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)

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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)

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All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals: Cork v Donegal...

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Quarter-Finals

Cork versus Donegal
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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 Championship

Qualifiers 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
----------

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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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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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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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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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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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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McGeeney names an unchanged Kildare side for SFC qualifiers...

Kildare Manager Kieran McGeeney was awaiting news on the fitness of Mikey Conway, James Kavanagh and Eamonn Callaghan, before he named his side for the SFC qualifier clash with Wicklow on Saturday. However, the trio have passed fitness and so McGeeney is going with the same XV that started in the Leinster final defeat to Dublin.

Kildare Team:
T Corley; H McGrillen, M Foley, E Bolton; M O O’Flaherty, B Flanagan, M Conway; D Flynn. D Earley; J Kavanagh, P O’Neill, R Sweeney; A Smith, K Donnelly, J Doyle.

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All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Win Market Odds...

This weekend's matches contain the last of the SFC qualifiers. The draw for the quarter-finals will take place Sunday. So, how do the counties still remaining in the competition fare among the punters? Who are among the favorites to win the Sam Maguire?

According to the boylesport.com website, the following are the current win market odds for counties still in the championship. It will be interesting to see after the next two weekends if the Top 3 Favorites remain unchanged.

And if you are interested, feel free to vote in my poll on the sidebar of this blog page.

Tyrone 13/8
Cork 4/1
Dublin 4/1
Kerry 4/1
Mayo 11/1
Kildare 25/1
Galway 33/1
Donegal 50/1
Meath 50/1
Limerick 150/1
Antrim 200/1
Wicklow 250/1
Roscommon 500/1

By the way, the Top 3 have slightly changed since I last posted the odds a couple weeks back. Back then it were the following:

Tyrone 7/4
Kerry 3/1
Cork 10/3

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O'Dwyer stays with unchanged Wicklow side...

Wicklow boss Mick O'Dwyer has named an unchanged team for the fourth weekend in-a-row ahead of Saturday's All-Ireland round four qualifier against Kildare.

The Garden County have remained injury free for the last month. Interestingly, Micko hasn't used any substitutes in the backdoor wins over Fermanagh, Cavan and Down, as Wicklow collected three championship victories on the trot for the first time.

In fact, Wicklow have already been further in the Championship this year than at any stage in their history.

Wicklow Team:
M Travers; C Hyland, D O hAnnaidh, S Kelly; P McWalter, B McGrath, D Hayden; J Stafford, T Walsh; JP Dalton, T Hannon, L Glynn; D Odlum, S Furlong, P Earls.

On another note, Kildare still have to name their starting XV for this match. Manager Kieran McGeeney is awaiting news on the fitness of Mikey Conway, James Kavanagh and Eamonn Callaghan. The trio are still suffering the effects of a variety of injuries they picked up in the Leinster final defeat to Dublin.

Last year's captain Killian Brennan has been ruled out of the game entirely with a torn hamstring.

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Sammon names his Galway squad for Qualifier Match against Donegal...

Liam Sammon has made two changes in personnel for the GAA All Ireland Round Four Qualifier clash with Donegal at Markievicz Park.

The Galway boss has brought Kieran Fitzgerald and Matthew Clancy into the starting line-up following the Connacht final defeat to Mayo. Former All-Star Fitzgerald replaces Niall Coyne at right corner back, while Clancy indirectly replaces Gary Sice in attack. Clancy was unable to start last Sunday's Connacht SFC final loss to Mayo due to injury, but now comes in at corner forward.

Sammon has also made a couple of positional changes which see Niall Coleman switching from wing forward to partner Joe Bergin in midfield, with Paul Conroy moving into the half-forward line. Sean Armstrong moves out to right half forward.

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.

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Doherty and his discipline on the Donegal Panel...

Ciaran Bonner and Neil Gallagher were axed from the county panel by manager John Joe Doherty on June 30th for breaches of discipline. They have not been recalled to the panel since.

Doherty has said in the past that he would love to have them back, but it would send out the wrong signals to others in the squad. Donegal footballer Eamon McGee has now admitted that the continuing exclusion of Gallagher and Bonner is having a negative effect on the rest of the squad.

This act of discipline could prove very costly for Doherty and his charges ahead of their SFC qualifier match with Galway on Saturday.

Galway boss Liam Sammon axed Nicky Joyce from his squad back in June for disciplinary reasons, but things were sorted out and Joyce was back in the panel 3 weeks later. There doesn't seem to be any negative fallout from the Joyce return. In fact, Joyce is proving to be a vital part of the Tribesmen panel, as he score 8 points in their loss to Mayo in last Sunday's Connacht SFC Final.

Doherty, I think you should talk to Sammon about how to handle disciplinary action!

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All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals Schedule and Draw...

The quarter-final draw for the Senior Football Championship takes place Sunday evening at 6.15pm, following the hurling quarter-finals in Thurles.

The draw format ensures that the provincial champions will play one of the Round 4 qualifier wins, but that there can be no repeat of provincial finals.

All quarter-finals will be played on the August Bank Holiday weekend August 1-3, except for one. Round 4 of the qualifers between Limerick and Round 3 winners (Meath/Roscommon) takes place the holiday weekend. The GAA announced yesterday that the fourth quarter-final will take place on the weekend of August 8/9.

Dates, times and venues for those games will be finalised by the Central Competitions Control Committee on Monday, July 27.

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Galway's Shane Kavanagh ruled out for All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals...

Galway full-back Shane Kavanagh has been ruled out for up to six weeks after breaking a bone in his hand in the All Ireland Qualifier win over Cork on Saturday.

The news will come as a bitter blow to the Tribesmen, who lost another key defender, wing-back Adrian Cullinane, to a cruciate knee injury last week.

Galway boss John McIntyre reported that Kavanagh will be seeing a specialist later this week to see if he will need surgery.

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Armagh Football Manager McDonnell steps down...

Armagh boss Peter McDonnell has resigned from his role as senior football manager.

McDonnell took over from Joe Kernan and led the Orchard County to the Ulster title in 2008, the first year of his reign. However, the 2009 Championship was to prove a massive disappointment. Armagh exited the championship with a loss to Monaghan in the the first stage of the All Ireland qualifiers.

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Kerry's Marc O'Se rumored to have left panel....

It was rumored that former Footballer of the Year Marc O'Se had quit the Kerry Football panel. However, the Kerry county board has rejected these claims.

What's going on with these type of rumors? Two weeks ago, it was alleged that Paddy Bradley had walked out on the Derry panel, but the same man showed up and had an outstanding game against Monaghan the following weekend. Also, there was the story going around that Meath's midfielder Mark Ward has left the panel last week. When in fact, Ward was unable to train due to the 'flu.

Are we just being shown more media hype? There's enough good GAA news to report without circulating these 'player quit' rumors!

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Unlucky for Galway's Gary O'Donnell....

Galway midfielder Gary O'Donnell was given a four-week suspension for his sending off in the Connacht SFC semi-final win over Sligo. However, the suspension doesn't end until midnight on Saturday. Therefore he is going to miss their All-Ireland football qualifier against Donegal on Saturday evening. O'Donnell had already sat out last Sunday's Connacht final defeat to Mayo.

Unlucky for him the fixture wasn't set for Sunday. I can't see Galway losing to Donegal, so O'Donnell should appear in the quarter-finals.

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GAA HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 Results Recap...

