Cork and Mayo have already been stunned so what about Dublin?
Colm O'Rourke, a back to back All Ireland winner with Meath, gave us his view on this weekend's action
There’s a huge shift in the landscape of Gaelic football over the last couple of weekends. For the first time in 73 years, Tipperary beat Cork and it might just have heralded the end of the ‘Big Two’ dominating in Munster.
And then last weekend Galway stunned Mayo in Castlebar to break a six year streak.
But there’s two more provincial semi finals taking place this weekend as well as a whole host of qualifiers. I’ve managed to find an accumulator of Fermanagh, Monaghan and both Westmeath and Meath to beat the handicaps which come in at odds o 9/1
Ulster
Monaghan vs Donegal – Breffni Park – 7pm
These two have split the last six Ulster titles between them but seem to be losing their grip on it this year thanks to the revival of Mickey Harte’s Tyrone. Saying that though, Cavan earned a replay last week
It’s going to be a very tight affair. In the last three times these sides have met Monaghan are up 2-1, plus Donegal are missing Neil McGee after his stupid red card a couple of weeks ago. So there’s a slight edge for me for the Farney Army.
I don’t think it’ll be by much but a Monaghan win at odds of is what I’d put in an accumulator.
Leinster
Westmeath vs Kildare – 4.30 – Croke Park
This could be interesting. Westmeath famously knocked out their neighbours Meath at this stage last season but haven’t really shown much since then to warrant a place in the Leinster final.
Kildare are in a similar situation. Both sides are still probably miles behind Dublin. Kildare are favourites but they shouldn’t be. They struggled to get out of division three
The handicap is +2 and I can’t see Westmeath not beating that at odds of.
Meath vs Dublin – 6.35 – Croke Park
The main event of the weekend. 25 years on from the historic four-game showdown between Meath and Dublin, the Royals are trying to break the stranglehold that the Dubs have over them. Dublin have won 11 of the last 16 Leinster titles, and Meath have only managed to win once in that period. They’ve taken a few beatings from their fiercest rivals over the last few matches and the handicap being set at 12 points reflects that.
It’s a chance for Meath to get a bit of pride back. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Dubs at to win at odds shorter than but they will not beat that handicap of 12 points.
Meath are not bad enough to lose by 12 or more. It’s my banker of the weekend at . Look to Dalton McDonagh to score a goal at odds of .
The Qualifiers – Colm’s quick picks
Offaly v London – O’Connor Park – 2pm Saturday
The handicap is -7 at and that’s easy money for me. Offaly are streets ahead of London and are coming back up.
Antrim v Limerick – Corrigan Park – 2pm Saturday
Antrim were runners up in Division Four and have home advantage. They’ve had a good year so far and a home win is a banker at.
Down vs Longford – Pairc Esler – 2pm Saturday
Down are the warm favourites and they really shouldn’t be. Both of these are poor but this is the worst Down team in living memory. Longford to cause the upset at
Wexford vs Fermanagh – Wexford Park – 5pm Saturday
Fermanagh are deservedly favourites. Wexford are hard to beat at home but it should be routine for the away side at