Predicting the 13 biggest knock-out games around the country this weekend

Niall McIntyre

A little less conversation, a little more action.

On that note, let’s get straight down to it.

Our predictions have been, it would be remiss of us not to mention it, hit and miss over the last two weeks. 18/30 were spot on the first day and our ration slipped to 12/24 the last day. These are the 13 biggest senior championship club games this weekend and we’re hoping to get at least 10/13 right.

Here goes.

Saturday

Waterford JJ Kavanagh & Sons Co. Senior Football Championship semi-final

Rathgormack v Gaultier, Walsh Park, 2.30

Verdict: Rathgormack

Reason: They’ve lost the last two finals and should have the enthusiasm and class to make it back again.

Waterford hurling star Dessie Hutchinson plays for Gaultier, as do his Ballygunner team-mates Billy O’Keeffe and Barry Coughlan.

Roscommon Kepak Group Senior Hurling Championship Final

Four Roads v Padraig Pearses, Athleague, 3.00

Prediction: Four Roads

Reason: Have already beaten Pearses in the group stages and are tipped to do it again.

Tyrone LCC Senior Hurling Championship Final

Éire Óg Carrickmore v Naomh ColumCille, Healy Park, 3.30

Verdict: Éire Óg Carrickmore

Reason: The kingpins are going for three-in a row, and their seventh in nine years. The challengers have it all to do.

Sunday

Cormac Leonard Commercials Armagh Senior Football Championship Final

Crossmaglen v Granemore, Athletic Grounds, 4.15

Verdict: Crossmaglen Rangers

Reason: The Rangers have lost the last two finals. Third time lucky.

Clare Senior Hurling Championship Final

Ballyea v Éire Óg Ennis, Cusack Park, 3.00

Prediction: Éire Óg Ennis

Reason: There’s a feel-good factor about Éire Óg, who are also in the football final, and it might just carry them through.

Derry O’Neills Senior Football Championship Final

Glen v Slaughtneil, Celtic Park, 3.30

Prediction: Slaughtneil

Reason: Just like Rhode did to Tullamore in Offaly, the kings are tipped to re-claim their crown. Why? Because they’ve shown year after year, in hurling and football, that they know how to win.

Waterford JJ Kavanagh & Sons Co. Senior Football Championship semi-final

The Nire v Ballinacourty, Fraher Field, 2.00

Prediction: The Nire

Reason: Hard to back against a team with their strength in depth.

Dublin Go Ahead Senior Hurling Championship Final

Kilmacud Crokes v Na Fianna, Parnell Park, 2.30

Prediction: Na Fianna

Reason: They’ve shown extra steel this year, as was evidenced in their semi-final win over Cuala and they’re backed to make up for last year’s capitulation.

Fermanagh Mannok Senior Football Championship Final

Enniskillen Gaels v Erne Gaels Belleek, Brewster Park, Enniskillen, 4.00

Prediction: Enniskillen Gaels

Reason: They went close last year, losing the final to Derrygonnelly, and are backed to have learned from that experience.

Galway Bon Secours Hospital Senior Football Championship Semi-Finals

Annaghdown v Salthill-Knocknacarra, Pearse Stadium, 2.00

Prediction: Salthill-Knocknacarra

Reason: They beat Annaghdown by ten points in the group stage and it would take something special from Annaghdown to over-turn that form-book.

Moycullen v Mountbellew/Moylough, Pearse Stadium, 3.45

Prediction: Mountbellew/Moylough

Reason: In Patrick Kelly, Eoin Finnerty and Barry McHugh, they have too much firepower. They also have unfinished business after last year’s controversial provincial loss to Padraig Pearses.