We are approaching the eleventh week of the GAA SHC 2009, with the last of the qualifiers having taken place last weekend. Below is a recap of the results of the championship thus far, along with the scheduled dates for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

Leinster
May 30: First round: Wexford 2-17 Offaly 0-16, Wexford Park.
May 31: First Round: Galway 5-29 Laois 0-17, Portlaoise.
June 7: First Round: Dublin 2-16 Antrim 0-12, Croke Park.
June 20: Semi-final: Kilkenny 2-20 Galway 3-13, Tullamore.
June 21: Dublin 0-18 Wexford 1-13, Nowlan Park.
July 5: Final: Kilkenny 2-18 Dublin 0-18, Croke Park.

Munster
May 31: First round: Tipperary 1-19 Cork 0-19, Thurles.
June 14: Semi-final: Limerick 1-8 Waterford 0-11, Semple Stadium.
June 20: Semi-final replay: Waterford 0-25 Limerick 0-17, Semple Stadium.
June 21: Semi-final: Tipperary 3-18 Clare 1-22, Limerick.
July 12: Final: Tipperary 4-14 Waterford 2-16, Thurles.

Ulster
May 9: First round: Fermanagh 0-13 Cavan 1-9, Enniskillen; Armagh 1-22 Monaghan
1-8, Armagh; Donegal 1-21 Tyrone 0-6, Letterkenny.
May 17: Second Round: Armagh 3-24 Donegal 2-12.
May 23: London 1-23 Fermanagh 0-7, Ruislip.
May 31: Quarter-finals: Derry 4-10 London 3-12; Down 5-21 Armagh 0-13. (Both in Casement Park).
June 14: Semi-final: Down 2-17 Derry 1-15, Casement Park.
June 28: Final: Antrim 3-20 Down 4-15, Casement Park.

All-Ireland Qualifiers
July 4: Phase One: Cork 3-19 Offaly 1-12, Tullamore; Laois 0-18 Antrim 1-12, Portlaoise.
July 11: Galway 2-18 Clare 1-11, Ennis; Limerick 1-13 Wexford 0-14, Wexford Park.
July 18: Phase Three: Galway 1-19 Cork 0-15, Thurles; Limerick 0-20 Laois 1-14, Thurles.

All-Ireland Quarter-finals
July 25/26: Dublin v Limerick; Waterford v Galway.

All-Ireland semi-finals
August 9: Kilkenny v Quarter final winners, Croke Park.
August 16: Tipperary v Quarter-final winners, Croke Park.
September 6: All-Ireland final, Croke Park.

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All-Ireland Qualifiers Fixtures/Dates/Times....

The GAA have announced the times and venues for next weekend's senior football and hurling matches.

Two qualifier matches in round four will take place on Saturday. Galway and Donegal will meet at Markievicz Park in Sligo at 5.00pm and the Kildare and Wicklow clash is set for 7.00PM in Portlaoise. The qualifier between Antrim and Kerry has been fixed for Sunday at 2.00PM in Tullamore.

The third round football qualifier between Meath and Roscommon will take place at 7.00pm on Saturday in Navan. Limerick will await the winner of this match.

The All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals will take place on Sunday with a double header at Semple Stadium in Thurles.

The two matches are Dublin and Limerick are up first at 2.00pm and Galway versus Waterford at 4.00pm.

The relegation semi-finals in hurling have been fixed for Saturday with Antrim playing Offaly at Parnell Park from 3.00pm, while Wexford meet Clare at 5.00pm in Portlaoise.

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GAA Football Qualifiers Round 4....

The draw for the fourth round of the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers did place this evening at 10:00 PM.

The winners of these matches will advance to the the GAA All-Ireland Football quarter-finals, in which provincial champions Dublin, Mayo, Cork and Tyrone await.

Galway meet Donegal.

Antrim will play Kerry.

Kildare are going to face Wicklow in a Leinster clash.

The final match will see beaten Munster finalists Limerick take on the winners of the delayed clash between Meath and Roscommon.

The first three matches will be played on the weekend of 25/26 July, along with the match between Meath and Roscommon.


All matches are going to be on neutral grounds.

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Draw set for July 19th...

The draw for Round Four of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship will take place on Sunday evening at approximately 10:00 PM.

This will involve four games with the winning teams from Round Three (Wicklow, Kerry, Donegal and Meath/Roscommon) taking on the beaten provincial finalists (Kildare, Limerick, Galway and Antrim). The Round Four games will be played at neutral venues.

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Galway lose out to Mayo in the Connacht SFC Final...

Mayo 2-12 Galway 1-14

Mayo take back the Nestor Cup by defeating Galway in the Connacht Senior Football Final at Pearse Stadium.

Galway came from behind to draw level with Mayo through a goal from Michael Meehan in injury time. However, Peadar Gardener got a late point for Mayo that proved to be the last kick of the game and the win for Mayo.

Mayo Captain Trevor Mortimer was Man of the Match.

Galway will now go into the draw for the fourth round of GAA SFC Qualifiers.

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Tyrone defeat Antrim in the Ulster SFC Final...

Tyrone 1-18 Antrim 0-15

Reigning All-Ireland Champions Tyrone ease past a brave Antrim side in the Ulster Senior Football Championship Final.

___.

Galway triumph over Cork in the All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers....

Galway 1-19 Cork 0-15

Galway's Aongus Callanan was Man of the Match.

Joe Canning got 11 points for Galway.

Ben O'Connor had 9 points for Cork.

Substitute Joe Gantley got the crucial goal for Galway eight minutes from time.

Galway now meet Waterford in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals.

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Limerick get win over Laois in the SHC Qualifiers....

Limerick 0-20 Laois 1-14

Limerick will meet Dublin in the All-Ireland SHC Quarter-finals.

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Kerry sneak win over Sligo in SFC Qualifiers....

Kerry 0-14 Sligo 1-10

Kerry beat Sligo in this SFC Qualifiers match by the narrowest of margins. A gutsy Sligo put up another great performance, but it wasn't enough.

Sligo missed a penalty in the 68th minute, that could have sealed a historic victory for them. But it wasn't to be.

Kerry don't even look close to being All-Ireland contenders this year.

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Wexford edged out by Roscommon in SFC Qualifiers....

Roscommon 0-11 Wexford 0-8

Donal Shine (0-9) put in an excellent performance to help his Roscommon side get the win over Wexford at Dr Hyde Park this afternoon.

Roscommon led 7 points to 6 at the interval.

Scoring was at a premium in the match. Wexford will think that they lost this one due to the many wides they had through the game.

The Rossies will now meet Meath in the third round of the SFC qualfiers (scheduled for next week).

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Down goes out to Wicklow in SFC Qualifiers....

Wicklow 1-15 Down 0-17

Wicklow had another historic win in the SFC qualifers, as the beat Down by the narrowest of margins.

It looked like this match was going to go into extra-time, as both sides were level in the last minute of injury time. However, Wicklow's Tony Hannon was the hero of the match as he kicked a 45 metre free to put the Garden County ahead. With no time left on the clock, this turned out to be the winning score.

Wicklow Captain Leighton Glynn scored 1-3 from play.

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Connacht Senior Football Championship Final: Galway v Mayo Match Pick...

Galway meet Mayo in the Connacht Senior Football Final on Sunday, at Pearse Stadium @ 4:00 PM.

Galway Team: TBC

Ronan McGarrity has been named in the Mayo team for Sunday's Connacht SFC final against Galway, despite suffering a broken cheekbone in a club match 11 days ago.

However, his selection is subject to a fitness test on Sunday morning with Tom Parsons believed to be ready to step in the event of him failing the fitness test.

