February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mike Fitzpatrick
12:30 p.m.
Junior Football (A)
Fermanagh vs. Donegal
Even this early in the season, we have been given some indication of who the sides most likely to succeed at this level later in the season. Donegal fought back for a draw with Rockland a number of weeks back, and look to be reasonably confident of advancing to the latter stages of the competition. Fermanagh make their debut this season at Gaelic Park next Sunday, and will obviously be seeking to get their season off to a winning start. They may find the going tough however, and I’m tipping Donegal to win.
2 p.m.
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Senior Hurling
Kilkenny vs. Waterford
Both sides here have played this season, Kilkenny triumphed with a one-point victory over last season’s champs, Limerick, and Waterford defeated Westmeath by the same margin a number of weeks ago. I anticipate Kilkenny to come out on top here, however. They have proved already this season that they aim to be among the serious contenders for glory this season.
3:30 p.m.
Senior Football Div. 1
Leitrim vs. Stamford
This is a tough one to predict. An off-form Leitrim were surprisingly heavily beaten by Cavan a couple of weeks ago, though they were admittedly missing a number of key players through injury. Stamford will obviously see this as an encouraging sign, and will be out to continue Leitrim’s mini slump. Leitrim, I’m sure, will be out to stop the rot, and with players of the caliber of Neville Dunne and Jim Donaghue available, I feel they may overcome the serious threat of this impressive Stamford side. However, I’ve a feeling that the Connecticut side could be making me eat my words next Sunday.
5 p.m.
Senior Football Div. 2
Longford vs. Sligo
This game is a rematch of one which had to wind up early a number of weeks ago. With only seven minutes remaining on the clock, a freak lightening storm called a halt to proceedings, when Longford had forged ahead. Longford hammered Clare last Sunday, and will be looking to extend this rich vein of form that they have going right now. I expect Longford to win, though not with the ease they displayed when disposing of Clare last week.