No stopping Kingdom

THE Ulster Championship is a four horse race between Donegal, Tyrone, Derry and Armagh. Antrim and Cavan just aren’t good enough. Down have the forwards and their attack-minded approach means they are capable of producing a shock against Tyrone, but that will be the limit of their potential.

BY PADDY HEANEY
Monaghan’s limited talent pool will keep a cap on their ambitions. They thrived as the underdogs but will struggle when expected to win.
As reigning champions, Tyrone must be respected, but their forward line fails to convince. They’ll struggle to beat Down.
Brian McIver kept his powder dry in the league, but he failed to unearth a partner for Colm McFadden. Derry are preferred for the battle in Ballybofey on June 1.
Derry looked the part in the National League final. It now all depends on how they react to the victory.
The Oak Leafers have an arduous path, but they will not be lacking any motivation against either Donegal or Monaghan.
Derry should reach the Ulster final where they will meet an Armagh side that can overcome Tyrone in the semi-final. Armagh’s failings persist. Tie up McDonnell and Clarke, and their midfield and half-forward line struggle.
Derry have always had good defenders, but new trainer John McCloskey will ensure they have a great defence.
The Bradley brothers provide Derry with a threatening forward line, although the team seems top heavy with playmakers. It’s doubtful if there is room for Enda Muldoon, Conleith Gilligan and Barry McGoldrick in the same team.
Paddy Crozier faces some tough decisions. If he makes the right calls, Derry can claim their first provincial crown since 1998.
Ultimately, this year’s Championship revolves around finding a team that can block Kerry’s path to a three-in-a-row.
All the contenders being touted have weaknesses. Cork’s defence is suspect. If Anthony Lynch can’t handle Sean Johnston in the league, how could he cope with ‘The Gooch’ in the Championship.
Dublin have an exciting bunch of forwards. Bernard Brogan looked superb when kicking 1-3 against Armagh in Crossmaglen. The Brogan brothers, Jason Sherlock and Conal Keaney can cause havoc, but their defence looks fragile. Dublin are hot favourites to win Leinster, but that is unlikely. Laois are a decent outside bet.
The Munster Championship makes it easier for Kerry, but the same applies to the Connacht Championship and Galway and Mayo aren’t exactly dripping with All-Ireland titles.
It may be boring and predictable, but good teams make a habit of winning and Kerry are a very good team. If they are to be stopped, it will take an team from Ulster to do it.

Nobody to halt King Henry’s men
IF football fans think the race for Sam is weighted in Kerry’s favour, then they should take a look at the hurling championship. Kilkenny are laughing. Two warm-up games will take Brian Cody’s men to the Leinster final and allow Henry Shefflin (right) to get some action under his belt before the serious stuff begins.
Offaly and Wexford hold no threat for the Cats and when they lift the Leinster title the new systems put them straight into an All-Ireland semi-final.
Meanwhile, Tipperary, Cork and Waterford will be ripping each other apart in the Munster Championship. It’s the last throw of the dice for Waterford men like Ken McGrath and Tony Browne, but last year represented their best chance of a winner’s medal.
Galway, Tipp and Cork are Kilkenny’s biggest threats. Tipp are now under the management of Liam Sheedy, who won two successive All-Ireland titles in the minor grade.
Tipp get the nod to come out of Munster, but it’s impossible to look past the Cats.


Paddy Heaney's Predictions
Ulster SFC: Derry
All-Ireland SFC: Kerry
Ulster SHC: Antrim
All-Ireland SHC: Kilkenny