Manager John O'Mahony has made just one change from the side that hammered Roscommon in the Connacht SFC semi-final which sees the fit-again Liam O'Malley coming in for Donal O'Malley at right corner back.

Mayo Team:
K O'Malley; L O'Malley, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; P Gardiner, T Howley, A Moran; D Heaney, R McGarrity; P Harte, T Mortimer (captain), A Dillon; A Kilcoyne, B Moran, A O'Shea.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Galway 11/10
Draw 15/2
Mayo evens

Winner: Galway

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Ulster Senior Football Championship Final: Tyrone v Antrim Match Pick...

Antrim meet Tyrone in the Ulster SFC final in Clones on Sunday, 2.00pm.

Antrim have named an unchanged team for Sunday's Ulster SFC final against Tyrone at Clones. Maanager Liam Bradley keeps the faith with the team that started in the victory over Cavan last time out.

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 (captain), S Burke, T McCann

Brian Dooher will make his first start for Tyrone since last year's All-Ireland final triumph over Kerry in Sunday's Ulster SFC final against Antrim.

The Red Hand captain missed all of the National League following groin surgery, but is fit to take his place at right half forward where he indirectly replaces Enda McGinley, who strained his hamstring in training last weekend.

Sean Cavanagh moves from full forward to partner Kevin Hughes at midfield, while Joe McMahon has recovered from the rib injury he sustained in the semi-final win over Derry to take his place on the left flank of the attack.

Corner back PJ Quinn and All-Star full back Justin McMahon are starting their first Ulster SFC final, with McMahon having featured as a sub in the final win over Monaghan two years ago.

Tyrone Team:
J Devine; 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.

Winner: Tyrone

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All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Phase 3: Laois v Limerick Match Pick...

Laois play Limerick in the All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Semple Stadium on Saturday, July 18th @ 5.00PM.

Laois hurling boss Niall Rigney has yet to name his side for this encounter.

Laois Team: TBC

The Limerick team shows three changes from that which defeated Wexford last weekend. The Treatymen will be without Niall Moran because of an injury he sustained in last weekend's clash. Paul Browne comes in in place of Moran with Tom Condon coming into the side at left. Mike O'Brien is drafted into the half forward line.

Limerick Team:
B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, T Condon; S Hickey, B Geary, M Foley; G O'Mahony, D O'Grady; J Ryan, M O'Brien, P Browne; D Sheehan, P McNamara, A O'Shaughnessy.

Again, this could be another close match, despite the bookies going with Limerick as the overwhelming favorites. Limerick should have enough to overcome Laois, but it all happens on the day. And if they do lose, the O'Moore County should be happy enough that they have already secured Liam McCarthy Cup status for next year.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Limerick 1/20
Draw 16/1
Laois 11/1

Handicap Betting Hide
Limerick (-12.0) 5/6
Handicap Draw (-12.0) 12/1
Laois (+12.0) evens


Winner: Limerick

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All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Phase 3: Cork v Galway Match Pick...

Cork play Galway in the All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Semple Stadium on Saturday @ 7.00PM. This is arguably the match of the weekend in both hurling and football qualifiers.

Cork have made two changes in personnel for this crucial encounter. Patrick Horgan has been recalled to the Rebels’ starting line-up after being dropped for the win over Offaly. He comes in at corner forward as Tadhg Óg Murphy misses out in midfield. John Gardiner also returns from injury to lead the Cork team for this clash. The return of Gardiner means Tom Kenny reverts back to midfield in place of Graham Callinan. Ben O'Connor, who was struggling with hamstring injury, is selected at right half forward.

Cork Team:
D Óg Cusack; S O'Neill, E Cadogan, S Murphy; J Gardiner, R Curran, S Óg O hAilpín; T Kenny, J O'Connor; B O'Connor, P Cronin, T McCarthy; K Murphy, A O hAilpín, P Horgan.

Galway boss John McIntyre has been forced to make one change with left half back Adrian Cullinane ruled out with cruciate ligament damage. Ger Farragher who was introduced for Cullinane in last weekend's win over Clare will take a spot in the starting XV. Farragher's move to midfield results in Eoin Lynch moving back to fill the void left by Cullinane in the half back line.

Team captain Ollie Canning has been passed fit to take his place at left corner back, despite complaining of blurred vision after the Clare game.

Galway Team:
D Callinan; F Moore, S Kavanagh, O Canning; D Joyce, J Lee, E Lynch; G Farragher, K Hines; A Callinan, C Donnellan, A Smyth; D Hayes, J Canning, N Healy.

This will be the 31st championship clash between the counties, stretching back to 1901 when they met for the first time in the All-Ireland semi-final which Cork won. The Rebels lead 26-4 from the previous 30 clashes with the Tribesmen.

Despite their Leinster SHC semi-final loss to Kilkenny this year, Galway are showing that they may yet be the team to dethrone the reigning All-Ireland champions. Cork are not showing the level performance that won them two All-Irelands in this decade. This will be a close encounter, but I think Galway will take this one by a narrow margin.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Cork evens
Draw 10/1
Galway evens

Handicap Betting:
Cork (+1.0) 8/11
Handicap Draw (1.0) 10/1
Galway (-1.0) 5/4

Winner: Galway

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Rd 3: Derry-Donegal Match Pick...

Derry play Donegal in the third round of the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers at Ballybofey on Saturday July 18th, @ 7:00 PM.

Derry manager Damian Cassidy will wait until late on Friday to name his team.

Derry: TBC

Donegal manager John Joe Doherty has introduced veteran Brian Roper in place of the injured Christy Toye. Roper comes in at centre-forward and Leo McLoone moves to midfield alongside Kevin Cassidy. Doherty will be hoping for a much-improved performance on the one he got in the three-point win over Clare in the previous round and the win over Carlow before that.

Donegal Team:
P Durcan; F McGlynn, N McGee, K Lacey; B Dunnion, B Monaghan, E McGee; L McLoone, K Cassidy; R Kavanagh (captain), B Roper, D Walsh; C Dunne, M Murphy, C McFadden.

Both teams meet for the second successive year. Derry beat Donegal by two points in last year’s Ulster quarter-final. Donegal’s inconsistency has meant that Oakleafers will go into this game as strong favourites. I don't see an upset happening here, so I think Derry will have a comfortable win.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Donegal 9/4
Draw 15/2
Derry 1/2

Handicap Betting:
Donegal (+3.0) 10/11
Handicap Draw (3.0) 8/1
Derry (-3.0) 11/10

Winner: Derry

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Rd 3: Kerry-Sligo Match Pick...

Kerry play Sligo in the third round of the Senior Football Championship on (Sat) July 18th in Tralee @ 5:00PM.

Mike McCarthy has been included in the Kerry team at centre-back. McCarthy makes his first start for the Kingdom since he retired at the end of the 2006 season. Aidan O’Mahony is back in the starting line-up after missing the win over Longford.

Paul Galvin returns from suspension to start in his familiar wing-forward role. Sean O’Sullivan moves into the inside forward line with Tommy Walsh starting at full-forward in place of the injured Kieran Donaghy. Tadhg Kennelly has failed to recover in time from a broken finger.

Kerry Team:
D Murphy; M O Sé, T Griffin, T O’Sullivan; T O Sé, M McCarthy, A O’Mahony; D O'Sé, S Scanlon; P Galvin, D O’Sullivan, D Walsh; C Cooper, T Walsh, S O’Sullivan

Sligo manager Kevin Walsh, has named an unchanged team from the side that enjoyed a one-point win over Tipperary in the last round.

