee: Padraig Hughes (Ard Mhacha)
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Monday, July 27, 2009
All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals dates, times and venues....
The dates, times and venues for three of the four All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals were issued by the GAA today.
Sunday will see a SFC quarter-final double-header take place at Croke Park with Cork to take on Donegal at 2:00PM before Tyrone meet Kildare at 4:00PM.
The standout fixture sees Kerry take on Dublin at Croke Park on the August Bank Holiday Monday with a throw-in time of 2:00PM.
The last of the SFC Round Four Qualifiers between Limerick and Meath will take place in Portlaoise on Saturday with throw-in at 7:00PM. The winner of this encounter will take on Mayo.
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Sunday will see a SFC quarter-final double-header take place at Croke Park with Cork to take on Donegal at 2:00PM before Tyrone meet Kildare at 4:00PM.
The standout fixture sees Kerry take on Dublin at Croke Park on the August Bank Holiday Monday with a throw-in time of 2:00PM.
The last of the SFC Round Four Qualifiers between Limerick and Meath will take place in Portlaoise on Saturday with throw-in at 7:00PM. The winner of this encounter will take on Mayo.
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Sunday, July 26, 2009
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals Draw....
The draw for the quarter-finals of this year's Senior Football Championship has taken place with Dublin facing Kerry and holders Tyrone set to face Kildare for a place in the last four.
Elsewhere, Mayo take on Meath or Limerick and Munster champions Cork will meet Donegal.
The full draw is as follows:
Cork v Donegal
Dublin v Kerry
Mayo v Meath/Limerick
Tyrone v Kildare
___
Elsewhere, Mayo take on Meath or Limerick and Munster champions Cork will meet Donegal.
The full draw is as follows:
Cork v Donegal
Dublin v Kerry
Mayo v Meath/Limerick
Tyrone v Kildare
___
Waterford snatch victory from Galway in the SHC Quarter-finals...
Galway 0-18 Waterford 1-16
Waterford came from behind to take victory from Galway in this SHC quarter-final at Semple Stadium. With a minute to go in normal time the sides were level, but a John Mullane point sealed the win for the Deise.
Like their county football counterparts yesterday, Galway did match up to expection of winning this clash.
Waterford now meet Kilkenny in the All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final.
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Waterford came from behind to take victory from Galway in this SHC quarter-final at Semple Stadium. With a minute to go in normal time the sides were level, but a John Mullane point sealed the win for the Deise.
Like their county football counterparts yesterday, Galway did match up to expection of winning this clash.
Waterford now meet Kilkenny in the All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final.
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Limerick overcome Dublin in the SHC Quarter-finals...
Limerick 2-18 Dublin 1-17
Limerick defeated Dublin in the Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final at Thurles.
An eight-point haul by Gavin O'Mahony - six frees and two from sidelines - steered Limerick to a deserved win.
Dublin had a whirlwind start with a first-minute goal by Liam Rushe and they led 1-02 to nil after five minutes.
A goal by Paudie McNamara and a penalty from Limerick goalkeeper Brian Murray saw the sides level at 2-07 to 1-10 at the break.
Alan McCrabbe scored eight points for Dublin, who paid the price for careless finishing throughout.
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Limerick defeated Dublin in the Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final at Thurles.
An eight-point haul by Gavin O'Mahony - six frees and two from sidelines - steered Limerick to a deserved win.
Dublin had a whirlwind start with a first-minute goal by Liam Rushe and they led 1-02 to nil after five minutes.
A goal by Paudie McNamara and a penalty from Limerick goalkeeper Brian Murray saw the sides level at 2-07 to 1-10 at the break.
Alan McCrabbe scored eight points for Dublin, who paid the price for careless finishing throughout.
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Kerry get win over Antrim in the SFC Qualifiers...
Kerry 2-12 Antrim 1-10
Kerry defeated Antrim in the Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 4, to advance to the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals.
