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Allianz Football League Division 2 semi-final — Kildare v Meath

Kildare v Meath – Newbridge – 2:00 pm – GAAGO

Kildare will host Leinster contenders Meath in the second division 2 semi-final in an attempt to determine who will book their place in the Allianz Football League Division 2 final.

The winner will face off against either, Mayo or Clare, whose game throws in fifteen minutes prior to this game.

Both teams are in similar form coming into this game, with Kildare redeeming themselves against Laois after a shock loss to Clare.

Meath on the other hand will hope to put things right after being dismantled by Mayo in Castlebar after a promising first-half against the All-Ireland contenders.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams after Meath defeated the Lilywhites in last years Leinster Semi-Final.

Form — last three results

Kildare – (Win, Loss, Win)

Meath – (Win, Win, Loss)

Players to watch

Kildare: Kevin Feely (Athy)

Meath: James Conlon (St Colmcilles)

Starting/Predicted Teams
Kildare

Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Mick O’Grady, Eoin Doyle, Kevin Flynn, Shea Ryan, R Houlihan; Luke Flynn, Aaron Masterson; A Beirne, Neil Flynn, Paul Cribbin, Jimmy Hyland, Kevin Feely, Darragh Kirwan

Meath

Harry Hogan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, Eoin Harkin; Jack O’Connor, Bryan McMahon, Cathal Hickey; Bryan Menton, David Dillon; Eamon Wallace, Jason Scully, Jack Flynn; Joey Wallace, Darragh Campion, James Conlon

Betting

Kildare: 6/5

Meath:  5/6

Draw: 15/2

Prediction

Meath.

Allianz Football League Division 3 Relegation semi-finals— Longford v Tipperary

Longford v Tipperary – Glennon Brothers Pearse Park – 3:45 pm – GAAGO

Monaghan will host Galway in Clones in the Allianz Football League Division 1 Relegation semi-finals this Sunday live on GAAGO.

Last years All-Ireland semi-finalists Tipperary have been struggled to compete for this campaign with one win from three.

While Longford has been nothing short of abysmal playing in Division 3 with no wins from their opening three league games.

Form — last three results

Longford – (Loss, Loss, Draw)

Tipperary – (Loss, Win, Loss)

Players to watch

Longford: Michael Quinn (Killoe Young Emmets)

Tipperary: Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen)

Starting/Predicted Teams
Longford

Paddy Collum; Patrick Fox, Andrew Farrell, Colm P. Smyth; Dessie Reynolds, Gary Rogers, Daniel Mimnagh; David McGivney, Kevin Diffley; Darren Gallagher, Rian Brady, Michael Quinn; Robbie Smyth, Liam Connerton, Oran Kenny.

Tipperary

Michael O’Reilly; Tadhg Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Feehan, Colm O’Shaughnessy; Emmet Moloney, Paudie Feehan, Jack Harney; Steven O’Brien, Conal Kennedy; Jason Lonergan, Colman Kennedy, Brian Fox; Liam Boland, Conor Sweeney, Sean O’Connor

Betting

Longford: 15/8

Tipperary: 8/15

Draw: 15/2

Prediction

Tipperary.

Allianz Football League Division 1 Relegation semi-finals— Monaghan v Galway

Monaghan v Galway – Clones – 3:45 pm – GAAGO

Monaghan will host Galway in Clones in the Allianz Football League Division 1 Relegation semi-finals this Sunday live on GAAGO.

Both teams coming into this game have been on a bad run of form. Having not run won any three of their league games.

Based on the poor form from both teams, it is too close to call to predict a winner.

It should be a close one.