There is one positional change, in which Adrian Marren switches from wing forward to the full forward line with Stephen Coen going in the opposition direction.

Sligo Team:
P Greene; P McGovern, N McGuire, N Ewing; M McNamara, R Donovan, J Davey; E Mullen, T Taylor; M Breheny, A Costello, A Marren; D Kelly, E O'Hara, S Coen.

Both teams meet for only the second time in championship history and for the first time since 1975 when Kerry beat Sligo by 3-13 to 0-5 in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Walsh will be hoping that his team can reproduce the form they showed in the Connacht semi-final defeat to Galway. And Kerry will be hoping not to put on the dismal display they showed in their four point win over Longford.

I don't think Kerry are good enough to win the All-Ireland SFC this year, but they are certainly good enough to get the win over Sligo.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Kerry 1/10
Draw 14/1
Sligo 7/1

Handicap Betting:
Kerry (-7.0) 10/11
Handicap Draw (-7.0) 10/1
Sligo (+7.0) evens

Winner: Kerry

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Rd 3: Down-Wicklow Match Pick...

Down play Wicklow in the third round of the Senior Football Championship Qualifiers at Aughrim on Saturday July 18th @ 3:00 PM.

Down manager Ross Carr has named the same team that lined out in last week’s win over Laois for this clash with Wicklow.

Down Team:
B McVeigh; C McGovern, K McKernan, D Rafferty, T Hanna, P Murphy, C Garvey, D Gordon, S Kearney, A Rogers, C Maginn, B McArdle, B Coulter, P McCumiskey, D Hughes.

Wicklow boss Mick O’Dwyer has also named an unchanged team for this match. It will be the same XV that lined out in last Saturday’s Qualifier defeat of Cavan.

Wicklow Team:
M Travers; C Hyland, D O hAnnaidh, S Kelly; P McWalter, B McGrath, D Hayden; J Stafford, T Walsh; L Glynn, T Hannon, JP Dalton; D Odlum, S Furlong, P Earls

It is the first ever senior championship clash between the counties and Wicklow have never advanced this far in the qualifiers before. Can the Garden County maintain their great run in this year’s Championship? Although many would fancy Down to win this encounter, the bookies have Wicklow as slight favorites. I tend to agree with their favorite pick and will go with Micko's men to sneak a win in this match.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Wicklow evens
Draw 15/2
Down 11/10

Handicap Betting:
Wicklow (-1.0) 6/4
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 8/1
Down (+1.0) 4/6

Winner: Wicklow

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Rd 2: Roscommon-Wexford Match Pick...

Roscommon play Wexford on Saturday (July 18th, 3:00PM throw-in), in a replay of round two of the SFC Qualifiers at Hyde Park. The Rossies drew with the Slaneysiders 0-11 to 1-8 last weekend.

Roscommon boss Fergal O'Donnell has made one change to his side. Ronan Brady, who replaced the injured Paul Gleeson in the drawn clash, retains his place at right corner back. There is one positional change in attack which sees team captain Gary Cox and Fintan Cregg swap places on the right flank.

Roscommon Team:
G Claffey; R Brady, J Nolan, S McDermott; S Purcell, P Domican, D Keenan; M Finneran, B Higgins; G Cox (captain), D Connellan, D Shine; F Cregg, S Kilbride, C Cregg.

Wexford manager Jason Ryan has recalled Adrian Morrissey and Eric Bradley to the Wexford team. Morrissey makes a surprise return to the defence replacing Kieran Kennedy at right half back. . It was thought his season was over after undergoing surgery last month for a groin injury he suffered in the Leinster SFC quarter-final defeat to Kildare.

Bradley returns at midfield in place of Brendan Doyle. Matty Forde remains sidelined with a long-term back problem.

Wexford Team:
A Masterson; B Malone, G Molloy, N Murphy; A Morrissey, D Murphy, C Morrissey (captain); D Fogarty, E Bradley; S Roche, R Barry, A Flynn; C Lyng, S Cullen, PJ Banville.

Both these teams have had a disappointing 2009 Championship. I don't think Meath will have any worries of meeting either team in round three next week. It is difficult to call this one, as both teams are weak in performance. Having said that, I think the more experienced Wexford side will prevail, in what could be a low scoring game.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Roscommon 11/8
Draw 15/2
Wexford 4/5

Handicap Betting:
Roscommon (+1.0) evens
Handicap Draw (1.0) 8/1
Wexford (-1.0) evens

Winner: Wexford

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Mayo's McGarrity may be back for Connacht SFC Final...

Last week, Mayo midfielder Ronan McGarrity looked set to miss Sunday's Connacht SFC final against Galway after suffering multiple hairline fractures to his cheekbone, following an off-the-ball incident in a club match.

However, it was reveled today that Mayo manager John O'Mahony is refusing to rule out the midfielder playing in the final. McGarrity was involved in some light training with the county panel last Sunday. This week he will consult with doctors about the seriousness of his injury.

If McGarrity doesn't make a return to Mayo's starting XV next Sunday, then he will a serious loss to his county's bid to win back the Nestor Cup from the defending Connacht Champions.

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Tyrone's midfielder McGinley picks up injury....

And yet more injury news ahead of the weekend's GAA Senior Championship matches.

Tyrone's star midfielder Enda McGinley is struggling with a hamstring injury he picked up in training over the weekend. A decision on his participation in next Sunday's Ulster SFC Final against Antrim is expected to be made after training on Tuesday night.

However, Red Hand manager Mickey Harte has revealed that Joe McMahon should be available for the final. McMahon was a serious injury concern ahead of the provincial decider after damaging ribs in the Ulster semi-final win over Derry.

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Galway's star defender Cullinane out for rest of GAA Hurling Championship...

Galway's hurling player Adrian Cullinane has been ruled out for the rest of the season, with a cruciate knee injury. The star defender suffered the horrific injury in last Saturday's win over Clare in the SHC Qualifiers Phase 2. He had an MRI scan on Tuesday that revealed the extent of the injury.

This is a big blow for Galway ahead of their clash with Cork in Saturday’s GAA All Ireland Qualifier Phase 3.

Despite this injury blow, has the Tribesmen Manager John McIntyre enough depth in his squad to overcome Cork in the qualifier match?

Well, Cork are not without their injury concerns, as well. The Rebels's star forward Ben O’Connor was forced off in their win over Offaly in SHC Qualifiers last weekend. It is said he has a “50-50” chance of starting against the Tribesmen.

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Kerry's Star Forward Donaghy out for rest of Championship...

It looks like Kerry's star forward Kieran Donaghy maybe out injured for the rest of the championship, due to a broken bone in his foot. Donaghy landed awkwardly from a jump during last Saturday's win over Longford in the SFC Qualifiers and left the ground on crutches.

Does this mean that Kerry's chance of winning the All-Ireland has greatly diminished? A lot people are convinced including myself, that Kerry will not win the Sam Maguire Cup this year even with Donaghy!

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Connacht Senior Football Championship Final: Galway v Mayo...

Connacht Senior Football Championship Final

Galway v Mayo

Venue: Pearse Stadium.
Sunday July 19, 2009 @ 4:00 PM
Referee: John Bannon (Longfort)

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Ulster Senior Football Championship Final: Tyrone v Antrim...

Ulster Senior Football Championship Final

Tyrone v Antrim

Venue: Clones.
Sunday July 19, 2009 @ 2:00 PM
Referee: Padraig Hughes (Ard Mhacha)

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All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Phase 3: Cork v Galway...

