In the Leinster SFC quarter-final on Saturday, Offaly will face Laois at Laois Hire O’Moore Park at 7:00 pm. Although both teams share similar standings, the match favours Laois as they have a superior historical advantage. Since 2002, Offaly hasn’t been able to beat Laois, and their last victory in Portlaoise took place way back in 1978. Offaly will be playing with a weakened roster due to injuries and penalties sustained by Anton Sullivan and Nigel Dunne. Despite competing at a higher level, Laois’s winning streak, especially their impressive victory against Leitrim in the Division Four final, predicts they’ll maintain their overwhelming record. Laois is the team tipped to win this match.
The Ulster SFC quarter-final will see Down compete against Antrim in Páirc Esler at 6:00 pm on Saturday. Since their last encounter in the league match in February, there have been shifts in both teams’ performances. Antrim demonstrated a strong performance sustaining their place in Division Three, while Down suffered another setback at Croke Park, losing the divisional final to Westmeath. However, despite their history, the upcoming match, held in Newry, doesn’t suggest a turnaround for Antrim. Down’s solid defensive line that previously halted Antrim’s offensive hasn’t shown any signs of weakening, putting Down as the likely winners.
The upcoming Leinster SFC quarter-finals have sorted the teams, featuring Dublin against Meath at Croke Park at 4.30, broadcast live on RTÉ2. After a period of absence in the league, Dublin is bringing back the core team with All Stars Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy, and Michael Fitzsimons in the line-up. On the other side, Meath is led by manager Colm O’Rourke, and includes promising players, despite their turbulent recent history. The Meath team, although demonstrating potential through players like Donal Keogan, Matthew Costello and James Conlon, has long lost its steely grit. Dublin’s dominant streak over fifteen years has diffused the tension usually associated with such matches. Dessie Farrell, Dublin’s coach, might still smart from the loss of their league title and Brian Fenton’s unavailability for this match might impact their performance, though a strong comeback is not out of the question. But considering Meath’s unimpressive defence showcased last week, their struggles might continue despite scoring 3-19 against a Division Four team. Thus, the prediction favours Dublin.
At 1.45, Kildare is up against Wicklow at Laois Hire O’Moore Park, which will be broadcast live on GAAGo. Wicklow is riding high on their recent victory against Westmeath, a team moving to Division Two. However, they face a Kildare side that, despite not having a single win this year, is looking for a chance to reach the Leinster final if they can bounce back after a disappointing league. Though Wicklow managed to impress with Dean Healy, Kevin Quinn and JP Nolan’s performances, Kildare has the potential to meet the challenge and has been playing at a level above that of Oisín McConville’s team. Therefore, the forecast leans towards a Kildare win.
Dean Rock comments on the faded intensity of the Dublin-Meath rivalry, stating the contest has lost its competitive edge.
In the match between Louth and Wexford, which will take place at Laois Hire O’Moore Park and can be watched live on GAAGo at 4.0pm, Ger Brennan’s Louth team, despite being predicted relegation favourites in Division Two, proved their mettle. In contrast, the Wexford team impressively jumped to the forefront mid-league and were unfortunate not to secure a promotion, given their notable finish in the campaign. John Hegarty’s Wexford started the championship strong with a resounding victory over Carlow last week. While it’s expected to be a tight match, Louth’s superior record may be the deciding factor. Verdict: Louth.
Meanwhile, the Ulster SFC quarter-final presents an interesting face-off between Fermanagh and Armagh at 2.0pm on BBC Two NI. Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh, having recently tasted defeat in the league finals alongside Dublin and Down, will be looking to rectify their Division Two loss against Donegal. They’ve been known for their cautious approach, despite being thought to have discovered an effective attacking strategy. Fermanagh, however, ended the league on a high note with Garvan Jones scoring 1-7 against Cavan, the big winners of Ulster’s opening weekend. When the teams clashed in March, Armagh demonstrated their prowess but were somewhat ineffective in their attacking. Nevertheless, their consistent performance and the return of their leading players could give them the upper hand. Verdict: Armagh.