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Kerry defeated Antrim in the Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 4, to advance to the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals.
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Saturday, July 25, 2009
Hurling Relegation Play-offs: Clare defeat Wexford...
Clare 2-24 Wexford 2-18
Clare defeat Wexford in the All-Ireland Hurling Relegation play-off match.
Wexford led Clare by 2 points at half-time.
These two sides had only met 3 times previously in the Championship and Clare have won all of them. Wexford were hoping to hold on to this lead in the second half, but it wasn't to be and lost out to the Banner County.
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Clare defeat Wexford in the All-Ireland Hurling Relegation play-off match.
Wexford led Clare by 2 points at half-time.
These two sides had only met 3 times previously in the Championship and Clare have won all of them. Wexford were hoping to hold on to this lead in the second half, but it wasn't to be and lost out to the Banner County.
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Hurling Relegation DRA Appeal Update...
It is now reported that the DRA had made a further update to last night's appeal to have today's hurling relegation play-offs called off. While the GAA released a statement on Saturday morning saying that the play-offs would go ahead, it now appears that there will be no relegation.
The DRA is believed to have ruled that Ring Cup winners Carlow be promoted into a 13-team Liam McCarthy Cup.
Antrim's All-Ireland Hurling relegation play-off loss to Offaly earlier this afternoon now appears to have been rendered meaningless.
The Congress must yet ratify the DRA's verdict.
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The DRA is believed to have ruled that Ring Cup winners Carlow be promoted into a 13-team Liam McCarthy Cup.
Antrim's All-Ireland Hurling relegation play-off loss to Offaly earlier this afternoon now appears to have been rendered meaningless.
The Congress must yet ratify the DRA's verdict.
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Hurling Relegation Play-offs: Antrim lose out to Offaly....
Offaly 1-28 Antrim 0-13
Offaly easily defeats Antrim in this relegation play-off match at Parnell Park. It was a one-sided affair throughout the match. Poor standard of hurling led to a very disapponting clash.
Offaly were strong in the first half and led 1-15 to 0-08 at the interval.
Antrim didn't get their game off to a great start at the start of the second half - they were awarded a penalty, but missed it. Despite a number of wides, Offaly went on to be comfortable winners.
The Saffrons will now have to play the losers of the Clare/Wexford match to see who's relegated from the All-Ireland SHC.
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Offaly easily defeats Antrim in this relegation play-off match at Parnell Park. It was a one-sided affair throughout the match. Poor standard of hurling led to a very disapponting clash.
Offaly were strong in the first half and led 1-15 to 0-08 at the interval.
Antrim didn't get their game off to a great start at the start of the second half - they were awarded a penalty, but missed it. Despite a number of wides, Offaly went on to be comfortable winners.
The Saffrons will now have to play the losers of the Clare/Wexford match to see who's relegated from the All-Ireland SHC.
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Friday, July 24, 2009
All-Ireland hurling championship relegation semi-finals Hearing Update...
A hearing of the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) took place into the early hours of Saturday morning to rule on an appeal by the four counties involved in the All-Ireland hurling championship relegation semi-finals to have Saturday’s games called off.
The Hurling relegation play-offs will go ahead as planned, after the DRA rejected the appeal.
Antrim are due to face Offaly at 2:00PM, while Clare and Wexford are scheduled to meet at 5:00PM.
The two losing team were then due to play each other, with the losers relegated from the All-Ireland series next year. Antrim, though, have argued they had been promised three years of participation in the Leinster championship.
The DRA will make a further statement later today.
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The Hurling relegation play-offs will go ahead as planned, after the DRA rejected the appeal.
Antrim are due to face Offaly at 2:00PM, while Clare and Wexford are scheduled to meet at 5:00PM.
The two losing team were then due to play each other, with the losers relegated from the All-Ireland series next year. Antrim, though, have argued they had been promised three years of participation in the Leinster championship.
The DRA will make a further statement later today.
