February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Junior "A"
Fermanagh vs. Tyrone
Noon
Fermanagh flew out of the blocks in the opening round and easily dashed the early hopes of favorites Donegal. Colm and Barry Shannon will be watched a little closer next Sunday, and with Enda Donnelly earmarked to marshal the Tyrone defense, their influence maybe curtailed somewhat.
Tyrone were well beaten in their opening game against Celtics and will be eager to get some points before the summer influx. Justin Murray, Donnelly and Barry McNamee will be looked to for inspiration, while a lot will also depend on Niall Cogan around the middle. Fermanagh should win, but the surprise element is long gone and Tyrone will be better prepared than Donegal.
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Junior Hurling
Tipperary vs. Galway
1:30 p.m.
The Tipperary boys will get back to basics on Sunday and should continue on their recent good run of form. Galway have failed to make the breakthrough of late and may need another year or two before they rejoin the big boys in the top league. Enda Lohan and Sean Nolan will be to the fore for the tribesmen. However, the Premier County will have that extra bit of class on Sunday.
Senior "A" Football
Cavan vs. Leitrim
3 p.m.
These two sides have had little time to regroup following their opening defeats. Leitrim looked more impressive in their clash with Stamford, while Cavan died in the second half against Westmeath.
Bill Dennehy is a huge addition to the Connaught men, while Cookie Meehan and Tommy Gee will be driving on the side from the middle. Cavan’s season will be determined by their attitude on Sunday. If they play to their strengths and get two good scoring weekenders, they’ll make a game of it.
Senior "B" Football
Roscommon vs. Monaghan
5 p.m.
Roscommon and Monaghan both fell at the first fence last time out. The Westerners only played for spells against Cork, while Monaghan missed the boat against Offaly. Weekender Rossa O’Callaghan isn’t available to Martin McDermott on this occasion, but he’ll look elsewhere. Maybe even to neighbors Mayo. Monaghan, who were regulated last year, need a replacement for Mickey Slowey — if they get an out-of-towner of his class on Sunday, they won’t be far away.