Mayo was crowned National League Champions last weekend and they will welcome Roscommon to Hastings Insurance MacHale Park on Sunday for the opening round of the Connacht Championship.

It should be a fascinating battle between the sides with the winners advancing to face Galway in the semi-finals.

After their win over Galway in the Allianz League Division 1 final on Sunday, Mayo head straight into Con- nacht championship action against Roscommon.

They last met in the Connacht championship in 2020 when Mayo won a semi-final by six points. Roscom- mon won their previous championship meetings by a point in 2019.

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETINGS:

• 2020: Mayo 1-16 Roscommon 0-13 (Connacht semi-final)
• 2019: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17 (Connacht semi-final)
• 2017: Mayo 4-19 Roscommon 0-9 (All-Ireland quarter-final) Replay
• 2017: Mayo 1-12 Roscommon 2-9 (All-Ireland quarter-final) Draw
• 2014: Mayo 0-13 Roscommon 1-9 (Connacht semi-final)

Facts about Mayo v Roscommon 

Mayo took the Division 1 title this year, having won five, drawn two and lost one (v Monaghan) of their eight games

Roscommon finished third in Division 1 this season, winning four and losing three games.

Mayo beat Roscommon by two points (1-16 to 2-11) in this year’s League.

It’s 17 wins to two for Mayo, with one draw from their last twenty championship meetings with Roscommon.

Betting

Mayo are 1/3 with Roscommmon 3/1, bookies expect Mayo to win by 3pts

GAA TV Coverage

Match is live on RTE at 4pm on Sunday, it’s also on GAAGo for those people outside Ireland.

Starting Teams

We will have teams after the announcement on Friday evening.

Mayo (Connacht SFC v Roscommon): Colm Reape; Jack Coyne, David McBrien, Donnacha McHugh; Stephen Coen, Conor Loftus, Paddy Durcan; Matthew Ruane, Diarmuid O’Connor; Fionn McDonagh, Jack Carney, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O’Shea, James Carr, Ryan O’Donoghue.

Subs: Rory Byrne, Sam Callinan, Tommy Conroy, Jason Doherty, Frank Irwin, Darren McHale, Eoghan McLaughlin, Conor McStay, Cillian O’Connor, Padraig O’Hora, Paul Towey.

The post Mayo v Roscommon : Championship Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

LISTEN: our final episode in 'The Road to Croker' series on the @Mayopodcast is well worth a listen. @murphyrob, @bjpadden11 and @colinivan are all at the top of their game in this one! Podcast proudly sponsored by @GrgSportswear. https://t.co/JWTNsLsaJU @MayoGAA @TipperaryGAA pic.twitter.com/Tn3yu2eKQ1

— Mayo GAA Blog (@MayoGAABlog) December 5, 2020

In the last decade, Mayo competed in four All-Ireland finals and lost all four. Furthermore, they lost another four semi-finals. As a result, this Mayo team have become one of the best teams to never win an All-Ireland.

Are Mayo Finally ‘Back’?

This year, James Horan has found a blend of youthful injection to bolster the experience of his tried and tested. Youngsters Oisin Mullin, Eoghan McLoughlin, Tommy Conroy, Mark Moran, Bryan Walsh and Ryan O’Donoghue have all played their part in winning Nestor Cup against Galway three weeks ago.

These additions have brought out the best in the veterans also. David Clarke, Lee Keegan, Chris Barrett, Kevin McLoughlin, Aidan O’Shea and Cillian O’Connor are all in inspired form. Meanhile the likes of Colm Boyle, Tom Parsons and Keith Higgins still wait in the wings. Elsewhere, Stephen Coen, Paddy Durcan, Matthew Ruane, Conor Loftus and Diarmuid O’Connor are coming of age to bridge the gap nicely.

All of this has resulted in a successful equation for Horan. Wins over Leitrim, Roscommon and Galway propelled them to the top of Connacht for the first time in five years.

Mayo had just a point to spare after an attritional Connacht final against Galway. They could have made it more comfortable for themselves however if they had been more efficient in front of goal in the opening half. They converted just 8 out of 17 chances, a statistic that Horan will be aiming to rectify sooner rather than later.

On the other hand, he will take pleasure in the composure his team showed when the game was in the melting pot. For example, Bryan Walsh came off the bench to score two vital points. Equally as important, Eoghan McLoughlin took a clever black card when Sean Kelly was charging towards goal in the dying moments.

Mayo will be delighted about Kerry’s failure to progress out of Munster. However, Horan would be wise not to underestimate Tipperary. If they navigate this game correctly, they’ll have another chance at ending the Mayo curse.

 Tipp-ing the Scales

When Tipperary beat Cork in the Munster Final a fortnight ago, the Munster Cup crossed Tipperary borders for the first time since 1935.