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Kildare defeat Wicklow in the SFC Qualifiers Rd 4...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Qualifiers Round 4
Kildare 1-16 Wicklow 2-09
Kildare got a hard fought win over Wicklow in the Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 4.
Kildare took the early lead in the first half, before the Garden county came back to overtake them. However, the Lilywhites gained composure and got a few unanswered points to hold the lead at the interval.
Half-time score: Kildare 0-11 Wicklow 1-04
Both teams played well in the second half. Unfortuately for Wicklow, they ran out of steam in the last 10 minutes. A goal by Alan Smith for Kildare in the 68th minute killed off the chances of Wicklow winning this one.
The Garden county should be proud of their performance, but will be disappointed with some miss chances at crucial stages of the match, that could have changed the outcome.
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Meath ease past Roscommon in the SFC Qualifiers Rd 3...
All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipQualifiers Round 3
Meath 2-12 Roscommon 0-11
Meath had a comfortable win over Roscommon in the third round of the SFC qualifiers.
Meath led Roscommon by 5 points at the interval (1-08 to 0-06).
The Royal county will now meet Limerick in the fourth round of the SFC qualifiers, next weekend.
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Galway lose out to Donegal in the SFC Qualifiers Rd 4...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Qualifiers Round 4
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Galway 0-13 Donegal 0-14
Donegal get a surprise win over Galway in the SFC Qualifiers match.
Galway got off to a slow start in the first half. Donegal were looking the better team.
At half-time the scores were level - 7 points a piece. Donegal came from behind in the second half to get a historic win over the Tribesmen.
Diarmaid Blake was sent off in the second half for Galway after getting second yellow card.
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All-Ireland SHC Quarter-Finals: Galway v Waterford Match Pick...
Galway play Waterford in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship Quarter-Final on Sunday July 26th at Semple Stadium @ 4:00 PM.
The Tribesmen full back Shane Kavanagh has been ruled out after breaking a bone in his hand against Cork. Galway have made one change for this quarter-final clash with Waterford. Full-back Eugene McEntee replaces the injured Kavanagh.
McEntee joins Portumna club-mate Ollie Canning in the back-line, with Adrian Cullinane's continued absence meaning the Tribesmen are without two of their first choice six defenders.
Galway Team:
C Callanan; D Joyce, E McEntee, O Canning (capt); F Moore, J Lee, E Lynch; G Farragher, K Hynes; A Callanan, C Donnellan, A Smith; D Hayes, J Canning, N Healy.
The Déise boss Davy Fitzgerald has made only change from the side that lost the Munster final to Tipperary.
Shane Casey has been called up to the Waterford team for this quarter-final clash. He comes in for Jack Kennedy, who has left the panel, at left corner forward. Former Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan has to be content with a place on the subs bench once again.
Waterford Team:
C Hennessy; E Murphy, D Prendergast, N Connors; T Browne, M Walsh, A Kearney; K Moran, S O'Sullivan; J Nagle, S Prendergast, S Molumphy; J Mullane, E Kelly, S Casey.
The statistics are heavily loaded against Galway. The Tribesmen have no win from eight previous championship encounters against Waterford. Their last clash was in 2006 when Waterford won a qualifier tie in Walsh Park. However, their past poor championship records against both Clare and Cork didn't stop them from winning both those matches, over the last couple of weekends.
Waterford are a decent team, but I think Galway only getting better with each win and should have enough in the tank on Sunday to get past the Déise.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Galway 1/3
Draw 11/1
Waterford 11/4
Handicap Betting:
Galway (-4.0) evens
Handicap Draw (-4.0) 12/1
Waterford (+4.0) 10/11
Winner: Galway
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The Tribesmen full back Shane Kavanagh has been ruled out after breaking a bone in his hand against Cork. Galway have made one change for this quarter-final clash with Waterford. Full-back Eugene McEntee replaces the injured Kavanagh.
