February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mike Fitzpatrick
Senior hurling semifinal
Clare vs. Limerick
1:15 p.m.
The Bannermen face hot favorites Limerick in the first senior hurling semi-final at Gaelic Park.
Having defeated a fancied Tipperary side two weeks back, Clare look to continue their hot mini-streak versus the city’s giants of hurling.
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Clare will hope that Darren Doherty is at the peak of his scoring form while, at the other end, Limerick’s Davie Sims has been leading the way in terms of scoring ability practically since opening day back in April.
It promises to be a well contested affair with Limerick anxious to prove to the Gaelic Park faithful that their reputation as New York’s premier hurling side is a deserved one. Clare will certainly up their already lofty standards for this one and will most definitely be out to cause a shock, but Limerick’s strength in depth should see them become the first participants to qualify for a senior New York GAA final.
Senior football
Div. 1 quarterfinal
Sligo vs. Leitrim
2:45 p.m.
Division II finalists Sligo face off with current football champions Leitrim in a game which promises a berth in the final four for the victors.
Bosco Walsh’s Sligo men enter the fray having been defeated by Kerry in their last outing at Gaelic Park in the Div. 2 final.
Leitrim, on the other hand, finished their season with a flourish despite setbacks earlier in the season with Cavan and Donegal and a dropped point versus Stamford. Leitrim will start as favorites, and possessing the high scoring Alan McFadden among their ranks, should have no problems registering scores.
Sligo have proved the doubters wrong on several occasions this year, but despite the potential presence of a number of home-based stars, this outing versus the champs could well prove to be the last throw of the dice for Enda Henry and Co.
Senior hurling
semifinal
Tipperary vs. Waterford
4:15 p.m.
New York’s Tipperary hurlers aim to make it to two finals this year, having been defeated last week by a rampant Galway side in the junior final. Silverware still beckons however; the senior side have proved themselves to be one of the better sides to have come out of New York in recent times. By the time the game starts, both sides will be aware of one of the finalists, having witnessed the other semi final played earlier.
Tipperary will no doubt be favorites versus this young Waterford side, and with forwards of Kevin Kennedy’s caliber, it’s not difficult to see why.
Waterford have their own stars however, and should Jamesie Brennan and Dave Ryan reproduce their recent form, they could come close in this tie.
Both sides will be glad to have avoided Limerick, though Waterford still have a massive hurdle to overcome if they are to reach the final. Tipperary to edge the victory.