We asked double All-Ireland winner and three time All Star Colm O'Rourke to pick us out his best tips for the weekend's GAA
With both codes in action this weekend, there’s a load of GAA for the punters to enjoy and in the football, I’m leaning towards the teams from Ulster in both divisions. We have Tyrone and Derry in pole position in Division Two and Donegal scoring from all angles. My treble for this week is Cavan, Donegal and Fermanagh all to win.
Division One
Dublin vs Cork – Saturday 7pm – Live on Setanta Sports
This is the worst possible fixture for Cork after being embarrassed last weekend against Roscommon. A trip to Croke Park. Dublin are a lot better than Roscommon, and I think there’s no relief at all. They have plenty of talent on the bench, and everyone’s looking for a place on the panel for the Championship. The handicap is only four points, that’s easy money to me at 5/6.
Roscommon vs Down – Sunday 2pm
Not only did they dismantle Cork by 18 points, Roscommon beat Kerry in Tralee as well! These two were tipped for relegation at the start of the year, now Roscommon are looking for a semi final place. Down are heading back to Division Two, and they could struggle down there too. Back the Rossies at 1/4.
Kerry vs Donegal – Sunday 2:30 – Live on TG4
I’m amazed that Donegal are the price they are at 21/10. They’ve been playing some fantastic football, taking apart Cork and then Mayo last weekend. They were effective, clinical and not afraid to shoot from distance. Kerry still have the class of Gooch and Donaghy, but I’d be surprised if Donegal don’t come out of Tralee with two points.
Monaghan vs Mayo – Sunday 2pm
Monaghan are really difficult to beat in Clones, and Conor McManus is in flying form. But he isn’t backed up by his team. Mayo are picking up a couple of injuries, Keith Higgins the latest, and I think maybe they’ll be resting up for the game against Kerry in Castlebar next Sunday. Monaghan win at 4/5
Division Two
Tyrone vs Derry – Saturday 7pm – Live on Setanta
Derry were not good last week in Celtic Park, and they won’t want to go to Omagh. This will be an absolute dogfight, and as we all know, Mickey Harte loves a dogfight. Tyrone should come out on top at 1/2
Cavan vs Armagh – Saturday 7pm
Cavan had a great win in Navan last Sunday after coming from behind. They slowly reeled Meath in and closed the game out in style. There’s a bit of bad blood between them and Armagh, so expect a tough and bruising game. Home win at 8/15.
Galway vs Meath – Sunday 2pm
After last Sunday, I think it’s only the hopeful in Meath that’d expect anything but a home win here. The Tribesmen went to Derry last week and played them off the park. A simple repeat of that performance and they’ll be home and dry. Galway win at 1/2.
Fermanagh vs Laois – Sunday 2pm
Even though Laois’ performance against Tyrone will give them a bit of confidence, the pitch in Enniskillen is very very heavy at the moment. Home advantage at this time of year is key because it helps the players get used to the feel of their pitch ahead of championship. Home win at 6/5