McEntee joins Portumna club-mate Ollie Canning in the back-line, with Adrian Cullinane's continued absence meaning the Tribesmen are without two of their first choice six defenders.
Galway Team:
C Callanan; D Joyce, E McEntee, O Canning (capt); F Moore, J Lee, E Lynch; G Farragher, K Hynes; A Callanan, C Donnellan, A Smith; D Hayes, J Canning, N Healy.
The Déise boss Davy Fitzgerald has made only change from the side that lost the Munster final to Tipperary.
Shane Casey has been called up to the Waterford team for this quarter-final clash. He comes in for Jack Kennedy, who has left the panel, at left corner forward. Former Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan has to be content with a place on the subs bench once again.
Waterford Team:
C Hennessy; E Murphy, D Prendergast, N Connors; T Browne, M Walsh, A Kearney; K Moran, S O'Sullivan; J Nagle, S Prendergast, S Molumphy; J Mullane, E Kelly, S Casey.
The statistics are heavily loaded against Galway. The Tribesmen have no win from eight previous championship encounters against Waterford. Their last clash was in 2006 when Waterford won a qualifier tie in Walsh Park. However, their past poor championship records against both Clare and Cork didn't stop them from winning both those matches, over the last couple of weekends.
Waterford are a decent team, but I think Galway only getting better with each win and should have enough in the tank on Sunday to get past the Déise.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Galway 1/3
Draw 11/1
Waterford 11/4
Handicap Betting:
Galway (-4.0) evens
Handicap Draw (-4.0) 12/1
Waterford (+4.0) 10/11
Winner: Galway
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All-Ireland SHC Quarter-Finals: Dublin v Limerick Match Pick...
Dublin play Limerick in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship Quarter-Final on Sunday July 26th in Thurles @ 2:00 PM.
Dublin Manager Anthony Daly has yet to name his side for this quarter-final clash.
The Dubs centre-back Ronan Fallon is expected to play some part in the game, and his return will be a huge boost to the defence.
There was some doubt over full-forward Liam Rushe's involvement, but he has recovered from an ankle problem, though corner-back Oisin Gough misses out after he sustained a broken thumb in last Wednesday's Leinster U-21 final defeat by Kilkenny.
Dublin Team: TBC
Dual star Mark O'Riordan is back in the Limerick team. O'Riordan missed the match against Laois last week but returns to the full back line in place of Tom Condon.
David Breen comes in at centre forward in place of Donnacha Sheehan, while Wayne McNamara returns at left half forward to the exclusion of Mike O'Brien.
Andrew O'Shaughnessy moves to right corner forward with Paul Browne taking over at top of the left.
Limerick Team:
B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; G O'Mahony, B Geary, M Foley; D O'Grady, S Hickey; J Ryan, D Breen, W McNamara; A O'Shaughnessy, P McNamara, P Browne.
Dublin lost to Limerick in the NHL Division 1 at the Gaelic Grounds in March of this year by 2 points. However, Dublin have shown more progress this championship season, while Limerick have shown regression. Therefore, the Dubs go into this match as slight favorites. Many expect this clash to be a 'dogfight'. If it turns that way, then it will be to Limerick's advantage. I am going with the upset that Limerick win on a sneak.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Dublin 5/6
Draw 10/1
Limerick 6/5
Handicap Betting:
Dublin (-1.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 10/1
Limerick (+1.0) 5/6
Winner: Limerick
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Dublin Manager Anthony Daly has yet to name his side for this quarter-final clash.
The Dubs centre-back Ronan Fallon is expected to play some part in the game, and his return will be a huge boost to the defence.
There was some doubt over full-forward Liam Rushe's involvement, but he has recovered from an ankle problem, though corner-back Oisin Gough misses out after he sustained a broken thumb in last Wednesday's Leinster U-21 final defeat by Kilkenny.
Dublin Team: TBC
Dual star Mark O'Riordan is back in the Limerick team. O'Riordan missed the match against Laois last week but returns to the full back line in place of Tom Condon.
