February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
11:30 a.m., U-21
Rockland vs. St. Barnabas
The winner of this match qualifies to take on defending champions St. Joseph’s.
1:30 p.m., Senior Hurling Semi
Tipperary vs. Westmeath
Tipperary hurlers already have secured the Junior title and Sean Sheppard, John Madden and company will be looking to top Westmeath to keep the double in play. Westmeath, with their Junior football triumph salted away, were bitterly disappointed to drop the Senior football semifinal last week versus Kerry. So they have their own reasons to hunger for New York’s hurling crown. Paddy Barry and Martin Finn are in great form at the moment and I think the Leinster side might just shake it.
3 p.m., FBD Cup Final
New York vs. Galway
New York management team get their first test Sunday when they play host to Galway with the FBD Cup on the line. More important, this is New York’s chance to gauge themselves against top competition as the long winter of preparation begins for next season’s Connacht championship versus Leitrim at Gaelic Park.
New York gave a great account of themselves last May against Sligo but now their sights will be set a bit higher as New York shoots for its first-ever championship victory. New manager Leslie McGettigan and his selectors Monty Maloney and Frank Brady will have a lot of talent at their disposal for Sunday’s clash with the Tribesmen and a victory could go a long way toward building for next spring’s championship tilt versus Leitrim. This should be a big test and a great game.
4:30 p.m., Kerry vs. Donegal
This division has been full of excitement all season and this semi-final match up is unlikely to disappoint. Both sides have been impressive throughout and either one would be a deserving finalist versus St. Barnabas.