Form — last three results

Monaghan – (Loss, Draw, Draw)

Galway – (Loss, Draw, Loss)

Players to watch

Monaghan: Conor McManus (Clontibret)

Galway: Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin-Clonberne)

Starting/Predicted Teams
Monaghan

Rory Beggan, Kieran Duffy, Conor Boyle, Ryan Wylie, Dessie Ward, Fintan Kelly, Karl O’Connell, Darren Hughes, Kieran Hughes, Ryan McAnespie, Micheál Bannigan, Dermot Malone, Stephen O’Hanlon, Conor McCarthy, Conor McManus

Galway

Bernard Power, Jack Glynn, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin, Liam Silke, Gary O’Donnell, Dylan McHugh, Johnny Heaney, Peter Cooke, Paul Conroy, Paul Kelly, Matthew Tierney, Eamonn Brannigan, Dessie Conneely, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh

Betting

Monaghan: EVS

Galway: EVS

Draw: 15/2

Prediction

Galway

 

 

 

Allianz Football League Division 4 Shield final— Sligo v Wexford

Sligo v Wexford – Portlaoise – 3:00 pm – GAAGO

Sligo and Wexford will go head-to-head in Portlaoise in the Allianz Football League Division 4 Shield Final.

Both teams are in a run of back-to-back losses in their respective groups.

With Sligo picking up the only win between both team’s fixtures during this league campaign.

Sligo is seen as the favourites coming into this game, and bar a miracle. Sligo should come out on top.

Form — last three results

Sligo – (Win, Loss, Loss)

Wexford – (Loss, Loss)

Players to watch

Sligo: Niall Murphy (Coolera/Strandhill)

Wexford: Ben Brosnan (Castletown)

Starting/Predicted Teams

Sligo

Eamonn Kilgannon; Ryan Feehily, Eddie McGuinness, Evan Lyons; Keelan Cawley, Darragh Cummins, Paul McNamara; Paddy O’Connor, Paul Kilcoyne; Conor Griffin, Sean Carrabine, Mikey Gordon; Nathan Rooney, Niall Murphy, Cian Lally

Wexford

Darragh Brooks; Sam Audsley, Martin O’Connor, Conor Carthy; Páidí Hughes, Gavin Sheehan, Michael Furlong; Liam Coleman, Brian Malone; Alan Tobin, Sean Nolan, Kevin O’Grady; Ben Brosnan, Robbie Brooks, Mark Rossiter

Betting

Sligo: 4/9

Wexford: 9/4

Draw: 8/1

Prediction

Sligo.

Allianz Football League Division 1 Relegation semi-finals — Armagh v Roscommon

Armagh v Roscommon – Athletic Grounds – 3:00 pm – GAAGO

Armagh will host Roscommon at The Athletic Grounds in the first relegation play-off to determine who will stay in division 1 of the Allianz football league and who will drop down to division 2.

The Orchard County have looked out of sorts this campaign, not being able to string a consistent run of results together, leaving them in a relegation battle.

While Roscommon has lost all three of their league games, they have looked out of place.

With competition as tough as Dublin, Kerry and Galway in their group, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for the Rossies.

Form — last three results

Armagh – (Win, Loss, Draw)

Roscommon – (Loss, Loss, Loss)

Players to watch

Armagh: Stefan Campbell (Clan na Gael)

Roscommon: 

Starting/Predicted Teams
Armagh

Blaine Hughes, Ryan Kennedy, Aidan Forker, James Morgan, Connaire Mackin, Aaron McKay, Ciaron O’Hanlon, Niall Grimley, Jarlath Óg Burns, Jemar Hall, Rian O’Neill, Greg McCabe, Rory Grugan, Oisin O’Neill, Stefan Campbell

Roscommon

Colm Lavin; David Murray, Fergal Lennon, Gary Patterson; Conor Hussey, Niall Daly, Brian Stack; Eddie Nolan, Shane Killoran; Niall Kilroy, Cathal Cregg, Enda Smith; Ciaran Murtagh, Donie Smith, Diarmuid Murtagh

Betting

Armagh: 4/7

Roscommon: 7/4

Draw: 15/2

Prediction

Armagh.

Allianz Football League Division 2 semi-final — Clare v Mayo

Clare v Mayo – Cusack Park – 1:45 pm – GAAGO

Clare will go head-to-head with Connacht champions Mayo in the first division 2 semi-final in an attempt to determine who will book their place in the Allianz Football League Division 2 final.

Mayo is coming into the game with a perfect unbeaten record, beating Meath and Down comfortably before being put to the sword by a valiant Westmeath team.

