February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mike Fitzpatrick
JFA
Down vs Sligo
12.30 p.m.
Two sides nearer the bottom of the table come head to head in what is a crucial tie for both teams.
The men from the Mourne stand with four points so far this season, from four games played, whereas Sligo have two with a game less played.
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It’s still all to play for though, so expect a gritty performance from both camps. Collie Mathers men will certainly be all out for a win to give the Ulster team a lift, and keep them within reach of the playoffs.
Sligo, however, will not merely roll over.
Senior Hurling
Clare vs Kilkenny
2 p.m.
Kilkenny suffered a disastrous season last year, which left the club in disarray, yet they seem to have turned the corner with a couple of improved performances this time around.
Clare have lost three games out of three, so Kilkenny will hope to use that to their advantage and climb up the table with a victory.
Hammered by reigning champions Tipp early on in the season, Kilkenny looked as if they might suffer the same fate as last year, but a fine win over rivals Offaly followed that game, and they will be out to gain another two points to keep their season alive.
A loss for the Banner men from Clare could prove to be the death knell for their season.
Senior Football Division 1
Donegal vs Westmeath
3.30 p.m.
Westmeath stunned the Gaelic Park faithful recently with a fabulous win over table topping Tyrone a few weeks back. That victory, though surprising, and a great boost to the club, merely overshadowed their earlier poor form in which they had lost three games, and drawn with an out of sorts Leitrim team.
It’s all to play for here though.
Donegal are a side not to be taken lightly and, as has been the case in recent years, are hotly tipped to go a long way this year.
Westmeath will certainly open as favorites, but who knows? The last time Westmeath faced an Ulster side, they pulled off a shock victory. Can lightening strike twice? Get up to Gaelic Park on Sunday and find out.
SF 2
Rockland vs Celtics
5 p.m.
It’s a top versus bottom clash, with the on-form new boys from Rockland coming up against Celtics who have yet to gain a point from any of their four games played.
Rockland, the young club, promoted last season from the junior ranks, have surprised a lot of people with their gutsy performances so far, and could well make the senior playoffs for the first time.
Celtics will no doubt be out to stop them, but it seems a tall order. Rockland have been very impressive so far, having won three out of their four games to date, and Celtics will need to be on top form if they’re to gain anything from this game.