On Saturday, Clann Éireann, winners of their most recent championship, are set to be the favourites in the Armagh SFC final against Clan na Gael at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds. Despite the threat posed by the in-form Shane McPartlan and county super sub Stefan Campbell of Clan na Gael, Clann Éireann’s recent successes – which include a semi-final win over reigning champions Crossmaglen – support predictions of their victory. Key players such as Barry McCambridge and Conor Turbitt are expected to stand out.
Following a missed opportunity last week against former champions Colmcille, Abbeylara face them again in a Longford SFC replay at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park. Despite putting up a good fight, Abbeylara is predicted to fall to Colmcille.
The Mayo SFC final will witness a close match between local contenders; Knockmore and Ballina Stephenites at MacHale Park. Interestingly, the past couple of finals have seen the champion proceeding to the All-Ireland final, Ballina Stephenites were the winners in 2005. Sadly, a significant player of Knockmore, Pearse Ruttledge won’t be participating due to a disallowed red card challenge. However, their resilient progress in the tournament led to projections of Ballina retaining their championship.
In the Wicklow SFC final, the odds seem stacked against Tinahely who previously endured losses to Baltinglass in the recent final four years back and are also expected to face a defeat when they encounter each other this championship season.
Jockeys are urged to follow the rule which mandates a specific number of strikes to reduce the use of the whip. In other news, it’s important for anyone participating or following the Dublin Marathon 2024 to stay updated about the start times, route map and newly introduced starting line. The marathon would apparently gain more value with a win from a locall than through achieving course records, according to Sonia O’Sullivan. Georgia v Ireland’s kick-off times, team news and TV broadcasting details are also expected to be announced.
Sunday will be an active day.
In the Clare Senior Football Championship decider, Kilmurry-Ibrickane are set to face off against the current champions Éire Óg at Cusack Park with kickoff at 2.30. While Kilmurry have shown clear improvements since their loss in last year’s title game, they still face a formidable opponent who has only been beaten once since then. Despite this, Kilmurry’s past experience with finals should not be overlooked, although their captain Dermot Couhlan’s fitness is a concern. Based on past performances, the verdict leans towards Éire Óg as winners.
The next match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 3.30, Castlehaven championing over Nemo Rangers in the Cork Senior Football Championship final. This marks their fifth faceoff in just over a decade, with no clear leading side. Given their recent laurels as holders and Munster champions, Castlehaven seem to be the favourable side this season, thanks to key players like Mark Collins, Brian and Michael Hurley, Jack Cahalane and Cathal Maguire. However, Nemo – renowned across Cork – may not be so accepting of their underdog status. Given current circumstances, Castlehaven is seen to have the upper hand.
In the Derry senior football championship, Newbridge and Watty Graham’s Glen clash on Celtic Park at 3.30. Despite Newbridge’s semi-final controversy, they now face the daunting task of challenging the reigning All-Ireland champions. The overall prediction is in favour of Glen.
Lastly, in the Fermanagh senior football championship final at Brewster Park, 4.0, Enniskillen Gaels square off against their opponents Erne Gaels Belleek. The latter’s pursuit for their maiden title in over four decades saw them beat the reigning champions Derrygonnelly in the previous round, but now they must confront the champions of two years ago. The dual commitments of some players with junior hurling duties this weekend adds a further challenge. In the end, Enniskillen Gaels looks the most likely to emerge victorious.
The Galway SFC final sees defending champions, Corofin, vying against Maigh Cuilinn at Tuam Stadium at 2.15. Despite suffering from a gradual decline in the past five years, Corofin remains a strong team, hopeful to amend their disappointing loss in last year’s Connacht final. Maigh Cuilinn is not without its issues, as injury concerns loom for Dessie Conneely and Peter Cooke. The verdict favours Corofin.
The Kerry SFC final rematch between Dr Crokes and Dingle will take place at Austin Stack Park, 2.30. This marks their third encounter this season with each team registering a win. Dr Crokes, with Tony Brosnan, Micheál Burns and Gavin O’Shea performing well, holds the upper hand according to predictions. Nonetheless, Dingle too has promising players like the Geaney’s and Tom O’Sullivan. Dr Crokes, on balance, is the favoured team to win.
In the Kildare SFC final, it’s Celbridge against Naas at 2.0 in St Conleth’s Park. Celbridge had a close shave with the champions last year and they managed to defeat Sarsfields in the semi-final. On the other hand, Naas has shown their grit by overcoming Athy. With their winning experience, and the prospect of a fourth consecutive title, the prediction leans towards Naas.
