The weekend’s fixtures will kick off with an Ulster SFC semi-final match between Armagh and Down, to be held in Clones at 5.15pm with live coverage on GAAGO. Armagh’s performance in their quarter-final game against Fermanagh was exceptional. However, Down’s win against Antrim appeared to be a bit of a struggle. Although Down did impressively during most of the league, a loss in the Division Three final against Westmeath, and a disappointing performance against Antrim, cast some doubts. Their historic record against Armagh doesn’t provide much comfort either, with only one win in the past 26 years, compared to Armagh’s seven wins. Armagh, under the guidance of Kieran McGeeney, are laser-focused on winning the Ulster championship this year, and seem like the stronger contender. Prediction: Armagh.
On Sunday, Kildare will face Louth in the Leinster SFC semi-finals at Croke Park, 1.45pm, once again live on GAAGO. This year has presented many hurdles for Glenn Ryan’s Kildare, most significantly their loss in all seven of their Division Two league games. Midfielder Kevin Flynn’s suspension and the team’s shaky form aren’t boding well for their morale. Their opponents Louth, on the other hand, are pursuing their first back-to-back Leinster finals since 1957-58, having defeated Kildare 1-12 to 0-12 in this year’s league. The stats also seem to favour Louth, who finished the league with a scoring difference of 20, compared to Kildare’s -37, and managed to score four goals against Wexford in their last game – a feat that Kildare has managed only for the entire season so far, including league and the championship. However, the history of face-offs between Kildare and Louth indicates a slight advantage for Kildare – out of the 33 previous clashes, Kildare has emerged victoriously 19 times, versus Louth’s 12 victories, with two games ending in a draw. The stress of possibly being relegated to the Tailteann Cup might serve as motivation for Kildare. Relying on the skills of Kevin Feely, Daniel Flynn, Niall Kelly and Darragh Kirwan, they might just pull off an upset. Prediction: Kildare.
Dublin will face Offaly in a live match at Croke Park at 4:00 pm, broadcast on GAAGO. Offaly, who ended their Division Three run in sixth spot, hasn’t defeated Dublin in a championship match since 1982. If they aim to turn this around, scoring goals is crucial, a feat they haven’t achieved more than once against Dublin since 1960. Dublin, driven by internal competition amongst players either looking to retain their jersey for the Leinster final or make a significant contribution off the bench to secure one, makes it a possible challenge for Offaly in the upcoming match at Croke Park. Prediction: Dublin
On another note, the Ulster SFC semi-final will take place between Donegal and Tyrone at Celtic Park at 2:00 pm, broadcast live on BBC NI. Last Saturday, Donegal set the championship abuzz with their 4-11 to 0-17 demolition of Derry’s strategy. Meanwhile, Tyrone counted nine first-timers in their overtime win, 1-23 to 3-16, over Cavan. The outcome would greatly depend on which team best handled their downtime the past week, and in a more equitable system, they should’ve had a fortnight for preparations. Regardless, Donegal’s confidence and morale must be soaring following their Derry triumph. Revisiting the site of their previous win will only boost their cause. Tyrone has been plagued by an inconsistent performance this year, whereas Donegal hasn’t experienced defeat (either in league or championship) under Jim McGuinness’s regime this season. Inspired by their triumph over Derry, Donegal is ready to engage Tyrone, looking to pick up from where they left off at Celtic Park. Prediction: Donegal.