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
Qualifiers Phase 3

Cork v Galway

Venue: Thurles.
Saturday July 18, 2009 @ 7:00 PM
Referee: TBA

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All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Phase 3: Laois v Limerick...

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
Qualifiers Phase 3

Laois v Limerick


Venue: Thurles.
Saturday July 18, 2009 @ 5:00 PM
Referee: TBA

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Round 3 Fixtures...

There will three matches played on Saturday July 18th, for the All Ireland Senior Championship Qualifiers Round 3.

First, Down travel to Aughrim to face Mick O'Dwyer's Wicklow at 3:00 PM.

Next, Sligo will face Kerry in Austin Stack Park in Tralee at 5:00 PM. Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney was unavailable to stage the game due to the Pussycat Dolls concert.

Finally there is an all-Ulster clash between Derry and Donegal taking centre in Ballybofey at 7:00 PM.

All matches will go into extra-time if needed.

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Rd 2: Roscommon-Wexford (replay)...

Roscommon and Wexford will play their Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 2 replay on Saturday, July 18th at 3:00 PM in Dr Hyde Park.

These two team ended up level last week (after extra-time), in Wexford Park. (Ros: 0-11 Wex: 1-08).

It was speculated that this replay would take place midweek, with a trip to Navan next Saturday to face Meath awaiting the winners. The decision to fix the replay for Saturday means that Meath must wait a week longer for their third round tie.

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GAA Senior Football and Hurling Qualifiers Draw...

Round 3 of the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers took place this evening. This was an open draw.

SFC Qualifiers Draw Results:
Wicklow v Down
Meath v Wexford/Roscommon
Kerry v Sligo
Donegal v Derry

Note: Team drawn first has home advantage.

Due to the results of Phase 1 & 2 of the SHC Qualifiers, there will be no official draw. The following matches will take place in the next round of the SHC qualifiers:
Cork v Galway
Laois v Limerick

Relegation Round 1 Hurling Draw:
Antrim v Offaly
Clare v Wexford

GAA will define dates/venues for the matches on Monday July 13th.

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Tipperary easily defeat Waterford in the Munster SHC Final...

Tipperary 4-14 Waterford 2-16

Tipperary has retained their provincial title by defeating Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship final, at Semple Stadium.

Although Waterford put in a late rally (getting six unanswered points), it was not enough to win this encounter.

Lar Corbertt got 2-02 in the match for Tipp.

Eoin Kelly bagged 1-06 and John Mullane got 1-04 for Waterford.

Waterford has 9+ wides in the match.

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Dublin overcome Kildare in the Leinster SFC Final...

Dublin 2-15 Kildare 0-18

Dublin claimed their fifth provincial title in a row by beating Kildare in the Leinster Senior Football Championship Final, at Croke Park.

Kildare were leading by 0-12 to 2-5 at the interval, after coming from 6 points down during the first half. In the second half both teams kept it close. They were level with a few minutes to go. However, the Dubs got three late points to seal the victory.

Bernard Brogan (0-07) put in a Man of the Match performance.

Dublin were reduced to 14 men after 19 minutes, when centre-back Ger Brennan was dimissed for a punch he landed on Kildare's Ken Donnelly.

The Dubs may have won another Leinster crown, but they never seem to get to the All-Ireland Final. While reigning All-Ireland champions Tyrone remain favorites to keep the Sam Maguire Cup, are the Dubs now capable of taking it this year?

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All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Win Market Odds...

We are approximately halfway through the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship season. There are still three Provincial titles to be decided and the draw for the third round of the Qualifiers has yet to place. So, how do the counties still remaining in the competition fare among the punters? Who are among the favorites to win the Sam Maguire?

According to the boylesport.com website, the following are the current win market odds for counties still in the championship. In the next few weekends the list is going to strink, but it will be interesting to see if the Top 3 Favorites remain unchanged.

And if you are interested, feel free to vote in my poll on the sidebar of this blog page.

Tyrone 7/4
Kerry 3/1
Cork 10/3
Dublin 6/1
Kildare 16/1
Galway 18/1
Mayo 18/1
Derry 20/1
Meath 50/1
Donegal 100/1
Down 100/1
Antrim 125/1
Limerick 125/1
Wicklow 200/1
Wexford 250/1
Roscommon 500/1
Sligo 500/1

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Rd 2 Match Results...

There were eight games in the second round of qualifiers in the GAA All-Ireland Football Championship, played Saturday July 11th.

Derry beat Monaghan by 3-16 to 0-20 at Clones.

Sligo edged out Tipperary by a point on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-12 at Semple Stadium.

Wexford and Roscommon played to a drawn game after extra-time, finishing on a scoreline of 1-08 to 0-11. The sides now face a replay next weekend.

Kerry beat Longford by a scoreline of 1-12 to 0-11.

Meath beat Westmeath by 1-15 to 1-05 at Mullingar.

Down beat Laois 2-09 to 0-07 at Newry.

Wicklow beat Cavan by 1-12 to 0-08 at Aughrim.

Donegal beat Clare by 0-13 to 1-07 at Ballybofey.

Note: The next Qualifiers draw will take place on Sunday, July 12th.

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Limerick edged out Wexford in the SFC Qualifiers...

Limerick 1-13 Wexford 0-14

Limerick advance to the third phase of the GAA Hurling Championship qualifiers after a two-point win over Wexford. There was only point between the teams going into full-time, but an injury-time point from Paudi McNamara sealed the victory for Limerick.

The Treatymen will be playing Laois next weekend.

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Galway ease past Clare in the SHC Qualifiers...

Galway 2-18 Clare 1-11

Galway were below par, but were effective enough in disposing of Clare in this SHC qualifiers match. It was only Galway's third win over Clare in the history of their Championship encounters.

The Tribesmen's John Lee had an outstanding game in center-back position and was Man of the Match.

The Banner county missed a penalty on the 26th minute. Galway's Cyril Donnellan got their first goal on the 30th minute mark. Joe Canning has seven points (0-6f) for Galway.

Galway's captain Ollie Canning went off injured, along with Adrian Cullinane. It was reported post-match that Canning has blurred vision. He maybe doubtful for their next qualifiers match.

Clare were reduced to 14 men when their captain Brian O'Donnell was sent off in the 57th minute, for an elbow challenge on Cyril Donnellan. Donnellan was replaced by a blood substitute.

Galway will now meet Cork next weekend in the next phase of the qualifiers, while Clare will go home thinking about next year's championship.

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Kerry do enough to beat Longford in the SFC Qualifiers...

Kerry 1-12 Longford 0-11

Kerry were certainly less than impressive, but did enough to beat a brave Longford in this SFC qualifiers match. In fact, Kerry went the last 30 minutes of the match without a score. Monaghan outscored Kerry 7 points to 2 in the second half, but it wasn't enough to come from behind and win.

Man of the Match Tommy Walsh (1-02) got the Kerry goal after 8 minutes. Colm Cooper had 5 points in the match. Kieran Donaghy who had just returned to the panel after injury limped off in the 47th minute.

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Tipp lose out to Sligo in SFC Qualifiers...

Sligo 1-13 Tipperary 1-12

Sligo beat Tipperary in this SFC qualifiers game in Thurles, by the narrowest of margins.

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Roscommon draw with Wexford in SFC Qualifiers...

Wexford 1-08 Roscommon 0-11

Extra time in this SFC qualifer match didn't decide the winner, as Roscommon get a draw against Wexford at Wexford Park.

I would guess that the replay will be scheduled for sometime next weekend.

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Derry easily defeat Monaghan in SFC Qualifier....

