GAA tips: John Mullane’s best bets for 11 big hurling games this weekend

Kilkenny

Friday 7pm – O Loughlin Gaels v James Stephens: O Loughlin Gaels to win

There’s no bigger hurling fixture this weekend than O Loughlin Gaels against James Stephens. It’s a city derby and there’s a lot of rivalry there.

O Loughlin Gaels scored a wonderful 10-point victory over All-Ireland Club champions Ballyhale Shamrocks last week. They were my tip before the championships started to win the one in Kilkenny this year and they’re motoring well.

James Stephens had a nice win over Tullaroan, but I’m going to go with O Loughlin Gaels to win the Kilkenny city derby this weekend.

Saturday 1.30pm – Clara v Rower-Inistoge: Clara to win

I’m going to side with Clara to score a victory over Rower-Inistoge on Saturday. I thought Mullinavat would beat Rower-Inistoge last weekend, but Rower-Inistoge managed to pull out a very credible draw.

However, Clara will be smarting with the trimming they got from Erins Own Castlecomer last week and I reckon they will take that frustration out on Rower-Inistoge here.

Saturday 3.30pm – Mullinavat v Graigue Ballycallan: Mullinavat to win

Finally in Kilkenny, I fully expect Mullinavat to see off Graigue Ballycallan to round out my treble.

Graigue Ballycallan are missing Kilkenny star Billy Ryan and he would be a huge loss to any team, at any grade of hurling. Mullinavat should capitalize on that and claim victory here.

• A treble on John Mullane’s three best bets in Kilkenny pays at approximately 2/1 with Paddy Power.

Tipperary

Saturday 2.30pm – Kiladangan v Drom & Inch: Kiladangan to win

This is a contest to see who tops the group, with Drom & Inch already qualified after beating JK Brackens last weekend.

Kiladangan for their part, drew with Brackens when they met. But, Kiladangan need a victory here to advance and I reckon they’ll do just that.

Saturday 6.30pm – Clonoulty-Rossmore v Holycross Ballycahill: Clonoulty-Rossmore to win

I’m taking Clonoulty-Rossmore to beat Holycross Ballycahill here. People forget that Clonoulty-Rossmore were Tipperary senior champions in 2018 and they’re hurling very well again this season.

Clonoulty have picked up some good results so far and I’m backing them to continue that trend on Saturday evening.

Sunday 2.30pm – Kilruane MacDonagh’s v Loughmore-Castleiney: Kilruane MacDonagh

This is the big one in Tipperary this weekend and there is a quarter-final place on the line in this one.

Before a ball was thrown in for the Tipperary Championship, I picked Kilruane MacDonagh’s and I have to stick with them this weekend. It’s hard to pick between the side, but Eamon O’Shea is on the line for Kilruane and he is just cute enough to manage to see them home.

• A treble on John Mullane’s three best bets in Tipperary pays at approximately 5/2 with Paddy Power.

Waterford

Saturday 2.30pm – Roanmore v Passage: Roanmore to win

Roanmore come into this after a brilliant win against Mount Sion and they take on Passage in this quarter-final.

I really like what Roanmore have been doing with their hurling of late and I’d expect them to have too much for Passage in this contest.

Sunday 2pm – De La Salle v Mount Sion: De La Salle to win

My own club De La Salle play our old rivals Mount Sion on Sunday in Walsh Park and they are heavy favourites to win here.

Mount Sion are without the services of county star Austin Gleeson through suspension, but they are appealing that decision. If he doesn’t overturn that ban, you’d have to pick De La Salle to justify their price here.

Sunday 6.15pm – Lismore v Abbeyside: Lismore to win

Lastly, we come to Lismore v Abbeyside and this has the potential to be the best match this weekend in Waterford.

I will give a sneaking nod towards Lismore to take it, but it will be a close one in Fraher Field.

• A treble on John Mullane’s three best bets in Waterford pays at approximately 2/1 with Paddy Power.

Wexford

Sunday 2pm – Shelmaliers v Glynn Barntown: Shelmaliers to win

It’s very hard to separate and predict the outcome of Shelmaliers v Glynn Barntown. The odds are tight between the two and I reckon the traders have this spot on.

I liked the look of Shelmaliers last weekend when they saw of Faythe Harriers though. I believe they are slightly better balanced than Glynn Barntown too, and that’s why I believe Shelmaliers will advance to the Wexford final.

Sunday 2pm – Naomh Eanna v Oulart the Ballagh: Naomh Eanna to win

I picked Naomh Eanna for the Wexford title before the start of the Championship and I’m not going to change that selection.

Oulart the Ballagh overturned St Anne’s last weekend and no one would have expected that. Liam Dunne is doing a marvellous job there as manager it has to be said.

However, I don’t have any more good news for them here and I reckon their championship journey will be ended at the hands of Naomh Eanna on Sunday.

• A double on John Mullane’s two best bets in Wexford pays at approximately 2/1 with Paddy Power.

* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.

John Mullane’s tips summary:

Kilkenny
O Loughlin Gaels v James Stephens: O Loughlin Gaels to win
Clara v Rower-Inistoge: Clara to win
Mullinavat v Graigue Ballycallan: Mullinavat to win

Tipperary
Kiladangan v Drom & Inch: Kiladangan to win
Clonoulty-Rossmore v Holycross Ballycahill: Clonoulty-Rossmore to win
Kilruane MacDonagh’s v Loughmore-Castleiney: Kilruane MacDonagh

Waterford
Roanmore v Passage: Roanmore to win
De La Salle v Mount Sion: De La Salle to win
Lismore v Abbeyside: Lismore to win

Wexford
Shelmaliers v Glynn Barntown: Shelmaliers to win
Naomh Eanna v Oulart the Ballagh: Naomh Eanna to win

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