Clare on the other hand has had a good campaign, only losing to Cork before beating Laois and shockingly defeating Jack O’Connor’s Kildare.

Mayo should have enough to get over the line, but Clare will be no pushovers.

Form — last three results

Clare – (Win, Win, Loss)

Mayo – (Win, Win, Win)

Players to watch

Clare: David Tubridy (Doonbeg)

Mayo: Tommy Conroy (The Neale)

Starting/Predicted Teams
Clare
Stephen Ryan; Ciaran Russell, Cillian Brennan, Kevin Harnett; Cian O’Dea, Sean Collins, Daniel Walsh; Darren O’Neill, Cathal O’Connor; Darragh Bohannon, Eoin Cleary, Pearse Lillis; Gavin Cooney, David Tubridy, Joe McGann
Mayo

Rob Hennelly; Eoin O’Donoghue, Oisin Mullin, Lee Keegan; Michael Plunkett, Stephen Coen, Fergal Boland; Matthew Ruane, Jack Carney; Diarmuid O’Connor, Darren McHale, Bryan Walsh; Ryan O’Donoghue, Cillian O’Connor, James Carr

Betting

Clare: 11/2

Mayo:  1/8

Draw: 14/1

Prediction

Mayo.

Allianz Football League Division 4 semi-final — Waterford v Antrim

Waterford v Antrim – Fraher Field – 12:15 pm – GAAGO

Waterford will host Antrim in the second division 4 semi-final in an attempt to determine who will book their place in the Allianz Football League Division 4 final.

With Carlow and Louth set to face-off the day before, both teams will have their work cut out for them.

Antrim has been on top form coming into this match with three wins from three throughout the league campaign.

While Waterford has a 50/50 record, losing their opening game before edging out Wexford by a point in their last fixture.

Form — last three results

Waterford – (Loss, Win)

Antrim – (Win, Win, Win)

Players to watch

Waterford: Tommy Prendergast (Kilrossanty)

Antrim: Patrick McBride (Naomh Eoin)

Starting/Predicted Teams
Waterford

Paudie Hunt, Sean Boyce, Brian Looby, Darach Ó’Cathasaigh, Donal Fitzgerald, Michael Curry, Dermot Ryan, Tommy Prendergast, Mark Cummins, Jason Curry, Conor Murray, David Hallinan, Stephen Curry, Dylan Guiry, Darragh Corcoran

Antrim

Luke Mulholland, James McAuley, Ricky Johnston, Peter Healy, Marc Jordan, James Laverty, Eunan Walsh, Conor Stewart, Niall McKeever, Dermot McAleese, Conor Murray, Patrick McBride, Odhran Eastwood, Ruairi McCann, Ryan Murray

Betting

Waterford: 9/2

Antrim: 1/6

Draw: 12/1

Prediction

Antrim.

 

Guide to Mountain Biking in Mexico

Traveling for a new downhill experience or cross-country ride had become increasingly popular, and the trend is expected to continue as soon as international travel reopens. With some bike suppliers reporting more than 100% increase in mountain bike sales between April and May 2020 with the same time last year, now is the perfect time to explore the sport and venture off on your usual mountain bike trail. One increasingly attractive option is Mexico.

Mexico is a popular destination and has a lot of possible tracks, trails, and adventures for mountain bike enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or a total pro, there will be something for you in Mexico. From mountain biking the Copper canyon to the trails at Rancho Cacachilas, there’s no wonder that these are the next hot thing in natural mountain biking. This article looks at the three things that you need to make a mountain bike trip to Mexico a huge success.

Have the right bike for the places you want to ride

Make sure that you take a bike that is ready for all terrains, and be sure to pack essential repair kits. You should have the right bike for what you want to ride. The market offers specific bikes for trails, downhills, and dirt jumping, so if you know what you want to ride, then ensure that you have the right bike and additional equipment. In preparation for your trip, you should also research local bike shops on your route and perhaps even make contact in advance. This way, you know where you can source equipment or get advice about repairs if you need any during your trip. 