To make it even sweeter, the Premier men had to earn the cup. Firstly, they had just a goal to spare over Clare. Then, they were on the brink of elimination against Limerick. To illustrate, Tipperary were a point down in the Gaelic Grounds with the clock in the red. Then, Conor Sweeney produced a moment of magic to send it to extra-time. Sweeney nonchalantly equalised from a dead-ball on the sideline with the outside of his left foot. For added measure, the ball went over off the post. Extra-time was a low-scoring affair. In the end, a Brian Fox point separated the teams.

Somewhat surprisingly, Tipperary’s largest win in Munster was in the final. They had a three-point margin over Cork at the end of the final to finish a super performance. Taking inspiration from their commemorative Bloody Sunday jerseys, Tipp scored three in the first three minutes.

Conor Sweeney and Michael Quinlivan led from the front with all of their attributes on display. But, Steven O’Brien, Liam Casey, and Colin O’Riordan were the unheralded heroes in the middle of the field as they went toe-to-toe with Cork. Tipperary had a deserving four-point lead at the halfway stage.

The second-half had its tentative and nervy moments but the Premier held firm. The closest the Rebels came to catching Tipperary was within a point but the ever-reliable Philip Austin soon quenched that possibility.

Semi-Final Take 2

Now, Tipperary face Mayo in a repeat of the 2016 Semi-Final. Many of the Tipperary players who take to the field on Sunday were members of the famous 2011 minor campaign. Similarly, nine of the players who started against Mayo four years ago will be in the squad come Sunday. Hence, these Tipperary players are no strangers to a big occasion and the timely addition of Colin O’Riordan is an added boost.

Mayo will no doubt be the toughest test Tipperary face yet. But, they have the tools to challenge the Connacht men and David Power will be focusing on how to free up his key men.

The game is live on Sunday on RTÉ and Sky Sports Mix.

Mayo are the favourites with Paddy Power at 2/7. Meanwhile, Tipperary are 4/1 and a draw is 9/1.

Prediction: Mayo. But Tipperary will make them earn it. The Connacht side have always proved competitive when they reach Croke Park and the vast pitch will only benefit their pacey players. Furthermore, Mayo took the long route through Connacht and in recent years more games have made them stronger.

SFC Semi-Final: Mayo vs Tipperary, Sunday, December 6th, 15:30 (Croke Park). 

Want to know where this weekend's #GAA SFC Semi-Final action will be shown on TV? Take a look below!#BestSeatInTheHouse pic.twitter.com/YH3TTZjSP0

— The GAA (@officialgaa) December 2, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1334145295039557632

The post Mayo vs Tipperary: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Among all the outsiders to record big wins in this year’s championship, no team has caused more upset than Cavan. The Ulster men would not have been backed by many to advance from the most competitive of the provincial Championships. Yet, they find themselves in an All-Ireland semi-final after winning their first Anglo-Celt Cup since 1997.

Firstly, Cavan provided an opening round shock by coming from seven points down to beat Monaghan in extra time. On that occasion, goalkeeper Raymond Galligan was the hero with a last-minute 55-metre free to send the Breffni men through.

Next, a run-of-the-mill win over Antrim was less of a headline. But, that was followed by another big turnaround. Micky Graham’s men beat Down in the semi-final despite being down by eight at the interval.

Most recently, they came up against Donegal in the final. Before the game, many were already matching up Donegal and Dublin with the belief that the O’Donnell men possessed the last chance to dethrone the Dubs. However, Cavan continued to rewrite the script.

At half-time, there was just two between the teams in Donegal’s favour. Cavan continued to plug away though and soon edged ahead. Then, in the closing moments Gearoid McKiernan floated a long ball into the Donegal square that Shaun Patton failed to deal with. As a result, Conor Madden put the ball in the net to ensure the game was beyond Donegal’s reach.

Despite the mass murmurings suggesting Cavan would have preferred to play Dublin outside of Croke Park, the Breffni men will be relishing the challenge. A chance to play in GAA headquarters has always been a just reward for the Provincial winners. Furthermore, Graham’s side have already proved they can put it up to the best.

Deadly Dublin

Unlike their semi-final opponents, Dublin progressed to this stage in a more typical manner. The five-in-a-row winners haven’t taken their foot off the gas and have seamlessly adjusted to life after Jim Gavin. The new man Dessie Farrell hasn’t been afraid to juggle the team that brought so much success. The emergence of Sean Bugler and Robbie McDaid is a prime example of the embarrassment of riches at Farrell’s disposal. Likewise, Paddy Small has kept Paul Mannion in reserve thus far.

They won their three Leinster Championship games against Westmeath, Laois and Meath by a combined 54 points. Perhaps even more impressively, they seem to have only been operating in third gear.

With the absence of Donegal and Kerry from the All-Ireland series of the Championship, all the money will be on Dublin to complete an unprecedented six-in-a-row. The only real unknown for many is who Farrell will select. Will he continue with his blend of old and new? Or will the likes of Brian Howard, Paul Mannion and Kevin McManamon force their way into the fifteen? Similarly, Cormac Costello continues to impress with every display. Costello successfully appealed against his red card against Meath making him available this weekend.

