Previews N.J. hurlers face Connecticut in KO final

By Mike Fitzpatrick

Junior Football Division B

St. Raymonds vs Brooklyn

12.30 p.m.

Junior Hurling Knockout Final

New Jersey vs Connecticut State

2 p.m.

This is a New York final with two out-of-state sides taking part.

Galway, the holders were knocked out last week in a magnificent team display from the Connecticut side, and if they can continue to perform like they did last weekend, life could become very tough for the New Jersey hurlers.

All credit to the lads from Jersey though, one doesn’t get to the final of a competition without talent, and they’ll certainly be out to clinch a Connecticut scalp on Sunday.

With the first piece of silverware of the season at stake, a highly competitive game is on the cards.

With the senior hurling side having travelled home at this stage, local interest in hurling rests on the shoulders of the lads from the junior division. Connecticut will perhaps be favorites for the cup, particularly after their massive victory over Galway last week.

Monaghan vs Tyrone

3.30 p.m.

Tyrone have now won two out of two, whereas, Monaghan have lost both of their games so far. A victory then, is crucial to both sides.

Monaghan must shake off their reputation as nearly men. They’ve come close to grabbing victory against the so called stronger sides of the division on so many occasions now that it’s become almost predictable that they lead the game at vital stages only to lose out by a point or two. Having lost former Tyrone frontman Mickey Slowey for the game due to his suspension, Monaghan will be placing emphasis on Eddie Murphy to come up with the goods for this one.

Tyrone have their own weapons, the Duke’s men have such warriors as Philip Sloane, Danny Barr and John Cormican on their side, and matched with the likes of Brian McKenna, Gary Birdy and co., this should be a fantastic game.

Junior Football Division B

Dublin vs Kerry

5 p.m.

With the senior hurlers having gone home for their championship game, and the footballers winding down for their bout with Galway, it gives the lads from the lower divisions to parade their skills at Gaelic Park.

Dublin and Kerry, huge rivals at home, will pit their wits against each other in this clash for supremacy in the lower reaches of junior football.

Dublin have gotten off to a bad start, whereas the whole Kerry set up is still buoyant from last year’s title winning season from their senior side.

I figure Kerry will clinch this one.