February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
12:30 p.m.
Junior Football A
Armagh vs. Fermanagh
Armagh and Fermanagh, two neighbors from the North, hook up in another in a series of Ulster derbies that have provided many highlights already in the Junior A Division. Fermanagh fell earlier to Donegal in a good match and look now to Sean Jones, Colm and Barry Shannon, and Marty McGlade to get them in the win column.
Armagh will be antsy to prove their worth and have New York senior center forward Noel McPartland and team leader Collie Fearon to point the way. This should be a great match.
2 p.m.
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Senior Hurling
Connecticut vs. Tipperary
Last year’s Junior champions, Connecticut State, certainly seemed up to senior standard in their 2002 debut, but Tipperary are a big step up in class, so on Sunday we will learn more about the suburbanites’ abilities.
Connecticut got 1-9 from their Waterford import Paul Flynn last time out, so they want to have his services again. They will also expect top performers Phil Wickham, Mark Comerford (if fit), Richie Purcell, Aiden Power, and Keith Hennessey to produce the goods.
Tipperary topped archrivals Limerick in their season opener and were impressive. Tipp, of course, field a veritable who’s who list of New York hurling, led by Owen Cummins, John Madden, Sean Shepard, and the Kennedys, Kevin and Michael.
This could be a good one, and may tell us what we can expect from Connecticut the rest of the way.
3:30 p.m.
Senior Football A
Donegal vs. Westmeath
These two rivals have provided some great spectacles over the years, and with Westmeath resurgent, defending champions Donegal will have to earn it. The Midlanders opened well against Kerry, led by full forward P.J. Ward’s 1-8. Dave Fitzgerald was also sharp in the opener and Peter Dalton and Kieran Walsh spearhead an always tough defense.
Donegal fell at the starting post to Tyrone early in the season and need these two points. Eunan Doherty, Owen Cummins, Niall McCready, Martin Coll, Paul Higgins, Kevin Lilly, and Donal Breslin — you know the names, you know that they have the ability to lead Donegal a long way. But can they top this Westmeath team? I don’t know. This should be a cracker.
5 p.m.
Senior Football B
Clare vs. Roscommon
Roscommon have two games under their belt, while Clare have been idle. This Connacht derby should bring out the best in both sides.
Roscommon were poor in their opener versus Mayo but improved enough to earn a draw versus Offaly, a match they should have won but for poor marksmanship. The draw kept Roscommon’s hopes alive, but if Clare get good performances from Gary Dowd, Paul O’Connor, and Tadgh Foley, it should be enough to see them through.
Fixtures
Wednesday, June 5
JFB, Westmeath vs. Kerry, 6 p.m., Gaelic Park
Friday, June 7
JFB, Astoria vs. Mayo, 6 p.m., Paddy’s Field
Saturday, June 8
SH, Clare vs. Limerick, 5 p.m., Gaelic Park
SF, Cork vs. Longford, 6:30 p.m., Gaelic Park