Those who are already lining up a Dublin vs Mayo Final for the third time in five years run the risk of speaking prematurely. This year’s Championship has been the most unpredictable in recent memory. However, for all of Cavan’s achievements in Ulster, Dublin are a different animal, especially in Croke Park.

The game is live on RTÉ and Sky Sports Mix.

Dublin are 1/50 favourites. On the other hand, Cavan are 16/1 and a draw is 33/1.

Prediction: Dublin.

SFC Semi-Final: Cavan vs Dublin, Saturday, December 5th, 17:30 (Croke Park).  

Conor Madden scored this crucial last minute GOAL for @CavanCoBoardGaa in the @UlsterGAA Senior Football Final and #GAANOW will be back this weekend at Croke Park to bring the best of the action straight to your screens! Don't miss out – https://t.co/4cnl9gytir pic.twitter.com/SOChSZBD91

— The GAA (@officialgaa) December 3, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/list-of-51-gaa-live-matches-scheduled-to-be-shown-on-tv-by-rte-sky-sports/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/list-of-51-gaa-live-matches-scheduled-to-be-shown-on-tv-by-rte-sky-sports/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1334459868275728384

The post Cavan vs Dublin: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Click for live score commentary of Cavan v Donegal

Firstly, the Breffni men got the Ulster Championship off to a spectacular start. With ten minutes left on the clock, they trailed Monaghan by six. Somehow Cavan came back to send the game to extra-time which was an achievement in itself. But, they smelled blood and pushed Monaghan all the way. Penalties seemed inevitable until goalkeeper Raymond Galligan scored the winner from 59metres out.

THIS SUNDAY!

The final of the 2020 Ulster Senior Football Championship @CavanCoBoardGaa vs @officialdonegal
Athletic Grounds, 4pm#Ulster2020 pic.twitter.com/J3zgICJrFF

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) November 18, 2020

A reasonably comfortable win over Antrim followed but Cavan repeated their comeback trick last weekend against Down.

This time, they were on the wrong side of an eight-point deficit at half-time. It seemed like five games in five weeks was taking its toll on Mickey Graham’s men as bad handling and decision-making suggested fatigue. Furthermore, Down were just much more economical in possession.

But, Graham’s adjustments at the interval proved to be good ones. For example, Conor Madden came in and kicked three points in addition to two assists. Likewise, Thomas Galligan was put at full-forward and tied up the Down defence effectively. They smothered Down in midfield and the forwards capitalised with a steady stream of points to eclipse Down’s early lead.

Donegal hype train rolls on

Meanwhile, Donegal returned to the pitch for the first time since their duel with Tyrone. Armagh were the opposition and on paper it was going to be another stern test for Donegal’s credentials. Yet, half-time Declan Bonner’s side had blown the Orchard County out of the water and there was already talk of a Donegal-Dublin semi-final.

At the interval it was 1-12 to 0-3 after a display of sheer dominance by Donegal. Their physicality in the tackle made Armagh’s attacks absolutely futile. At the other end, size didn’t come at the expense of skill as the points continued to come.

Somewhat worryingly, Donegal’s defensive guardian Stephen McMenamin left the pitch after three minutes with a hamstring strain. Bonner admitted the chances of him being fit for this weekend’s final didn’t look good at the time.

Odhran McFadden-Ferry is another absentee for Donegal. He is on tour with the Irish Army. In addition, Paul Brennan left the pitch midway through the second-half due to injury.

In contrast, Paddy McBrearty got some well-needed Championship minutes and scored with his first contribution.

While Cavan have already proved themselves capable of turning the tide against major opponents, the Donegal train is at full tilt. They racked up 1-22 against Armagh in 70 minutes of pure precision.

Monaghan and Down had bad spells to allow Cavan back into their games. It’s hard to imagine Donegal showing such a lapse.

The Ulster final is live on RTÉ.

Paddy Power have Donegal at a short 1/10 versus Cavan’s 7/1. A draw is 10/1.

Prediction: Donegal. Cavan are no right-off. But, even their best is probably not enough to see them past Donegal here who are proving to be genuine title contenders.

Team News

Cavan Raymond Galligan, Jason McLoughlin, Padraig Faulkner, Luke Fortune, Gerard Smith, Killian Clarke, Ciaran Brady, Thomas Gilligan, Killian Brady, Martin Reilly, Gearoid McKiernan, Oisin Kiernan, Oisin Pearson, Chris Conroy, Conor Madden.

Donegal: Shaun Patton, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Neil McGee, Eoin McHugh, Ryan McHugh, Paul Brennan, Peader Morgan, Hugh McFadden, Caolan McGonigle, Ciaran Thompson, Niall O’Donnell, Michael Langan, Paddy McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan

Ulster Championship Final: Cavan vs Donegal, Sunday, 22nd November, 16:00 (Athletic Grounds).

