TODAY
Leinster Senior Football Championship quarter-final
Carlow v Dublin (O’Moore Park, 7pm)
CARLOW manager Turlough O’Brien has talked a good fight in the lead up to this match, but the 1/200 odds on Dublin tell you exactly what is expected in Portlaoise. Since Jim Gavin took charge ahead of the 2013 season, only one team – Meath five years ago – has managed to lose to Dublin by less than double digits in the Leinster Championship. Carlow are unlikely to buck that trend, and beating the 19-point handicap would be an achievement in itself. The Barrowsiders, who have Newry man Steven Poacher in their coaching ranks, will be buoyed by their win over Wexford two weeks ago, their first provincial victory since 2011. Brendan Murphy and Paul Broderick were in stunning form that day, and they’ll need to repeat those heroics to keep the scoreline anyway respectable. Dublin’s 36-match unbeaten run came to an end against Kerry in League final in April, but they will get back on track here. Colm Basquel and Con O’Callaghan, who starred in the county’s recent All-Ireland U21 success, may get the opportunity to stake a claim for a spot later in the summer. It may be a rare venture outside Croke Park for Gavin’s side, but it will be business as usual.
Odds: Carlow: 33/1 D: 50/1 Dublin: 1/200
Verdict: Dublin
TOMORROW
Leinster Senior Football Championship quarter-final
Louth v Meath (Parnell Park, 3pm)
IF you want drama, Louth and Meath have produced it in spades over the years. From Graham Geraghty landing in Navan on a helicopter to score an injury-time winning goal for the Royals in a Qualifier in 2002 to Joe Sheridan’s famous ‘goal’ in the 2010 Leinster final, it’s always been colourful when these two neighbours meet. Louth excelled under Colin Kelly in the League as they secured a second consecutive promotion, but they looked much poorer in their Leinster opener against Wicklow. Andy McDonnell missed that game with a knee injury and hasn’t been included here either while Derek Maguire is in America. This will be Meath manager Andy McEntee’s first Championship outing and he has handed debuts to his son Shane McEntee and Ronan Jones. The Royal county should scrape through.
Odds: Louth: 9/2 D: 12/1 Meath: 1/5
Verdict: Meath
Laois v Kildare (O’Connor Park, 3pm)
LAOIS will be hoping that they are much sharper than their opponents having already clocked up one win, a 4-15 to 0-16 victory over Longford. The Kingston brothers, Donie and Paul, claimed 3-5 between them and they should be looking forward to getting torn into the Kildare defence. It wasn’t all plain sailing though as team captain Stephen Attride picked up an injury late on and manager Peter Creedon will be hoping that the defender has recovered in time. While Laois were dropping down to Division Four in the spring, Kildare were securing their return to the top flight so, naturally, the Lilywhites enter this fixture as warm favourites. Cian O’Neill’s side will be without injured attackers Neil Flynn (hamstring) and Ben McCormack (foot) in Tullamore. They have been boosted by the return of Paddy Brophy though as he recently called time on his spell in the AFL with the West Coast Eagles. Given Dublin are on the other side of the draw, O’Neill will be aiming for a Leinster final minimum this season. Laois may give them more trouble than expected, but they should set up a semi-final clash with the winners of Meath and Louth.
Odds: Laois: 5/2 D: 8/1 Kildare: 4/9
Verdict: Kildare
Munster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final
Limerick v Clare (Semple Stadium, 4pm)
HAVING watched Cork shock Tipperary in the Munster quarter-final, Limerick will attempt to do likewise when they come up against Clare in the last four. Manager John Kiely may have to do without the services of Diarmuid Byrnes and William O’Donoghue but they still have a real shout here. Gearoid Hegarty is another doubt, but may have more of a chance of featuring. This will be Kiely’s first taste of Championship action as Treaty boss, and he comes with a strong reputation following his work with the county U21s. Amazingly, Clare are aiming for their first Munster final appearance since 2008. They have, of course, lifted the Liam MacCarthy since then, but there is a bit of a lull with the county at the moment. Pat O’Connor and Conor McGrath should be fit for the Banner as they attempt to justify their favouritism, but they could be caught out here.
Odds: Clare:1/2 D: 10/1 Limerick 2/1
Verdict: Limerick