David Breen comes in at centre forward in place of Donnacha Sheehan, while Wayne McNamara returns at left half forward to the exclusion of Mike O'Brien.
Andrew O'Shaughnessy moves to right corner forward with Paul Browne taking over at top of the left.
Limerick Team:
B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; G O'Mahony, B Geary, M Foley; D O'Grady, S Hickey; J Ryan, D Breen, W McNamara; A O'Shaughnessy, P McNamara, P Browne.
Dublin lost to Limerick in the NHL Division 1 at the Gaelic Grounds in March of this year by 2 points. However, Dublin have shown more progress this championship season, while Limerick have shown regression. Therefore, the Dubs go into this match as slight favorites. Many expect this clash to be a 'dogfight'. If it turns that way, then it will be to Limerick's advantage. I am going with the upset that Limerick win on a sneak.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Dublin 5/6
Draw 10/1
Limerick 6/5
Handicap Betting:
Dublin (-1.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 10/1
Limerick (+1.0) 5/6
Winner: Limerick
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All-Ireland SFC Qualifier Round 4: Donegal v Galway Match Pick...
Donegal play Galway in the Senior Football Championship Qualifiers (Round 4) on Saturday July 25th, at Markievicz Park @ 5:00 PM.
Donegal boss John Joe Doherty has named an unchanged team for this qualifiers match. Doherty is going with the same XV players who overcame Derry after extra time in the last round.
Donegal Team:
M Boyle; F McGlynn, N McGee, K Lacey; B Dunnion, B Monaghan, E McGee; B Boyle, K Cassidy; R Kavanagh, B Roper, L McLoone; C Donal, M Murphy,C McFadden.
Galway boss Liam Sammon has made two changes in personnel for this clash. He has brought Kieran Fitzgerald and Matthew Clancy into the starting line-up following the Connacht final defeat to Mayo. Fitzgerald replaces Niall Coyne at corner back, while Clancy is named in the corner forward position. Gary Sice is the player to miss out.
Niall Coleman partners Joe Bergin in midfield, with Paul Conroy moving into the half-forward line.
Galway Team:
A Faherty; K Fitzgerald, F Hanley, D Burke (captain); G Bradshaw, D Blake, D Meehan; J Bergin, N Coleman; S Armstrong, P Joyce, P Conroy; M Clancy, M Meehan, N Joyce
For many years Galway has been the bogey team of Donegal, they defeated the green and gold in the All-Ireland semi finals of 1974 and 1983. In fact, Manager Sammon played for Galway against Donegal in the '74 semi-final match.
In their most recent championship fixture of 2003, in the All Ireland qualifiers series, Donegal defeated Galway, so the score is beginning to balance up.
Donegal earned their way through with a one point victory against Derry last Sunday in Ballybofey, while Galway were defeated by a single point in the Connacht Senior championship final by Mayo.
Donegal has had a good run through the SFC qualifiers thus far, which is a surprise to many. However, I don't think they can match the skill level of the Tribesmen and so, Galway should come out winners with a few points to spare.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Galway 8/13
Draw 15/2
Donegal 7/4
Handicap Betting:
Galway (-2.0) 6/5
Handicap Draw (-2.0) 17/2
Donegal (+2.0) 5/6
Winner: Galway
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Donegal boss John Joe Doherty has named an unchanged team for this qualifiers match. Doherty is going with the same XV players who overcame Derry after extra time in the last round.
Donegal Team:
M Boyle; F McGlynn, N McGee, K Lacey; B Dunnion, B Monaghan, E McGee; B Boyle, K Cassidy; R Kavanagh, B Roper, L McLoone; C Donal, M Murphy,C McFadden.
Galway boss Liam Sammon has made two changes in personnel for this clash. He has brought Kieran Fitzgerald and Matthew Clancy into the starting line-up following the Connacht final defeat to Mayo. Fitzgerald replaces Niall Coyne at corner back, while Clancy is named in the corner forward position. Gary Sice is the player to miss out.