It was a busy weekend of #GAA football championship action! Catch up on the best bits in this #GAANOW weekend football round-up. pic.twitter.com/VbZJ6oEkfD

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 17, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1328744991645196290

The post Cavan vs Donegal: Ulster Final Preview, Starting Team News, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Cork v Tipperary football live score commentary

Fighting for the Final

There is little need for a reminder about how Cork got to this final. Their last-minute defeat of Kerry is one of the greatest GAA upsets in recent memory. After salvaging extra-time, Cork looked as if they were finally beat when the clock was in the red and Kerry had a two-point lead. However, the script wasn’t written in stone and Mark Keane emerged as the Rebels’ saviour. Luke Connolly backed himself from far out on the left-hand side to kick the equaliser but his shot was short. Thankfully, Keane was in the right place and he plucked the ball out of the Páirc Uí Chaoimh floodlights and poked it goalwards. As a result, Cork march on and the 2019 runners-up won’t be heard from again in 2020.

There was similar drama in the other Munster semi-final. Tipperary went in as favourites. But, as time was up they were a point-down and had a free from the sideline in the Limerick ’45. Conor Sweeney fancied it and rightly so. A sweet strike with the outside of his left foot hit the post and went over. Next, extra-time continued in that same manner. The Championship’s first-ever penalty shoot-out seemed certain but Brian Fox had other ideas. The Premier County veteran kicked a point in injury time that Limerick could not cancel out.

Super Sunday

Now, Tipperary have a golden opportunity to win their first Munster title since 1935. They enter the game as underdogs though given the manner in which Cork won their semi-final.

Ronan McCarthy will expect his Cork team to lift the Munster Cup after dethroning Kerry. However, Tipperary have the players to upset the Rebel parade. Last time out both Cork and Tipperary displayed huge amounts of heart and desire to win. It may take the same sort of display again to separate these teams.

With that in mind, both managers will be glad for the two-week recovery their players have had.

The Munster Final is live on RTÉ on Sunday.

Cork are 11/5 favourites with Paddy Power versus Tipperary’s 4/1. A draw is 12/1.

Prediction: Cork. It may be another game that requires extra-time. But, Cork will be desperate not to let such a remarkable opportunity to go abegging.

Team News

Cork : Michael Martin, Kevin O’Donovan, Maurice Shanley, Paul Ring, Tadgh Corkery, Sean Meehan, Mattie Taylor, Ian McGuire, Killian O’Hanlan, John O’Rourke, Colm O’Callaghan, Ruairi Deane, Mark Collins, Brian Hurley, Luke Connolly

Tipperary : Evan Comerford; Alan Campbell, Jimmy Feehan, Colm O’Shaughnessy; Bill Maher, Kevin Fahey, Robbie Kiely; Steven O’Brien, Liam Casey; Conal Kennedy, Michael Quinlivan, Emmet Moloney; Brian Fox, Conor Sweeney, Colman Kennedy.

Subs: Michael O’Reilly, Tadhg Fitzgerald, Daire Brennan, Colin O’Riordan, Padraic Looram, Paudie Feehan, Sean O’Connor, Philip Austin, Jason Lonergan, Shane Foley, Liam Boland.

Munster Football Final: Cork vs Tipperary, Sunday, 22nd November, 13:30 (Páirc Uí Chaoimh). 

It was a busy weekend of #GAA football championship action! Catch up on the best bits in this #GAANOW weekend football round-up. pic.twitter.com/VbZJ6oEkfD

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 17, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1328744991645196290

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

The post Cork vs Tipperary: Munster Football Final Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Click for live score commentary

Dublin GAA remembers Bloody Sunday this week, 100 years on @DubCityCouncil‘s Historian-in-residence Cormac Moore talks us through that fateful day on DubsTV’s “Bloody Sunday”.

Watch in full https://t.co/cRF0mqgCaP#B100dySunday pic.twitter.com/50gvsiAVYS

— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) November 18, 2020

A few weeks ago, Dublin vs Meath saw the reigning champions claim a four-point win in the league. On that occasion, Dublin came out on top of a high-scoring encounter. However, Meath showed that they have the tools to hurt Dessie Farrell’s team. Direct runs from deep proved hard for Dublin to deal with and resulted in plenty of frees within scoring distance.

Last weekend, the same direct running style saved the Royals when they looked down against Kildare. Meath managed just four points in the first-half as opposed to Kildare’s eleven. As the sides took the field for the second part of the contest, things were looking desolate for Meath. But, they soon showed the hunger and drive that saw them compete with some of the best in Division 1 of the League.

Jordan Morris and Matthew Costello both found the net just minutes after the restart. The two goals were excellent examples of how hard running and moving the ball quickly can open up defences. That brought the deficit back to a point. Then, when Cillian O’Sullivan scored Meath’s third goal in the 45th minute after a turnover high up the pitch, Meath never looked back. Joey Wallace and Jason Scully added two more majors before full time. This came just a week after they netted seven against Wicklow.

