After a thrilling climax to the round robin stage
It's going to be a very interesting semi-final weekend in HQ.
Four teams finished on six points in Division One of the Allianz League this season. It sums up the unpredictability of the spring competition. I think Cork can consider themselves rather unfortunate to go down on points difference but that heavy defeat to Roscommon on their own turf cost them dearly in the end. I don’t think many people would’ve predicted Roscommon as the Connaught representative in the league semi finals but that’s the way it’s gone.
Kerry vs Roscommon – 2pm
I’m not surprised to see Kerry as favourites in this one. Roscommon did win in Killarney at the start of February, one of the many impressivfe results they’ve had this season so far. But seeing Kerry lose to the same team twice, in league or championship, is extremely rare. They’ve got some serious quality in their forward line with plenty of All-Stars. You take a look at their team sheet and you see names like Donaghy, Cooper, O’Sullivan, David Moran etc.
And then you look across at the Rossies and all you have that stands out is Cathal Cregg. My fellow pundit Kevin McStay is co-manager of Roscommon and he must be happy with the way the league has gone seeing that most people were tipping them for relegation before the campaign started.
My gut feeling is a Kerry win. I’d be backing them to break the handicap at odds of. For first goalscorer take a look at O’Sullivan or Cregg.
Dublin vs Donegal – 4pm
The Dubs have been impressive again. They’re looking to be the team to beat coming up to the start of the Leinster championship in a few weeks time. Their price is about right in this one. They’ve already beaten Donegal in the league. It was a fortnight ago and it was a comfortable six point win. It was a bad tempered game with a pair of red cards and there possibly should’ve been more.
Donegal installed what’s almost their signature tactic that night in Croker and it didn’t work. Unless they change something it will not work again. They seem to just be happy to stay in the first division. I think the Dubs will beat the handicap of 4 points at.
That’s a great price when you look at how the two teams have been playing. Kevin McMenamon loves a goal in front of the Hill. If he starts then he could be a great bet for first goalscorer. But if you’re looking for a reliable one, obviously you have a wealth of talent on the field. Paddy Andrews at is my tip.
We are in for one cracker of a final if Kerry and Dublin end up meeting. A good, old-fashioned hard game with plenty of tackles and some great footballing on show.