February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mike Fitzpatrick
Junior Football B semifinal
Stamford vs. Sligo or Barnabas
1 p.m.
We don’t know yet who will face Stamford in this tie, as the game between Sligo or Barnabas has yet to be played at the time of going to print. Sligo and St. Barnabas face each other today, Wednesday, Aug. 11 in the battle for a semifinal place.
Stamford will be slight favorites going into the tie, and spurred on by the senior side’s emphatic victory over Donegal last Sunday at Gaelic Park, the Stamford support must surely fancy their chances.
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Senior Hurling
Kilkenny vs. Tipperary
2:30 p.m.
This should be a cracking game. Tipperary have been in flying form recently, crushing Westmeath a couple of weeks ago in a performance worthy of a much higher stage. Indeed, this tie is a repeat of the recent knockout final, in which Tipp defeated the Cats by a considerable score.
Kilkenny will surely be out for revenge, and will hope to have a full strength side out for what promises to be a tough game. Kilkenny need the victory more than Tipp and will try their utmost to prevent the likes of Kevin Kennedy from knocking in the scores.
Despite Kilkenny’s dire need to win the game, I still fancy Tipperary for this one.
Senior Football
Tyrone vs. Westmeath
4 p.m.
An interesting contest here. Fourth-placed Westmeath face second-placed Tyrone in a game which both sides will desperately want to win.
Tyrone are in the healthier position regarding the playoffs, whereas Westmeath are still fighting for a spot versus sides such as Leitrim and Cavan. Should Westmeath stem the threat of Michael Slowey and not give away too many frees where Slowey is lethal, they could be well within a shout of defeating the favorites here.
However, Tyrone look good this year and will probably clinch a hard fought victory.
Senior Football Div. 2
Kerry vs. Sligo
5:15 p.m.
Kerry’s last outing at Gaelic Park resulted in a victory over second placed fellow high fliers Longford. They will be strong favorites to win here, though their opponents, Sligo, have proved no slouches this year.
Sligo currently lie in fourth position and badly need the points if they are to venture further in this year’s competition. They need the points to move a step ahead of teams such as Celtics and Roscommon, and although Kerry have already qualified, don’t expect them to slack off in this tie.
A Kerry win.