On the other hand, it was just the two goals for Dublin as they swatted aside the challenge of Laois. The Dubs don’t need goals in the same way other teams do though as their 23 points would have likely been enough to win a game in itself.

In truth, Dublin were slow to get going as uncharacteristic errors peppered the first quarter. For example, Paddy Small hit a hat-trick of wides, James McCarthy was dispossessed twice, and Cluxton sent a kick-out over the sideline. Then, they found their rhythm and Sean Bugler’s 24th minute goal justified his continued selection at wing-forward.

Likewise, Ciarán Kilkenny continues to perform at the top of his game. A personal 1-4 tally looked effortless. Brian Fenton looked as dangerous as ever. He scored four points that could have easily included a goal. Furthermore, Cormac Costello stole the headlines despite only playing 25 minutes. Seven points from him is surely enough for Dessie Farrell to finally consider putting Costello in from the start. However, Costello could be his own worst enemy by proving himself as an impact sub over and over again.

Meath may have the tools to threaten Dublin but there’s little doubt they will need to continue their goal-scoring run to do so. 12 goals in 2 games is a promising trend to carry into such an encounter, but they need to be equally as tigerish in defence. Farrell won’t underestimate Andy McEntee’s team and his instructions will be for his players to come out firing. The first 20 minutes of this game will be played at breakneck speed. The other fifty will give us a demonstration of the gap between Dublin and the chasing Leinster pack.

The Royal County last won Leinster in 2010 after that controversial final against Louth. Since then, they have lost to Dublin in four finals.

The Leinster Final is live on RTÉ on Saturday.

Dublin are 1/20 with Paddy Power. Meath are 9/1 and a draw is 25/1.

Prediction: Dublin.

Team News

Dublin : Stephen Cluxton; Michael Fitzsimons, Jonny Cooper, Eoin Murchan; James McCarthy, John Small, Robert McDaid; Brian Fenton, Tom Lahiff; Niall Scully, Ciaran Kilkenny, Sean Bugler; Paddy Small, Con O’Callaghan, Dean Rock

Meath: Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Donal Keogan, Shane McEntee, Matthew Costello; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Cillian O’Sullivan, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Jordan Morris, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eamon Wallace, Cathal Hickey, Eoin Harkin, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jason Scully, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Leinster Football Final: Dublin vs Meath, Saturday, 21st November, 19:00 (Croke Park).

It was a busy weekend of #GAA football championship action! Catch up on the best bits in this #GAANOW weekend football round-up. pic.twitter.com/VbZJ6oEkfD

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 17, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1328744991645196290

The post Dublin vs Meath: Leinster Final Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK FOR LIVE SCORE COMMENTARY OF GALWAY V MAYO

They meet for an eighth successive year in the championship. The first six were in the Connacht championship, with Mayo winning in 2013-14-15 and Galway winning in 2016-17-18.  They met in the All-Ireland qualifiers last year when Mayo won. This will be their first clash in the Connacht final since 2014 when Mayo won by seven points.

Match Preview

Look back at previous finals

Galway starting XV vs Mayo

(2020 Connacht SFC final)

1. Bernard Power (CorofinGAA)
2. Sean Kelly (Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn)
3. Seán Ó Maolchiaráin (CLG Oileáin Árann)
4. Johnny Heaney (Killannin Gaa)
5. Liam Silke (CorofinGAA)
6. Johnny Duane (St. James’ GAA – Galway)
7. Cillian McDaid (Monivea Abbey GAA Football Club)
8. Céin D’Arcy (Caherlistrane GAA)
9. Tom Flynn (St. Mary’s GAA Club Athenry)
10. Paul Kelly (Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn)
11. Paul Conroy (St. James’ GAA – Galway)
12. Michael Daly (Mountbellew Moylough GAA Club)
13. Ian Burke (CorofinGAA)
14. Shane Walsh – Captain (Kilkerrin/Clonberne GAA Club)
15. Dessie Conneely (Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn)

Since then, the 2016 and ’17 All-Ireland runners-up have beaten Leitrim and Roscommon in the Championship to eclipse a league relegation. On the other hand, Sligo’s concession of last weekend’s game against the Galwegians means Joyce’s team enter this game without any Championship minutes under their belts.

This is Mayo’s first visit to a Connacht final since they completed five-in-a-row in 2015. In the seasons between now and then, Roscommon and Galway have always trumped them in Connacht. But, their form to date makes them hot favourites to end that drought.

Mayo Finding Their Stride

James Horan unearthed a few gems in this fixture a few weeks ago. Tommy Conroy has been ever-present in the full-forward line since that day and has justified his inclusion. Likewise, Eoghan McLoughlin has made one of the wing-back spots his own. At centre-forward, Mark Moran burst onto the stage against Galway. However, he is competing with Ryan O’Donoghue for that jersey. It will be interesting to see if Horan recalls Moran to try and repeat the trick this time around.

