On Saturday, an exciting line-up of Football and Hurling matches are set to play out. The Carlow final replay will see a showdown between Rathvilly and Palatine at the Netwatch Cullen Park at 6.0. Rathvilly walked a tightrope in the last match due to an unfortunate goal at the last minute but bounced back with the help of Eric Molloy and Liam Gavin who ensured a replay match. Expectations are high for Palatine as former intercounty hurling referee Paud O’Dwyer mentors them, aiming for a better performance this time around. The verdict seems to favour Rathvilly.
The Leitrim final replay will have Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins versus Mohill at Ballinamore at 4.0. Mohill, known as the defending champions, were rescued last week with a last-minute equaliser by Matthew Murphy. The last final was won by Ballinamore in 2021, but this time around Mohill looks set to level the score. The anticipation leans towards Mohill.
On the hurling front, the Mayo final will be held at Adrian Freeman Park at 4.0, featuring Tooreen against Ballyhaunis. This will mark their fifth final against each other in succession, and Tooreen seems poised to secure their fourth consecutive victory.
Jumping to Sunday, the Antrim final will witness Roger Casements Portglenone versus Erin’s Own Cargin at Corrigan Park at 3.0. Despite being the underdogs, Portglenone managed to come out triumphant in a semi-final after trying five times, amplifying their potential and confidence. However, Cargin, who are on a pursuit for their third Antrim title, are still the favourites for the crown despite their puzzling scoreless semi-final against St Brigid’s that lasted 26 minutes.
With a flurry of tightly contested matches, this weekend seems to be an exciting time for Gaelic football and hurling enthusiasts.
Dungloe, the surprise contenders by Dessie Gallagher, are in their inaugural final in six decades and are hoping to clinch their first title in 66. While they will face stiff competition, they won’t be easily overpowered. St Eunan’s, however, is hard to look beyond, as they have overcome both Gaoth Dobhair and Naomh Conaill, champions of the last six years, to reach the final. Consisting of a high-calibre player lineup, their superior experience and scoring ability puts them ahead. Predicted winner: St Eunan’s.
Kilcoo are participating in their sixth consecutive county final, of which they have not lost any. They have secured 12 out of 15 championships since 2009. Burren managed to defeat them in a final six years prior, but has also lost five finals to them, including two of the past three. Despite having a promising team and speed, they barely won the semi-final and must bring consistent performance to offset the opposing force. Anticipated Winner: Kilcoo.
The Laois final features Portarlington against Portlaoise, with no other team having featured in the final since 2006. The former has bolstered their chances by bringing back Paddy Sullivan and Colm Murphy, who have been travelling from overseas. Portlaoise haven’t held the title since 2019, but they might have the upper hand. Verdict: Portlaoise is the possible victor.
Colmcille, winners two years prior, are the more experienced unit in the Longford final against Abbeylara. However, Abbeylara, under the mentorship of ex-Roscommon and St Brigid’s helm Frankie Dolan, haven’t lifted a trophy since 2006 but could pull off a surprise. Expected Winner: Abbeylara.
Offaly final concludes the series.
At 4pm, reigning champions Tullamore will contend with Ferbane, the previous year’s runners-up that they defeated in a game marred by dismal scoring and terrible weather conditions last year at Glenisk O’Connor Park. The prediction is in Tullamore’s favour.
St Loman’s will lock horns with The Downs at TEG Cusack Park at 3.30pm in the Westmeath final. Despite both teams being equally successful in the past, St Loman’s holds the championship and is predicted to defend their title.
On the hurling front, St Gabriel’s and Robert Emmetts will meet at McGovern Park at 2.30pm for the London final. Unlike the controversy-riddled match of the previous season, this year promises a clear-cut competition. It is expected that St Gabriel’s will triumph and rectify last year’s semi-final loss.
The Meath final, held at Páirc Tailteann at 3pm, will pit Trim against Ratoath. Trim stands a chance of matching the record for the number of titles with their 29th victory, while Ratoath seeks to clinch their second title decades after their inaugural win in 1963. The odds are on Trim’s side.
In Tipperary, Loughmore-Castleiney face Toomevara at the FBD Semple Stadium at 3.45pm. Dual-threat Toomevara, despite their recent lack of championship wins, was once a stalwart in finals. Their opponents, managed by former Offaly, Laois, and Kerry’s head, Eamonn Kelly, have made a name through their successes in both football and hurling. After defeating last year’s finalists Thurles in a game hampered by poor weather, they once again look promising with Ciarán Connolly and the McGrath brothers leading the charge.
In the semi-finals, Toomevara triumphed over Moycarkey, a team that had previously brought down the reigning champions, Kiladangan, with a particularly impressive display by Darragh McCarthy. Given another strong showing from McCarthy, Toomevara stands a fighting chance, especially as Loughmore appears to struggle with scoring goals. Prediction: Loughmore-Castleiney may emerge victorious.