Niall Coleman partners Joe Bergin in midfield, with Paul Conroy moving into the half-forward line.
Galway Team:
A Faherty; K Fitzgerald, F Hanley, D Burke (captain); G Bradshaw, D Blake, D Meehan; J Bergin, N Coleman; S Armstrong, P Joyce, P Conroy; M Clancy, M Meehan, N Joyce
For many years Galway has been the bogey team of Donegal, they defeated the green and gold in the All-Ireland semi finals of 1974 and 1983. In fact, Manager Sammon played for Galway against Donegal in the '74 semi-final match.
In their most recent championship fixture of 2003, in the All Ireland qualifiers series, Donegal defeated Galway, so the score is beginning to balance up.
Donegal earned their way through with a one point victory against Derry last Sunday in Ballybofey, while Galway were defeated by a single point in the Connacht Senior championship final by Mayo.
Donegal has had a good run through the SFC qualifiers thus far, which is a surprise to many. However, I don't think they can match the skill level of the Tribesmen and so, Galway should come out winners with a few points to spare.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Galway 8/13
Draw 15/2
Donegal 7/4
Handicap Betting:
Galway (-2.0) 6/5
Handicap Draw (-2.0) 17/2
Donegal (+2.0) 5/6
Winner: Galway
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All-Ireland SFC Qualifier Round 4: Antrim v Kerry Match Pick...
Antrim play Kerry in Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship qualifier round 4 at Tullamore @ 2:00 PM.
Kevin Niblock has been drafted into the Antrim team with Michael McCann moving to midfield. Niblock indirectly replaces Sean Burke in the only change from the side that lost last Sunday's Ulster SFC final to Tyrone. Niall McKeever is now at wing forward and Tomas McCann moves to the left corner where he takes over from Burke.
Antrim Team:
P Graham; C Brady, A McClean, K O'Boyle; T Scullion, J Crozier, J Loughrey; M McCann, A Gallagher; T O'Neill, K Brady, N McKeever; P Cunningham, K Niblock, T McCann.
Kerry manager Jack O'Connor will not name his team until just before the throw-in. They are set to be without the injured Tommy Walsh, but Tadhg Kennelly is expected to return from a hand injury.
It is rumored that Colm Cooper and Tomas O Se have been dropped from the Kerry team for a breach of discipline, but will be togged out and on the subs bench.
Kerry Team: TBC
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Kerry 1/7
Draw 12/1
Antrim 6/1
Handicap Betting:
Kerry (-6.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-6.0) 10/1
Antrim (+6.0) 5/6
Winner: Kerry
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Kevin Niblock has been drafted into the Antrim team with Michael McCann moving to midfield. Niblock indirectly replaces Sean Burke in the only change from the side that lost last Sunday's Ulster SFC final to Tyrone. Niall McKeever is now at wing forward and Tomas McCann moves to the left corner where he takes over from Burke.
Antrim Team:
P Graham; C Brady, A McClean, K O'Boyle; T Scullion, J Crozier, J Loughrey; M McCann, A Gallagher; T O'Neill, K Brady, N McKeever; P Cunningham, K Niblock, T McCann.
Kerry manager Jack O'Connor will not name his team until just before the throw-in. They are set to be without the injured Tommy Walsh, but Tadhg Kennelly is expected to return from a hand injury.
It is rumored that Colm Cooper and Tomas O Se have been dropped from the Kerry team for a breach of discipline, but will be togged out and on the subs bench.
Kerry Team: TBC
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Kerry 1/7
Draw 12/1
Antrim 6/1
Handicap Betting:
Kerry (-6.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-6.0) 10/1
Antrim (+6.0) 5/6
Winner: Kerry
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All-Ireland SFC Qualifier Round 3: Meath v Roscommon Match Pick...