Mayo’s youthful injection contrasts to the veterans who Horan also has at his disposal. Colm Boyle and Keith Higgins were both on the bench last weekend and despite not playing they are valuable assets that he can trust. On the field, Cillian O’Connor is reminding everyone why he is the top scorer in GAA Championship history. At the other end, Lee Keegan is seemingly Horan’s most trusted man-marker.

The gap between Mayo’s old and new is being nicely bridged by the likes of Paddy Durcan, Stephen Coen, Matthew Ruane, and Diarmuid O’Connor. These four make up a strong core that Horan can build around.

Mayo’s running game returned to its best against Roscommon. Half-backs Durcan and McLoughlin were the primary source of that. McLoughlin emulates a young Colm Boyle with this pace and power as he drives past defenders. A great example of this was his assist for Diarmuid O’Connor’s goal. Likewise, Durcan’s tunnel vision is a joy to watch as he regularly offers as much going forward as a 13 or a 15. He scored two points against Roscommon while simultaneously muzzling Enda Smith.

Galway Ready to Rock

Joyce would have preferred to have played Sligo last weekend than to have a bye straight to the final no matter how convenient it is. Since the restart, his side have lost to Mayo and Dublin to overshadow excellent form in the spring. A win over Sligo would have been very welcome no matter how close it was.

Now, Galway enter the Championship with a lack of match practice. Furthermore, Damien Comer remains sidelined for the 2018 Connacht Champions. Without having played in three weeks, Joyce has tough decisions to make about how best to deploy his troops.

One piece of good news is that Shane Walsh is available and looking forward to the heat of a Connacht rivalry.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Walsh apparently relishes this fixture. “It is a massive thing, the Galway-Mayo rivalry. The game always takes on a life of its own”.

Joyce will need Walsh to return to full form straight off the bat with his other top forward absent. Otherwise, selections in the full-back line remain an interesting one. Aidan O’Shea wreaked havoc in Tuam Stadium with Sean Andy O’Ceallaigh unable to tame the Breaffy beast. Sean Mulkerrin could be drafted into the full-back line. The versatile, young defender could be assigned to Conroy or O’Connor, or even O’Shea if Joyce trusts him enough. He featured against Dublin last time out.

While it may be tough to predict the Galway team, it is certain that it will be different to the one Mayo faced a few weeks ago. Joyce’s team will be out to prove that they’re the strongest team in Connacht but the selections the manager makes will be important. Traditionally, Mayo improve as they play more games. For that reason, five games in five weeks may not hinder them. This could clash nicely with Galway’s freshness and hunger for Championship football.

With Kerry now out of Munster, Mayo and Galway know that a win here means a great chance of reaching an All-Ireland final. It’s a shame fans can’t be in attendance as this is shaping up to be one of the best Galway-Mayo games in recent years.

The game is live on RTÉ.

Mayo are slight favourites with Paddy Power at 10/11. Otherwise, Galway at 11/10 and a draw is 15/2.

Prediction: Mayo. The loss of Damien Comer is a huge one for Galway. Either Lee Keegan or Paddy Durcan will be assigned to Walsh and the other Mayo backs should be good enough to silence the Galway front line. The middle third will be a huge battle ground in this game. Galway need to be on top here to stop the Mayo half-backs launching attacks.

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASHES 

2019: Mayo 2-13 Galway 1-13 (Qualifier Round 4) 

2018: Galway 1-12 Mayo 0-12 (Connacht quarter-final) 

2017: Galway 0-15 Mayo 1-11 (Connacht semi-final) 

2016: Galway 1-12 Mayo 0-12 (Connacht semi-final) 

2015: Mayo 1-15 Galway 2-8 (Connacht semi-final) 

LAST FIVE CONNACHT FINAL CLASHES 

2014: Mayo 3-14 Galway 0-16 

2009: Mayo 2-12 Galway 1-14 

2008: Galway 2-12 Mayo 1-14 

2005: Galway 0-10 Mayo 0-8 

2006: Mayo 0-12 Galway 1-8 

Facts and Figures

(1) James Horan led Mayo to four championship wins over Galway in 2011-13-14-19. Padraic Joyce is in his first season as Galway manager. 

(2) Mayo beat Galway by 3-23 to 0-17 in their Allianz League clash in Tuam last month. 

(3) Mayo have won two games in the Connacht championship this year, beating Leitrim by 2- 15 to 0-10 and Roscommon by 1-16 to 0-13. Sligo’s withdrawal due to Covid-19 left Galway qualifying for the final without a game. 

(4)Mayo are seeking their first Connacht title since 2015 while Galway last won it in 2018.

(5)The winners will play Cork or Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final. 

Connacht Final: Galway vs Mayo, Sunday, 15th November, 13:30 (Pearse Stadium). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

What a weekend of #GAA SFC action! Take a look at the highlights in this #GAANOW Football Weekend Round-Up. pic.twitter.com/VAZMtkJNIk

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 10, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1326169742336356352

The post Galway vs Mayo: Connacht Final Preview with Andy Moran and Finian Hanley appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Live score commentary from Meath v Kildare

Last weekend, Kildare hit 0-20 to beat the challenge of Offaly. Despite their impressive scoreline, the Lilywhites were never comfortably ahead. A total of 14 wides is a very wasteful statistic and Jack O’Connor will be sure that his team rectify their efficiency in front of goal before this semi-final.

