DIVISION FOUR
TOMORROW
Waterford v London
(Ardmore, 1pm)
LONDON’S only win in Division Four last year came away to Waterford so manager Ciaran Deely will be looking for a repeat. They’ll have to achieve that without Down native Dave McGreevy who has retired. Waterford manager Tom McGlinchey has handed a League debut to half-forward Conor Murray as they attempt to make the small gains that cost them last year. The Munster side won two of their seven games, but lost to Louth, Longford and Wexford by a point and Wicklow by two points. Even prevailing in a couple of those could have had them right in the promotion hunt, but it wasn’t to be.
Odds: H: 1/4 D: 9/1 A: 4/1
Verdict: Waterford
Westmeath v Carlow
(TEG Cusack Park, 2pm)
WESTMEATH are a surprise participant in Division Four, but Turlough O’Brien’s ever-improving Carlow side could show them that life isn’t easy down at the bottom. These teams had a feisty O’Byrne Cup meeting and it should be another full-blooded encounter. Tom Cribbin’s Westmeath side undoubtedly have the best team on paper, but they must transfer that to the pitch. A first 15 likely to contain John Heslin and Denis Glennon should be too strong for the majority of counties in the fourth tier though.
Odds: H: 1/6 D: 12/1 A: 9/2
Verdict:
Wicklow v Leitrim
(joule Park, 2pm)
BOTH of these sides had disappointing campaigns in 2016 as they finished in the bottom four of Division Four. Leitrim boss Brendan Guckian is willing to give new faces a chance this year though and seven players are set to make their debut in Aughrim, although it will be veteran Emlyn Mulligan who will once again lead the team. Wicklow won this fixture by a point last year, and expect another close encounter even if the result doesn’t differ.
Odds: H: 8/11 D: 15/2 A: 11/8
Verdict: Wicklow
Wexford v Limerick
(Innovate Wexford Park, 2pm)
LIMERICK made a statement in January as they reached the McGrath Cup final before losing to Kerry after extra-time although manager Billy Lee has attempted to calm expectations heading into the League. Seamus McEnaney’s first League matches as Monaghan and Meath manager both ended in defeat, so he’ll be keen to end that run. Home advantage should give the Model county the platform to earn an early win.
Odds: H: 8/13 D: 15/2 A: 13/8
Verdict: Wexford
