Sport
Hurling & Football Division One Preview
The National Football League returned with a bang last weekend with some brilliant encounters. Monaghan spoiled the party in Croke Park with a deserving victory over Dublin, Derry downed Kerry, Tyrone had too much for Roscommon while Mayo silenced many doubters with a dominant win in Salthill.
This week sees the National Hurling League get underway with some tricky looking games. The highlight comes from Ennis on Sunday as Clare host Cork. All Ireland Champions Limerick welcome Antrim to the Gaelic Grounds, while something special often happens when local rivals Kilkenny and Wexford meet.
Here’s a look at two of the best games from Division 1 in the National Hurling and Football this weekend.
Hurling
Clare v Cork
Cusack Park
Sunday 4th February @ 13.45
Clare have been hit with a few injuries in the early part of the season, with John Conlon among the notable absentees. But this may be a chance for them to blood some of their young talent, with numerous members of last season’s u20 squad expected to feature.
The Banner, lost out to Cork in the Munster final in that grade last term, and the Rebels, 4/5 favourites to come away with the win, will be expected to play some of their new talent, including Ben Cunningham.
Both side’s have a point to prove ahead of this year and while Cork may perhaps have a stronger selection available for Sunday’s clash, home advantage is always a bonus for Clare, who are 5/4 for victory. If you can’t see a way of separating the sides, the draw is 8/1.
Kilkenny v Wexford
Nowlan Park
Sunday 4th February @ 13.45
Wexford arrive at Nowlan Park as Walsh Cup champions after last Sunday’s final victory over Galway, a competition in which they beat Kilkenny en route to the prize.
They also beat the Cats last season to remain in the Leinster Championship in what was a pulsating game of hurling at Wexford Park, so Kilkenny will feel as if they owe Wexford one.
The Cats will be boosted by the return of the panel members from the three clubs who featured in the All Ireland club finals, O’Loughlin Gaels, Thomastown and Tullogher Rosbercon, who have had a good break to prepare for the league opener.
While they may not all feature, Kilkenny’s panel on paper looks the stronger of the two and their home form is often exemplary. Get Evens on Kilkenny -4.
Football
Mayo v Dublin
MacHale Park
Saturday 3rd February @ 19.30
Mayo made a statement in Round 1 with their eight-point win over Galway. Meanwhile, Dublin weren’t at their best in a sluggish display against Monaghan.
Mayo conceded just six points from play against a prolific Galway attack, while the Dubs forward line, which featured Con O’Callaghan, Cormac Costello and Paddy Small, were average to say the least in front of the posts.
On the back of that it would point to a Mayo win, who are slight favourites at EVS. But very little often separates these sides and the sight of the blue shirt often sends shivers down the spine of Mayo, as was the case when the Dubs destroyed them in last year’s All Ireland quarter-finals.
Dublin are 11/10 to come away from Castlebar with the win and that looks to be worth siding with, especially given the fact the last time they met in Castlebar in the league the Dubs won 1-11 to 0-8 in Round 2 after a poor opening round.
Derry v Tyrone
Celtic Park
Sunday 4th February – 15.45
An intriguing battle in Derry concludes the weekend when they host Tyrone. The game has an extra bit of spice given Mickey Harte faces his home county in his first home game as Derry boss.
The Oak Leaf County opened their campaign with a hard-fought win in Tralee, while Tyrone had too much to spare for Roscommon, despite losing Conn Fitzpatrick to a straight red card midway through the second half. They have since lost the appeal on that decision, so will be without Fitzpatrick for Sunday’s trip north.
Tyrone, who are 5/2 to come away with a win, fielded six league debutants in last Sunday’s win, and while that is impressive, Derry went for experience in Tralee and its likely they may go with the same approach on Sunday. They are 2/5 to win.
Harte will certainly be looking to get one over on his native county. Get -3 on Derry to take this on the handicap at 11/10.
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