O’Connor put faith in his young guns and they rewarded him with a strong performance. Darragh Kirwan was dangerous in the forward line alongside Jimmy Hyland and the returning Daniel Flynn. In midfield, Aaron Masterson made an impressive debut by controlling the middle third.

Perhaps most impressively, Shea Ryan won his battle at full-back against Offaly’s danger man Niall McNamee. A clean sheet for Kildare is a great confidence booster, especially in the midst of knock-out Championship. But, Offaly had goal chances and O’Connor will know that Meath can threaten Mark Donnellan’s goal.

Kildare have all the tools to launch an attack on the Leinster Championship. But, they need to use them to full effect to reach their potential. The game against the royals could be exactly what they need as they will be punished for not performing.

Meath make their mark

Meath are here after beating Wicklow emphatically. On paper, the game was a mismatch and Meath proved it by turning the screw on their Division 4 opponents.

Despite being relegated from Division 1 after earning just one point on the final day, Meath were impressive against some top tier opposition. For example, they hit 0-19 against Dublin in the first game back after lockdown. Then, they showed some steel to steal a late draw with Monaghan.

As a result, Meath entered the Championship with optimism and Andy McEntee’s team proved their worth last Sunday. It was a successful Championship debut for Jordan Morris. The U-20 player scored 3-4 (two goals from the penalty spot) in an all-round impressive performance. In addition, McEntee avoided any injuries by running his bench in the final 20 minutes. Last year’s Leinster finalists never let up. To illustrate, they scored 4 goals in the final 15 minutes.

This prolific attitude in front of goal is exactly what could see them past Kildare.

Whatever team emerges victorious on Sunday will go into the Leinster final well prepared for what comes next.

This game is live on RTÉ News’ Channel.

Paddy Power expect Meath to win. They’re 8/11 as opposed to Kildare’s 11/8. A draw is far from unlikely and is priced at 15/2.

Prediction: Draw. This could be a high-scoring shootout in which a goal could prove to be a game winner. If it does go to extra time, Meath may just have that extra bit in the tank.

Facts and Figures

They last met in the championship three years ago when Kildare won a Leinster semi-final  by nine points. 

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASHES 

2017: Kildare 2-16 Meath 0-13 (Leinster semi-final) 

2014: Meath 2-16 Kildare 0-17 (Leinster semi-final) 

2012: Meath 1-17 Kildare 1-11 (Leinster semi-final) 

2011: Kildare 0-16 Meath 0-10 (Leinster quarter-final) 

2010: Kildare 2-17 Meath 1-12 (All-Ireland quarter-final) 

*Meath are attempting to reach the Leinster final for a second successive year: Kildare were last there in 2017. 

*Meath, for whom Jordan Morris scored 3-4, beat Wicklow by 7-14 to 0-7 in the quarter final. Kildare beat Offaly by 0-20 to 0-16 in their quarter-final. 

*The last competitive clash between the counties was in the 2019 Allianz League when Meath won by a point.

Team news
Kildare – Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Shea Ryan, Darragh Malone; David Hyland, Con Kavanagh, Kevin Flynn; Kevin Feely, Aaron Masterson; Matty Byrne, Ben McCormack, Paddy Brophy; Daniel Flynn, Darragh Kirwan, Jimmy Hyland.

Meath Meath (Leinster SFC v Kildare): Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Donal Keogan, Shane McEntee, Matthew Costello; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Cillian O’Sullivan, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Jordan Morris, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eamon Wallace, Cathal Hickey, Eoin Harkin, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jason Scully, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Leinster Championship Semi-Final: Meath vs Kildare, Sunday, 15th November, 13:00 (Croke Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

What a weekend of #GAA SFC action! Take a look at the highlights in this #GAANOW Football Weekend Round-Up. pic.twitter.com/VAZMtkJNIk

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 10, 2020

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1326169742336356352

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

The post Meath vs Kildare: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Laois were the slower to get going against Longford. In fact, they left it until the last 20 minutes before really getting themselves into the game. At that stage, Longford were five points up. If it wasn’t for two great saves by Niall Corbet in the Laois goal at the start of the second half, the game could have been over.

But, sensing they were on their last chance, Laois came roaring back. Seven consecutive points turned the tables and sent them through but the win was far from convincing.

There was a great spread of scorers for Laois with nine different contributors to their  1-16 tally. But, Corbet was their best player between the sticks. He will need to be at the ready again on Sunday to keep out the Dubs.

Much of the talk about Dublin going into the Championship was about how the team would transition into the post-Gavin era. Seamlessly is the apparent answer. Dublin never really left third gear. Although there are some ponderings about their lack of a goal, it’s almost as if they just decided they didn’t need one.