Derry 3-16 Monaghan 0-20

Derry easily beat Monaghan in this round two of the SFC qualifiers. Early goals made the difference for the Oakleafers in maintaining a lead throughout this match and winning comfortably by the final whistle.

Monaghan's 20 points was a respectable score, but the Farneymen never looked like they were going to win this encounter.

The Bradley brothers (Paddy and Eoin) in the full-forward line were superb for Derry.

Paddy Bradley (2-08) got Man of the Match.

Both Paul Barden and David Barden had impressive performances for Monaghan.

Monaghan's 12 wides in the match and a missed chance at goal in the first half didn't help their cause.

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Tipperary-Waterford Munster SHC Final Match Pick...

Tipperary take on Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final on Sunday July 12th, at Semple Stadium.

Stephen Molumphy has been included in the Waterford team for this clash.

Molumphy was a major doubt after he sustained a knee injury in the provincial semi-final replay win over Limerick. He has been selected at centre-forward but is expected to have a fitness test on Sunday before he takes his place in the starting line-up.

In the half-back line, Aidan Kearney has replaced Richie Foley and Jack Kennedy has come in for the injured Gary Hurney in the inside forward line.

Waterford Team:
C Hennessy; E Murphy, D Prendergast, N Connors; T Browne, M Walsh, A Kearney; S O'Sullivan, K Moran; S Prendergast, S Molumphy, J Nagle; J Mullane, E Kelly, J Kennedy.

Meanwhile, Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy has named the same team that started against Clare for the Déise showdown.

Eoin Kelly and Noel McGrath have both been passed fit despite sitting out training through injury during the week.

Tipperary Team:
B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O'Brien; D Fanning, C O'Mahony, P Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O'Brien; N McGrath, E Kelly, L Corbett.

Tipperary are defending Munster champions, seeking their 38th Munster title. They come into the game as hot favourites and rightly so. It took a replay in the semi-final for Waterford to dispose of Limerick. No upset in this decider!

Paddy Power Match Odds:
Tipperary 4/11
Draw 10/1
Waterford 5/2

Handicap Betting:
Tipperary (-4.0) 11/10
Handicap Draw (-4.0) 10/1
Waterford (+4.0) 5/6

Winner: Tipperary

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All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Match for Saturday July 11...

In addition to my other blog postings for this weekend's SFC Qualifiers, we have the following matches.

Longford vs. Kerry at Pearse Park. Kieran Donaghy returns from injury for Kerry, but I don't think he will be needed for this encounter. There will be no surprises on the result of this one.
Paddy Power Match Odds:
Longford 10/1
Draw 16/1
Kerry 1/20

Winner: Kerry

Wexford vs. Roscommon at Wexford Park. The Model men should fancy their chances against a Roscommon side - fresh off a humiliating Connacht semi-final defeat to Mayo. Neither team look good, but I think Wexford will sneak a win in this one.
Paddy Power Match Odds:
Wexford 2/7
Draw 9/1
Roscommon 10/3

Winner: Wexford

Tipperary vs. Sligo in Thurles. Tipperary recorded their first win in the championship in six years by narrowly beating Louth in the first round of the qualifiers. Despite the loss, Sligo had a massive performance against Galway in the Connacht SFC semi-final. Surprising to me, the bookies have Tipp as the favorites going into this match. I think the Yeats County will take this one. Call it an upset if you want!
Paddy Power Match Odds:
Tipperary 8/11
Draw 15/2
Sligo 11/8

Winner: Sligo

Donegal vs Clare in Ballybofey. Donegal have not been impressive this championship season. However, they are going up against a poor Clare team and should prevail.
Paddy Power Match Odds:
Donegal 1/12
Draw 14/1
Clare 7/1

Winner: Donegal

Westmeath vs. Meath at Cusack Park. Meath beat a mediocre Waterford team last week in the first round of the SFC qualifiers. Westmeath were gving a hammering by Dublin the Leinster SFC semi-final. So, who's going to win this one? Difficult to say, but I will go with favorites Meath.
Paddy Power Match Odds:
Westmeath 9/4
Draw 15/2
Meath 4/9

Winner: Meath

Wicklow vs. Cavan in Aughrim. Wicklow had a good win over Fermanagh last weekend in round 1 of the qualifiers. Cavan put a poor performance against Antrim in the Ulster SFC. Another tough match to call, but I would have to lean towards the Garden County in winning this one.
Paddy Power Match Odds:
Wicklow 8/11
Draw 15/2
Cavan 11/8

Winner: Wicklow

Down vs. Laois in Newry. Down struggled but got the win against London last weekend. Laois were overpowered by Kildare in the Leinster SFC semi-final. However, I have a feeling that this one will end up in a draw and go into extra-time. Down will pip Laois for a win (aet).
Paddy Power Match Odds:
Down 8/13
Draw 15/2
Laois 13/8

Winner: Down

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Derry-Monaghan All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Match Pick...

Derry play Monaghan in the All-Ireland Senior Championship Qualifiers Round 2 on Saturday in Clones. It will be the second time that these two teams have met in the championship this year. Derry were winners on the first day, in a rough match that was marred with incidents and bookings.

Monaghan Manager Seamus McEnaney has announced an unchanged side for this encounter. Tommy Freeman is still suspended following the imposition of an 8 weeks penalty for an alleged incident in the game against Derry at Celtic Park.

Monaghan Team:
P McBennett; D Mone, V Corey, D McArdle; D Freeman, G McQuaid, D Hughes; E Lennon, D Clerkin; S Gollogly, P Finlay, C McManus; M Downey, R Ronaghan, R Woods.

Derry boss Damien Cassidy will be without the services of corner-back Kevin McGuckin. He failed to have his four-week ban overturned at the Central Hearings Committee meeting on Thursday night. Last month, he was shown a straight red card after he tangled with Tyrone's Sean Cavanagh in the Ulster SFC semi-final.

Last night's decision has resulted in Cassidy delaying his team selection for tomorrow's game.

Derry Team: TBC

The Farneymen will need to produce a better performance than the one that saw them scrape past Armagh after extra-time last weekend. On the other hand, the Oakleafers must also try to put up a great performance with a team that is not at full strength. However, I believe Derry will repeat their success over Monaghan in another tight clash.

Paddy Power Match Odds:
Monaghan evens
Draw 13/2
Derry 6/5

Handicap Betting:
Monaghan (-1.0) 13/10
Handicap Draw (-1.0) 15/2
Derry (+1.0) 4/5

Winner: Derry

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Limerick-Wexford All-Ireland SFC Qualifier Match Pick...

Limerick and Wexford meet in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Qualifiers Phase 2, on Saturday July 11 at Wexford Park. This clash will be a far cry from when these two sides met in the 1996 All-Ireland final, which Wexford won.

Limerick boss Justin McCarthy has left stalwart attacker Ollie Moran out of his starting line-up. Pat Tobin has quit the Treatymen's panel. Maybe due to the fact that he didn't get a run out in the Munster semi-final replay defeat to Waterford. Paul Browne and Denis Moloney also lose out, with Wayne McNamara, Donncha Sheehan and Gavin O'Mahony all getting the nod.

Limerick Team:
B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; S Hickey, B Geary, M Foley; G O'Mahony, D O'Grady; W McNamara, J Ryan, N Moran; D Sheehan, D Breen, A O'Shaughnessy

Wexford Manager Colm Bonnar has included Darren Stamp and Keith Rossiter in his team for this qualifier clash. Both players return from long-term injuries, with David O’Connor and Michael Jacob making way at full-back and wing-back respectively.

