February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Jr. "B" Football, Galway vs. St. Barnabas, 12:30 p.m.
With the Junior "B" division coming to a close, both Galway and St. Barnabas need to gain another two valuable points to guarantee their playoff position. Ollie Flynn and the tribesmen were shocked to lose to Brooklyn Shamrocks last time out. The Westerners won’t be caught napping again. St. Barnabas has improved and if they’re ever to make the big breakthrough, they must showcase their aspirations on the big stage.
Sr. Hurling, Waterford vs. Tipp, 2 p.m.
Waterford have looked good so far, but they’ll be put to the pin of their collar on Sunday against a star-studded Tipp team. The Premier county will look to John Madden, Owen Cummins, Tom Moylan and Kevin Kennedy for direction. They should be too powerful for the Decies. Waterford will, however, have three good weekenders for the game, maybe even Paul Flynn. If the Ballygunner marksman is in town, anything can happen. Tipp get the nod.
Sr. "A" Football, Rockland vs. Leitrim, 3:30 p.m.
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Rockland were short a number of players for their clash with Stamford two weeks ago. Mike Fitzpatrick is a huge loss. If the Kerry native isn’t back in action on Sunday, it’s unlikely the Rockies will win. Leitrim will have Down seniors Mickey Linden and Michael Walsh at full forward and center forward, respectively. Walsh, however, is playing hurt. The Westerners have looked pedestrian this season. Bill Dennehy will punish any indiscipline in the Rockland defense. A lot will depend on the weekenders. Leitrim, however, seem to be heading in the right direction.
Sr. "B" Football, Offaly vs. Rangers, 5 p.m.
Can anyone stop Rangers? The Offaly camp went looking for Ciaran McManus only to find out he’s heading to green pastures in the Windy City. The Midlanders are one of the best home-based teams in this division and will try their best to stop the top cats. Rangers will have the lively and wiry Kevin O’Cearuil kept over for the second game. If he’s as good as he was against Clare, Rangers will be hard to beat.