Meath play Roscommon in Round 3 of the Senior Football Championship Qualifiers on Saturday July 25th at Páirc Tailteann, (Throw-in 7:00 PM).
Meath manager Eamonn O’Brien, has also kept faith with the same team that lined out in the win over Westmeath for this qualifier match.
The flu bug that went through the panel last week is gone. O'Brien had a full squad to pick from with the exception of injured full back Kevin Reilly.
Meath Team:
P O'Rourke, C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington, S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King, N Crawford, B Meade, P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray, D Bray, C Ward, B Farrell.
Roscommon boss Fergal O'Donnell had been forced to draft Enda Kenny and Donal Ward into his injury-hit squad. David Keenan and Paul Gleeson are definitely out, while full back John Nolan is a serious doubt with a hamstring injury. However, team captain Gary Cox is expected to return after missing last Saturday's second round replay against Wexford with the 'flu.
O'Donnell will not be namimg his team until just before the throw-in.
Roscommon Team: TBC
The winners will play Limerick in Round 4 on the weekend after next. This will be only the fourth championship game between Meath and Roscommon and Meath have won the previous three.
I don't have much to say about this match. Two teams that won't go far in this year's All-Ireland. However, I think Meath will be in the hat for the quarter-final draw on Sunday night.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Meath 1/4
Draw 10/1
Roscommon 4/1
Handicap Betting:
Meath (-4.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-4.0) 9/1
Roscommon (+4.0) 10/11
Winner: Meath
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Meath manager Eamonn O’Brien, has also kept faith with the same team that lined out in the win over Westmeath for this qualifier match.
The flu bug that went through the panel last week is gone. O'Brien had a full squad to pick from with the exception of injured full back Kevin Reilly.
Meath Team:
P O'Rourke, C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington, S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King, N Crawford, B Meade, P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray, D Bray, C Ward, B Farrell.
Roscommon boss Fergal O'Donnell had been forced to draft Enda Kenny and Donal Ward into his injury-hit squad. David Keenan and Paul Gleeson are definitely out, while full back John Nolan is a serious doubt with a hamstring injury. However, team captain Gary Cox is expected to return after missing last Saturday's second round replay against Wexford with the 'flu.
O'Donnell will not be namimg his team until just before the throw-in.
Roscommon Team: TBC
The winners will play Limerick in Round 4 on the weekend after next. This will be only the fourth championship game between Meath and Roscommon and Meath have won the previous three.
I don't have much to say about this match. Two teams that won't go far in this year's All-Ireland. However, I think Meath will be in the hat for the quarter-final draw on Sunday night.
Paddy Power Match Winning Odds:
Meath 1/4
Draw 10/1
Roscommon 4/1
Handicap Betting:
Meath (-4.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-4.0) 9/1
Roscommon (+4.0) 10/11
Winner: Meath
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All-Ireland SHC Relegation Round One Fixtures...
The following All-Ireland SHC Relegation playoffs will take place on Saturday, July 25th.
Antrim v Offaly at Parnell Park @ 3.00pm
Clare v Wexford in Portlaoise @ 5.00pm
The losing team of both matches will play each other to see who is relegated down from the Liam McCarthy Cup to the Christy Ring Cup for next year. Christy Ring Cup champions Carlow will replace the relegated team for next year's All-Ireland Hurling Championship.
It is now reported that Clare and Wexford are considering boycotting the fixture, while Antrim plan a DRA appeal.
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Antrim v Offaly at Parnell Park @ 3.00pm
Clare v Wexford in Portlaoise @ 5.00pm
The losing team of both matches will play each other to see who is relegated down from the Liam McCarthy Cup to the Christy Ring Cup for next year. Christy Ring Cup champions Carlow will replace the relegated team for next year's All-Ireland Hurling Championship.
It is now reported that Clare and Wexford are considering boycotting the fixture, while Antrim plan a DRA appeal.
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