Eanna Martin takes the place of Stephen Banville at full-forward, after he was ruled out with glandular fever. PJ Nolan and Harry Kehoe also come into the side.

Wexford Team:
D Fitzhenry; M Travers, P Roche, K Rossiter; D Stamp, P Kehoe, C Kenny; H Kehoe, D Lyng; PJ Nolan, W Doran, R Jacob; D Redmond, E Martin, S Doyle.

I don't think either team has a chance of going much further in this year's championship. So, I have a difficult time calling this one. However, I think the Slaneysiders have a little more determination and hurling pride to avoid going into a relegation battle to stay up in the Liam McCarthy Cup for next year. Yes, Limerick are a proud hurling county too, but they will fall a little short in this encounter.

Paddy Power Match Odds:
Wexford 11/10
Draw 10/1
Limerick 5/6

Handicap Betting:
Wexford (+1.0) 5/6
Handicap Draw (1.0) 10/1
Limerick (-1.0) 11/10

Winner: Wexford

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Clare-Galway All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Match Pick...

Galway takes on Clare in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Qualifiers Phase 2 on Saturday July 11th at 7:00pm in Cusack Park, Ennis.

The Tribemen's corner-forward Damien Hayes, who is recovering from a calf injury picked up during his county's defeat to Kilkenny last month will be available for Saturday. He took full part in Galway's training session on Tuesday evening in Athenry.

Galway Team:
Colm Callanan, Damien Joyce, Shane Kavanagh, Ollie Canning, Fergal Moore, John Lee, Adrian Cullinane, Eoin Lynch, Kevin Hynes, Aongus Callanan, Cyril Donnellan, Andy Smith, Damien Hayes, Joe Canning, Niall Healy.

Its the same team that played Kilkenny in the Leinster SHC semi-final.

Manager Mike McNamara insists that Clare will hold no fears of facing Galway on Saturday. The Banner County put in a disastrous NHL campaign with losing all their matches. They put up a brave battle against Tipperary, but lost in that Munster SHC.

Former All-Star Tony Griffin moves to midfield to partner team captain Brian O'Connell. This is a suprise change that McNamara has introduced. Other notables switches are that Jonathan Clancy, who played midfield in last month's defeat to Tipperary, moves to top of the left with Colin Ryan now on the left wing. Ryan hit 0-12 (0-7 from frees) in a man of the match display against Tipperary, despite being deployed as an extra defender.

Clare Team:
P Brennan; P Vaughan, J McInerney, G O'Grady; A Markham, B Bugler, P Donnellan; B O'Connell, T Griffin; T Carmody, D McMahon, C Ryan; N Gilligan, D Barrett, J Clancy.

Despite the Banner's switches compared to an unchanged Galway side, I just can't see them doing well against the Tribesmen.

If Galway plays up to their full potential then we could be looking at a demolition of Clare. The last time Clare and Galway met in the Qualifiers (2007), Clare won by 2-10 to 0-14. Two years on, Galway are All-Ireland contenders where as Clare have slumped in performance.

Paddy Power Midweek Match Odds:
Clare 2/1
Draw 10/1
Galway 4/9

Handicap Betting:
Clare (+3.0) 10/11
Handicap Draw (3.0) 10/1
Galway (-3.0) evens

Winner: Galway

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Dublin-Kildare Leinster SFC Final Match Pick...

Dublin face Kildare in Sunday's Leinster Senior Football Championship final at Croke Park.

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has made one change to the starting XV that mauled Westmeath in the Leinster SFC semi-final, for next Sunday's match. Left corner-back Rory O'Carroll has withdrawn from the panel to go travelling to Thailand. Paddy Andrews has been recalled to the Dublin team to take this vacant position.

Dublin Team:
S Cluxton; D Henry, D Bastick, P Andrews; P Griffin (captain), G Brennan, B Cahill; R McConnell, D Magee; P Flynn, A Brogan, D Connolly; C Keaney, B Brogan, J Sherlock.

Kildare Manager Kieran McGeeney has named an unchanged team for Sunday's final.

The Lilywhites were hugely impressive semi-final winners over Laois, and McGeeney is happy to go with the same starting XV again. There had been some doubts concerning full forward Eamonn Callaghan's fitness, but he has been given the all-clear.

Kildare Team:
T Corley; H McGrillen, M Foley, E Bolton; M O'Flaherty, B Flanagan, M Conway; D Flynn, D Earley; J Kavanagh, P O'Neill, R Sweeney; A Smith, E Callaghan, J Doyle (captain).

Kildare are aim to end a nine-year wait for a provincial title. McGeeney has done a great job of improving the quality of performance from this Kildare side. Dublin look good as possible contenders for this year's All-Ireland, but I can see an upset happening.

Paddy Powers Midweek Match Odds:
Dublin 1/2
Draw 15/2
Kildare 9/4

Handicap Betting:
Dublin (-2.0) 10/11
Handicap Draw (-2.0) 17/2
Kildare (+2.0)

Winner: Kildare

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Kildare trains at Croke Park...

The GAA currently has a ban on pre-match training at Croke Park for all GAA teams, but international soccer and rugby teams were allowed to hold training sessions there prior to games.

However, the Kildare football panel were able to train for 30 minutes there on Wednesday night, ahead of their Leinster SFC Final clash with Dublin next Sunday. The Lilywhites' manager Kieran McGeeney has been quite outspoken on calling for an end to the ban on pre-match training sessions.

Now that the GAA has relented on their policy by letting the Lilywhites have a run-out at Croke Park, does it mean other counties will be able to train there over the rest of the Championship season? Or are the GAA chiefs giving special treatment to Kildare?

Hey GAA, just lift the ban completely and make it fair for all teams to have the option to train prior to playing at Croker!!

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Cahill quits Cavan SFC panel...

Yesterday, we heard that Paddy Bradley may have quit the Derry football panel. Although, the Derry county board denies the reports and has insisted that he remains a part of the Oak Leaf panel.

And today, it is alleged that Martin Cahill has left the Cavan football panel ahead of their SFC qualifier against Wicklow on Saturday. If this true, then it is not the first time Cahill has done this. In 2007, he along with Paul Brady and Sean Johnston withdrew themselves from the Breffni squad after their county's exit from the Ulster championship. However, they returned to the county panel the following year.

What's going on? Is there some sort of trend starting among certain county players?

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GAA Qualifiers fixture details confirmed...

The times and venues for this weekend's Senior Football and Hurling Championship qualifiers were confirmed Monday afternoon by Croke Park. GAA chiefs have staggered the scheduling of next Saturday’s 10-game programme to accommodate TV coverage.

In round two of the football qualifiers, the following eight matches take place.

Each of the following start at 3PM:
Monaghan versus Derry in Clones.
Wexford will be hosting Roscommon in Wexford Park.
Tipperary face Sligo in Thurles.

Longford play Kerry at 5PM, in Longford.

The following matches all take place at 7PM:
Donegal taking on Clare at Ballybofey.
Westmeath taking on Meath at Cusack Park.
Wicklow facing Cavan in Aughrim.

Down plays Laois in Newry at 7.30PM.

In phase two of the hurling qualifiers, Wexford face Limerick at Wexford Park at 5pm, with Clare taking on Galway in Ennis at 7pm.

The GAA clarified that repeats of provincial ties are permitted in the football qualifiers but not in hurling qualifiers. The issue comes into focus on Saturday. A victory for Galway means they will face Cork in Phase 3 on Saturday July 18 as they have already faced the other side in Phase 3, Laois, in the Leinster SHC in May.