Local knowledge and language

Without a good knowledge of the area, an understanding of language and road signs, the route map can be as confusing as the recent Tour de France odds, and you may need a professional to guide you through. There are many options available for both amateur cyclists and the more proficient cyclist; you just need to do some research to find what suits your ability best. The highest recommendation is to either know the language or ride with a local, as you never know what may happen and when you will need to communicate, and whether there will be any emergencies. There are a number of local bike clubs in Northern Mexico and others that make regular trips out there from the US.

Route maps and a clear plan

Essential to any mountain biking tip is to know the local routes before you head out on them. Do your research, speak to other riders who have done the same routes, and read as much as you can about their challenges. There are a large number of routes and trails to ride in Mexico; the difficulty for many has been selecting the right trails or routes for the bikes and equipment that you may have out there. Furthermore, some of the downhill routes are marked as easy and yet contain highly technical sections that one would need to be aware of. Additional research and speaking to those who have biked there will allow you to plan the places you want to ride and ensure that you have the right bike and equipment with you. To a large extent, plan the rides before you get out there so that you can check distances, prepare GPS and maps, and have planned stops on the ride.

 

Greg Bolger of Sligo Rovers has been named Player of the Month for May

The Bit O’Red captain has been central to their rise to the top of the Premier Division table, particularly impressive in midfield against his former side Shamrock Rovers.

32-year-old Bolger, a league winner with the Hoops, Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic, previously claimed the award in June 2016.

“I think there could have been two or three Sligo lads up for the award because everyone has been excellent,” the Wexford native said.

“It’s nice that I’ve won it and I’m grateful but it could have been any of my team-mates. My performances have been good and I’m happy enough but I still think there is more in me.”

Derry City’s Will Patching finished second in the voting, while Drogheda United midfielder Gary Deegan was third.

After the mid-season break, Sligo are back in action with a home fixture against the Drogs on Saturday evening, and Liam Buckley’s side will be aiming to continue their fine form.

“We’ve started very well and when you consider that five or six new lads have come into the team, we’ve done really well to gel quickly,” Bolger added.

“I still think there is more improvement in us and there are some games where we haven’t played well but dug out results, which is a good thing.

“As the season goes on, hopefully our performances will get better.”

Euro 2020: Scotland v Czech Republic – Preview, Predicted Starting Team, Betting

Scotland and the Czech Republic will open their 2020 UEFA European Championship, or Euro 2020 accounts on Monday, June 14th at 14:00.

It will be Scotland’s first game in a major tournament since a 3-0 loss to Morocco at the 1998 World Cup.

Steve Clarke’s side will want to prove a point to the doubters with a strong performance against the Czechs.

Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson’s performances will be important to the side that fields both left-backs.

Furthermore, their double left-back system will help them to press high up the pitch and start counters in the attacking third.

Scott McTominay will help to shore up the defence and also bring the ball into the attacking third through the middle of the pitch.

In addition, John McGinn will play behind Scotland’s two strikers and provide passe and runs into the box.

The Czech Republic will set out to nullify Scotland’s high-intensity approach and slow the game down when off the ball.

West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek will be instrumental in this as he will go for every aerial duel.

His clubmate, Vladimir Coufal, will play up high on the right flank and move the ball into the final third.

Soucek’s heading ability will be important as any crosses attempted will need a strong connection.

Vladimir Darida and Patrik Schick will work together to link the attacking four together and create big chances.

Adam Hlozek will be a danger to the Scottish defence if he is given the chance.

This will be a close game, as highlighted by their previous encounters before Euro 2020.

Predicted Lineups

Scotland (5-2-1-2): David Marshall; Stephen O’Donnell, Liam Cooper, Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Andrew Robertson; Scott McTominay, Stuart Armstrong; John McGinn; Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams.

Czech Republic (4-2-3-1): Jiri Pavlenka; Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Kalas, Ondrej Celutska, Jan Boril; Alex Kral, Tomas Soucek; Lukas Masopust, Vladimir Darida, Jakub Jankto; Patrik Schick.

Betting

Scotland 39/20

Czech Republic 33/20

Draw 19/10

Source: The Telegraph

Prediction

Scotland 2-2 Czech Republic

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