After going 0-4 to 0-0 up, the Dubs set the tone. From Cluxton’s precise kick-outs to Rock’s accuracy with the dead ball, the blue machine was purring. The likes of Seán Bugler and Robbie McDaid were able to get themselves on the scoresheet and claim their spot in the team.

But, it was the ever-reliable Ciarán Kilkenny who stood out. The Castleknock man dictated play from 11 and scored 5 points of his own. In addition to this, he was more than willing to help out at the other end of the pitch, popping up in defence on more than one occasion.

The only complaint Farrell can have is losing Eoin Murchan to an apparent injury. However, the Dubs in reserve are more than just second-stringers. Whatever team Farrell chooses should be too much to Laois to handle.

This semi-final is live on the RTÉ NEws Channel after Meath vs Kildare.

Dublin are a short 1/500. Meanwhile, Laois are 20/1 for an upset and a draw is 50/1.

Prediction: Dublin.

Team News

Dublin : Stephen Cluxton; Michael Fitzsimons, Jonny Cooper, Eoin Murchan; James McCarthy, John Small, Robert McDaid; Brian Fenton, Tom Lahiff; Niall Scully, Ciaran Kilkenny, Sean Bugler; Paddy Small, Con O’Callaghan, Dean Rock

Leinster Championship Semi-Final: Dublin vs Laois, Sunday, 15th November, 15:30 (Croke Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

What a weekend of #GAA SFC action! Take a look at the highlights in this #GAANOW Football Weekend Round-Up. pic.twitter.com/VAZMtkJNIk

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 10, 2020

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1326169742336356352

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

The post Dublin vs Laois: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Harte first took charge of the Tyrone team in 2003. That season he steered them to their maiden All-Ireland win.

Since then, he has led his teams to six Ulster Senior Championship titles and three All-Irelands. This followed a successful tenure with Tyrone underage teams.

If Harte should leave his role as manager for 2021, it will be interesting to see how Tyrone choose to move forward. Will they promote from inside as they did in 2003 or will they look outside their current set-up for a fresh input?

Along with the senior position, the U20 and minor management positions are also scheduled for a reshuffle. Hence, the timing could be right to move an underage manger up.

Here are five possible candidates for the next Tyrone manager.

1. Peter Canavan.

The Tyrone legend won two All-Ireland’s under Mickey Harte and is the first name many people will suggest to be his successor.

Canavan has managed before. Firstly, he had two years as the head man in Fermanagh. Secondly, he brought Cavan Gaels to a club Championship that seen as a huge success. Then, he was a part of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher’s backroom team that brought Tyrone U21s to All-Ireland glory in 2015.

However, Canavan is currently enjoying success as a pundit with Sky Sports. Furthermore, he has openly said he won’t take on the Tyrone senior job while he has family on the team: “If Mickey opts out, I’ll not be involved in managing a team where I’ve a son and a son-in-law involved.”. Hence, fans shouldn’t hold their breath on this one.

2. Paul Devlin.

The current Tyrone U20 manager. Like Mickey Harte, Devlin is under a contract that ends in 2020.

After a slow start to his term as manager, Devlin’s team came good. Back-to-back Ulster Championships in 2019 and 2020 was as far as his teams got. Recently, they lost a tight semi-final to Dublin.

A youthful injection is perhaps something Tyrone need. Devlin has worked with many of the younger players on the squad so he knows them well. An internal promotion worked before so the Tyrone hierarchy may decide to stick to the trend.

3. Feargal Logan (and Brian Dooher).

The U21 winning manager in 2015. Among Logan’s team were Kieran McGeary, Lee Brennan, Mark Bradley, Conor Meyler, Cathal McShane, Rory Brennan, Padraig Hampsey, Michael Cassidy and Frank Burns, all who are senior squad players now. After so long under one manager, it may be a smooth transition if a familiar face comes into the dressing room.

4. Sean Cavanagh.

Cavanagh was an excellent servant to Mickey Harte during his inter-county career. Since retiring in 2017 he has enjoyed success at club level. The ‘youthful’ option, Cavanagh knows Harte’s ways and has been closer to the action recently than some other contenders. So, his insight would highly valued.

But, it’s maybe too soon for Cavanagh to take this job and he could opt to cut his teeth as part of a backroom team first.

5. Gavin McGilly.

Firstly, McGilly was a part of the management team that saw St. Mary’s win a famous Sigerson Cup in 2017 by beating a loaded UCD team. Then, he took Sean Cavanagh’s club Moy to Intermediate All-Ireland glory in 2018.

Now, he has the head job at St. Mary’s and is a part of Paddy Tally’s backroom team at Down. He has no shortage of management experience but would be an outsider to succeed Harte.

The latest I hear is that the position of Tyrone manager is now effectively open https://t.co/yzaLiDHjcF

— Niall Gartland (@Niall_Gartland) November 11, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

https://twitter.com/Niall_Gartland/status/1326652065951715329

The post 5 Names who could be the Next Tyrone Manager appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.