Thanks to Bord Gáis Energy ambassador Noel McGrath for writing last week’s blog. Noel has had a cracking summer so far and hopefully he can carry on the form he has shown of late into the business end of the Championship.
With Noel taking on the responsibility of last week’s blog, I haven’t written a blog since our loss against Waterford, so I better start with that.
Obviously the loss was massively disappointing, we just didn’t show up on the day, while Waterford came to Semple with a point to prove and reacted well on the back of their heavy loss in the Munster Championship against Tipp.
Waterford now progress to the All-Ireland semi final where they will meet Kilkenny. The Cats are coming into the game quiet and without the hype that usually surrounds them at this time of the year. This will suit Brian Cody’s men down to the ground, as they will be happy to let their hurling do the talking.
Waterford on the other hand, have had somewhat of a mixed season so far, but following their win over us, their confidence will be high and I have no doubt Davy Fitz will have the lads in the right frame of mind going into that game. I suspect Kilkenny will do the business and book their place in the All-Ireland Final, although in saying that, anything can happen on the day especially when it comes to this time of the Championship when teams like Waterford have nothing to lose.
The other senior Championship semi-final sees Tipperary take on the Dubs. Tipp are the bookies’ favourites at the moment and rightly so. They have been outstanding during the Championship and are definitely the team to beat. Dublin are playing in their first All-Ireland semi-final since 1948 and it would be fantastic if Anthony Daly’s men could book their place in the final and take to the field in front of a packed house in Croke Park on the first weekend of September. I fancy Tipperary to progress with experience proving the key factor.
The Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship is also approaching All-Ireland semi final stage with just the Munster final to be played to determine the last semi-final spot.
Tonight, Limerick take on Cork at the Gaelic grounds in the Munster final. Both teams have had impressive wins in their respective semi-finals with Cork beating defending champions Tipperary in Semple Stadium, while Limerick got the better of Clare in Ennis.
It is Limerick’s first Munster final appearance since 2002, the same year they went on to win the Munster title, but I don’t expect a repeat of 2002 tonight as I reckon Cork will squeeze out the win, in what will be a close game, and book their place in the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway.
Last week, Antrim won their third consecutive Ulster Championship when they beat Armagh in Casement Park. I hear it was a tight game, which should stand to Antrim when they face Leinster Champions Dublin in what will be a huge test for the Glensmen. Dublin should have too much for Antrim in this one and should progress easily.
Some mouth watering encounters coming up in both the senior and U-21 Championships. I’m in Turkey at the moment taking a breather from it all so I better get back to the sun while I still can.
Speak to you all soon,
Antrim kick off the defence of their Bord Gáis Energy Ulster Hurling U-21 title on Wednesday night as they set out to win their third provincial title in a row. They take on a Derry side in Casement Park who they defeated in the 2009 decider on a scoreline of 1-18 to 9 points.