The Monaghan Senior Football Championship final will feature Clontibret against Scotstown in Clones at 3.0. Scotstown, a veteran final contender which has been crowned champion eight out of their previous twelve finals, may find competition in Clontibret, the era’s second most successful club. On their side, they have Conor McManus, but Scotstown also boasts impressive talent, including Kieran Hughes, who is in-form, and his brother Darren, who is back from injury. The prediction favours Scotstown.
In the Sligo Senior Football Championship final at Markievicz Park, Coolera Strandhill will face St Molaise Gaels at 3.15. St Molaise, who suffered a narrow defeat to Coolera in the previous year’s final, can use that loss as motivation to claim their first county title since the club’s formation in 2003. Prediction sees St Molaise Gaels emerging victorious.
The Wexford Senior Football Championship final will see Castletown face Gusserane O’Rahilly’s at Wexford Park at 3.0. Even if Castletown is down its renowned county centrefielder, Liam Coleman due to an injury, they are still predicted to defend their 2022 title and secure the championship. Castletown holds the ante.
In the Hurling finals, the Derry Senior Hurling Championship final in Owenbeg at 2.0 will host Slaughtneil and Banagher. Banagher is hopeful, but the odds seem to favour Slaughtneil, who is eyeing their 12th consecutive title.
Finally, the Dublin Senior Hurling Championship will see Kilmacud Crokes battling Na Fianna in Parnell Park at 7.45. Both the teams have previously given a tough fight to the Kilkenny champions. This is their third county final in four years, and their previous tie in this year’s group of death might add to the fierceness of the battle. Kilmacud managed to successfully hold their ground against Lucan, and if they were to continue this against Na Fianna, another title might be on the horizon for them. The presumption is in favour of Kilmacud Crokes.
Therefore, the verdict predicts victories for Scotstown, St Molaise Gaels, Castletown, Slaughtneil, and Kilmacud Crokes in their respective finals.
The Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship final is set to commence with the pairing of O’Loughlin Gaels against Thomastown at UPMC Nowlan Park at 2.30pm. Both teams secured solid victories in the semi-finals. Notably, reigning champions O’Loughlin Gaels achieved triumph over Bennettsbridge, even without team captain Mark Bergin and notable player Mikey Butler. Conversely, Thomastown rose significantly after achieving victory in last year’s intermediate, even clinching the All-Ireland. This marks their debut in the finals after 36 years, presenting an opportunity to clutch their first title since 1946. Riding high from overwhelming Mullinavat in the semi-finals, thanks to star players John and Stephen Donnelly, they nonetheless face a daunting challenge against the experienced champions. Elimination may be unavoidable for Thomastown in dealing with the seasoned champions. Prediction: O’Loughlin Gaels will emerge victoriously.
Over at the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship, Na Piarsaigh are pitted against Doon, at TUS Gaelic Grounds commencing 4.15pm. Na Piarsaigh, despite showing signs of weariness, are aiming for a triple win streak. The team found themselves strained to triumph over Kilmallock in the semi-finals. They hope to secure their ninth title in 14 seasons, though this feat is gradually becoming more challenging. Doon has been a formidable competition for a while, having claimed victory in their most recent match. The possible comeback of Peter Casey, potentially providing reinforcement for the champions after a long-term injury, could shake things up. However, conquering Na Piarsaigh proves to be a difficult endeavour. Prediction: Na Piarsaigh will hold firm to win.
The Westmeath Senior Hurling Championship final will see Castletown Geoghegan battle against Lough Lene Gaels, at TEG Cusack Park, kick-off at 3.30pm. Despite a popular desire for notable player Tommy Doyle to secure a medal, it is expected that Castletown would prolong Lough Lene Gaels’ 22-year drought for a county title. They are the favoured ones, even if they suffered defeat against Lough Lene Gaels in the semi-finals last year. Prediction: Castletown Geoghegan will triumph.
(Monday)
The Clare SHC Final pits Sixmilebridge against Feakle at Cusack Park, starting at 2.30. Predictions have been quite unstable in Clare this year, seeing the favoured teams, Clonlara and Éire Óg, both drop out in the quarter-finals. Sixmilebridge has steadily paved their way to face Feakle, marking their first final in over three decades. They are known for their physical prowess and Shane McGrath has been spearheading their offensive play. Seadna Morey, Clare’s renowned man marker, is likely to shadow him. This could be the potential stumbling block for the underdogs. Predicted winners: Sixmilebridge.