GAA Weekend Preview: Cork v Waterford the pick of the action

The highlight of the weekend comes from Pairc Ui Chaoimh when Cork welcome Waterford in one of hurling’s age-old rivalries, with both sides somewhat in need of a win.

Table toppers Derry travel to Salthill to face Galway, while it’s a repeat of last year’s All Ireland Final as the Dubs welcome Kerry to HQ in the outstanding football clash of an action-packed weekend.

Here’s the best three fixtures from the hurling & football action this weekend.

FOOTBALL

Dublin v Kerry
Croke Park
Saturday 24th February @ 7.30pm

Dublin finally found their groove to get their first win of the campaign with a seven-point victory over Roscommon last week.

Con O’Callaghan was excellent with 0-7, five of which came from play, amongst a Dublin starting forward line which accounted for 13 points out of their team’s 1-17 total.

Despite an all-round solid performance, their defensive frailties shone through again, with the concession of a late goal meaning they’ve conceded five majors in the opening three games, leaving them 11/8 to take victory here.

Kerry, who are 4/5 favourites to emerge with the win, on the other hand have had a mixed start to the league, with two victories from three and some patchy performances.

Last week’s victory over Mayo wasn’t the most entertaining affair apart from David Clifford’s injury time winner and letting a three-point lead slip with 10 minutes is something that will have to improve as they travel to HQ.

The Kingdom’s form mixed with Dublin’s knack of conceding goals makes this a hard contest to call. They played out a thrilling 1-19 all draw in the League back in 2020 at Croke Park, and 13/2 about that result might be the best play.

Galway v Derry
Pearse Stadium
Sunday 25th February @ 1.45pm

Derry are the only side in the top tier with a 100% record and they obliterated Monaghan last weekend. Shane McGuigan has been the standout forward in the League so far, and he notched 0-11 in that win at Celtic Park.

Galway, who are 9/4 to win, have been struggling to find top gear so far but they did emerge with a hard fought win over Tyrone last week which should give them some confidence coming into this.

But their ever-growing injury list just got longer as Matthew Tierney and Paul Conroy both limped off in that one-point win, which makes Sunday’s uphill task even steeper.

Derry, who are 4/9 favourites, have been playing some brilliant football and should continue their 100% record. Take 10/11 on the handicap at -2.

HURLING

Cork v Waterford
Pairc Ui Chaoimh
Sunday 25th February @ 3.45pm

Cork’s slow start to the National Hurling League season has seen them slip to bottom of the pile in Division 1B and will need a big performance on Sunday to get their year back on track.

The Rebels, who are 4/9 for favourites, rued a lacklustre start against Kilkenny the last day, trailing 0-13 to 0-4 after 26 minutes, but they showed tremendous resilience to go in at half time just 3 down and only lose out by a single point.

They created chances to snatch a draw also, but similar to Round 1, an inconsistent 70 minutes cost them, and Pat Ryan will be hoping for a more composed outing on Sunday.

Waterford were somewhat unlucky not to come away with something against Clare in Round 2, but they failed to register a score in the first 10 minutes after half time and that barren spell ultimately cost them a point at the very least.

The Deise, who are 9/4 to win, played some nice hurling though, with eight players getting on the scoresheet in that 0-20 to 1-16 loss, and they registered their fourth goal in two games.

Sunday’s game presents a decent opportunity for both sides, but Cork seem to have the stronger firepower, and if they can get it together for 70 minutes the Rebels can get their first win of the campaign. Take them in the handicap at 10/11 -3.