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Bradley quits and now tipped for return to Derry panel....

Is Bradley in or out of the Derry panel?

It was reported yesterday that Paddy Bradley had walked out of Damien Cassidy's squad (Sunday) after being told that he would be making way for midfielder Joe Diver in the Derry full forward line for Saturday's All-Ireland qualifier against Monaghan. It is understood that he was unhappy at the prospect of being moved to another position for the match.

Then the Derry county board on Monday night issued a statement denying that the 2007 All-star Bradley had quit inter-county football. Also, his father Antrim manager Liam Bradley stated yesterday that he expects his son to line out against the Farney County on Saturday evening.

Well, what about the other rumours that Paddy has joined a London GAA club?

I guess we will know better what the story is, if Bradley shows up for the Oakleafers' training this evening (Tuesday).

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All-Ireland SFC Provincial Finals Fixtures/Dates...

Munster SFC Provincial Final
July 5: Cork v Limerick, Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
(Result: Cork 2-06 Limerick 0-11)

Leinster SFC Provincial Final
July 12: Dublin v Kildare, Croke Park.

Connacht SFC Provincial Final
July 19: Galway v Mayo, Pearse Stadium.

Ulster SFC Provincial Final
July 19: Antrim v Tyrone, Clones.

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All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Phase 2: Clare v Galway...

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
Qualifiers Phase 2

Clare vs. Galway


Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis.
Saturday July 11, 2009
Referee: Cathal McAllister (Corcaigh)

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All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Phase 2 – Limerick v Wexford...

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
Qualifiers Phase 2

Limerick v Wexford

Venue: Wexford Park.
Saturday July 11, 2009
Referee: Michael Wadding (Port Láirge)

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GAA Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final Fixture...

Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final
Sunday July 12, 2009


Tipperary vs. Waterford

Venue: Thurles @ 4:00 PM
Referee: John Sexton

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GAA Leinster Senior Football Championship Final Fixture....

Leinster Senior Football Championship Final
Sunday July 12, 2009


Dublin vs. Kildare

Venue: Páirc an Chrócaigh @ 2 00 PM
Referee: TBC

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GAA SFC Qualifiers Draw Round 2....

All ties will be played next Saturday July 11th. The GAA will confirm venues and throw-in times on Monday, July 6th.

All-Ireland Qualifiers – Round Two

Down v Laois
Monaghan v Derry
Longford v Kerry
Wexford v Roscommon
Tipperary v Sligo
Donegal v Clare
Westmeath v Meath
Wicklow v Cavan

My pick of these round 2 ties has to be the match between Derry and Monaghan. Monaghan were beaten in Celtic Park earlier in the summer by Derry. Now, Seamus McEneaney’s side will get another crack at getting a win against the Oakleaf County, while having home field advantage.

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GAA SFC Qualifier Round Two Draw...

The draw for the second round of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifiers will take place this evening July 5th, 2009.

Each of the eight teams defeated in the Provincial Semi-Finals shall play against one of the eight winners from Round 1.

Defeated Semi-finalists:
Sligo
Roscommon
Laois
Westmeath
Kerry
Clare
Cavan
Derry

Round 1 Winners:
Wexford
Donegal
Monaghan
Meath
Wicklow
Tipperary
Down
Longford

The second round qualifier games will be played next Saturday, July 11 with the first drawn team having home advantage.

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Kilkenny retain their Leinster SHC title...

Kilkenny 2-18 Dublin 0-18

Kilkenny go on to get a comfortable win over Dublin in the Leinster SHC Final at Croke Park. It's an impressive ninth provincial title for the Cats in this decade and they claimed a fifth successive Bob O'Keeffe Cup.

Kilkenny lead 1-10 to 0-7 at the interval.

Although Kilkenny never trailed in this game, Dublin must be proud of their performance and can take plenty of positives from their display.

Kilkenny's Martin Comerford (2-04) was Man of the Match.

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Cork sneak win over Limerick in Munster SFC Final....

Cork 2-06 Limerick 0-11


Limerick went into this match with the hope of ending a 113-year wait for a Munster title. It looked like it was going to happen as they lead Cork 0-08 to 1-02 at the interval. However, Cork moved into a higher gear in the second half and went on to win by a single point.

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GAA SHC Qualifiers Phase 1 Results...

Laois 0-18 Antrim 1-12

Cork 3-19 Offaly 1-12

Laois scored a shock win over Antrim, while Cork coasted to a comfortable win over Offaly in Saturday's GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship Qualifier Phase One encounters.

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Monaghan get win over Armagh in extra time of SFC Qualifiers...

Armagh 0-13 Monaghan 0-12

It took extra time to decide this match, but Monaghan held out to win this disappointing clash for many a person watching. Steven McDonnell was sent off for Armagh, which didn't help their cause.

Monaghan's Damien Freeman got Man Of the Match.

Monaghan goes on to the next round of the qualifiers, while Armagh's 2009 championship season has now ended.

I thought Armagh would take this one, especially after their performance against Tyrone in the first round of the Ulster SFC.

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GAA SFC Qualifier Rd 1 Match Results for Saturday 7/4/09...

Wexford 2-11 Offaly 0-16
Venue: Wexford Park

Donegal 2-13 Carlow 1-06
Venue: Ballybofey

Monaghan 0-13 Armagh 0-12
Venue: Clones

Meath 1-20 Waterford 0-08
Venue: Páirc Tailteann

Wicklow 0-17 Fermanagh 1-11
Venue: Aughrim

Louth 1-12 Tipperary 2-10
Venue: Drogheda

Down 1-16 London 1-07
Venue: Páirc Esler, Newry

Leitrim 0-10 Longford 0-13
Venue: Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada

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GAA SFC Qualifiers Rounds Structure...

All Ireland Senior Football Qualifier

Eligible Counties:

Connacht: Gaillimh, Maigh Eo, Sligeach, Liatroim, Ros Comáin, Londain.

Laighin: An Lú, An Mhí, Baile Átha Cliath, Iar Mhí, Loch Garman, Laois, Cill Dara, Longfort, Cill Mhantáin, Ceatharlach, Uíbh Fhailí.

Mumha: Luimneach, Corcaigh, Ciarraí, Tiobraid Árann, An Clár, Port Láirge.

Uladh: Dún na nGall, Doire, Tír Eoghain, Muineachán, An Cabhán, An Dún, Ard Mhacha, Fear Manach, Aontroim.


Qualifier Round One – (Open Draw)
This Round included all the Counties that did not qualify for Provincial Semi-Finals. Draw took place on the 21st of June 2009.
To be played on July 4, 2009 (Sat).

Dún na nGall v Ceatharlach
Muineachán v Ard Mhacha
An Mhí v Port Láirge
Cill Mhantáin v Fear Manach
Loch Garman v Uíbh Fhailí
An Lú v Tiobraid Árann
An Dún v Londain
Liatroim v Longfort

Qualifier Round Two – (Draw)
Each of the eight teams defeated in the Provincial Semi-Finals shall play against one of the eight winners from Round 1.
Draw to take place on the 5th of July 2009).
To be played on July 11, 2009 (Sat).

Qualifier Round Three (Draw)
This Round shall involve the eight winners of Round 2.
Draw to take place on the 12th of July 2009.
To be played on July 18, 2009 (Sat).

Qualifier Round Four (Draw)
Each of the four teams defeated in the Provincial Finals shall play against one of the four Winners of Round 3.
Draw to take place on the 19th of July 2009.
To be played on July 25/26, 2009 (Sat/Sun).

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