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U-20 Football Championship Semi-Finals Preview

The U-20 Football Championship is the first of the GAA Championships to return this weekend. Originally scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day, the players finally get to play their semi-finals this Saturday after seven months of waiting. Provincial winners Dublin, Tyrone, Kerry, and Galway will compete for a place in the final a week later.

All-Ireland U20 Football semi-finals
Dublin v Tyrone, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2.30pm – TG4 Click for ive scores
Galway v Kerry, LIT Gaelic Grounds, 4pm – TG4 click for Live scores

Meanwhile, it is Galway vs Kerry on the other side of the draw.

The westerners claimed the Connacht title for the second year in succession with a convincing win over Roscommon in March. It ended 4-13 to 0-5 but it was the previous game that Galway will remember more vividly. It took a penalty shoot-out to separate Mayo and Galway in McHale Park all the way back in February. After a second-half fightback with the aid of a massive wind, Galway won the shoot-out 3-2.

The Kingdom Come?

Recently, Kerry have failed to translate the success of their minor teams into their U-20/U-21 setups. Despite winning five minor All-Ireland finals between 2014 and ’18, the Kingdom have had no U-20/21 side reach a final in that time. However, John Sugrue will be hopeful that 2020 is the year a Kerry side reaches the showdown again.

Conquering Munster will have gone a long way to boosting Sugrue’s players’ confidence in spite of the time elapsed. Earlier in the year, they defeated Cork 0-17 to 1-9 in Tralee. More impressively, they were four down at the midway stage. A second-half masterclass from Ruaidhri Ó Beaglaoich, who scored 0-5 on the night, catapulted Kerry to the Munster title.

Currently, Kerry edge Dublin as the favourites to lift the All-Ireland. But, it will only take two wins from any of the remaining teams be crowned Champions. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how each team has been affected by the long break. Therefore, expect two very closely contested semi-finals this Saturday.

TG4 are broadcasting both games live.

Saturday October 17: U-20 Football Championship Semi-Finals.

Dublin vs Tyrone (Kingspan Breffnie Park, 2pm).

Galway vs Kerry (LIT Gaelic Grounds 4pm).

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https://3.249.64.60/gaa/10-fermanagh-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-leaving-some-tough-decisions/

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Allianz National League: Monaghan vs Kerry Preview

The Allianz National League returns this month with Monaghan vs Kerry kicking off proceedings. Taking place at 2pm on October 24, the game marks the return of inter-county football after almost a seven-month absence.

LIVE SCORE COMMENTARY FOR MONAGHAN V KERRY
The game is an important one for both teams. Therefore neither will have much time to dust off the cobwebs. Monaghan sit sixth in the table. Currently, they are safe from relegation but with just two games to go they need to pick up points somewhere along the way. In contrast, Kerry remain in contention to win the League. They are just a point behind Galway at the top of table. Hence, a win in their final two games will put all the pressure on the Connacht team.

For Monaghan, victories over Mayo and Tyrone were cancelled out by losses to Galway and Donegal. However, an impressive draw to five-in-a-row All-Ireland winners Dublin has their heads above water. Likewise, Kerry drew with Dublin in GAA headquarters last January in a thrilling League opener. Since then, only a loss to Tyrone has blemished their record.

Last year’s League and Championship runners-up Kerry will have one eye on their Munster Championship semi-final on the 8th of November. Despite their promising position in the League, they will hope to go one better than last year’s final replay defeat. With that in mind, Peter Keane could use his remaining two League fixtures to experiment. For example, Dr. Crokes’ Tony Brosnan was used in the League earlier in the year and could be given another chance to impress.

Meanwhile, Monaghan will have to hit the ground running. Their Championship campaign begins on October 31st at home to Cavan. This comes after back-to-back League outings. With the Club Championship all wrapped up, Seamus McEnaney has a full contingent to choose from. Scotstown players Rory Beggan, Darren Hughes, and Conor McCarthy will be on a high from their Championship win.

Allianz National League Division 1: Monaghan vs Kerry, Saturday October 17, 2pm (Inniskeen).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/club-championships-county-by-county/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Westmeath vs Laois: Division 2 Preview

Westmeath vs Laois is the game that will mark the return of Division 2 of the Allianz National League. The sides meet on Saturday, October 17 as inter-county football returns from a seven-month absence.

Allianz Football Division 2 round 6
Westmeath v Laois, Cusack Park, 2pm Preview and live score updates

Before the world of inter-county football was put on hold, these two sides were flying along under the radar in Division 2. Their records are equal with Westmeath edging the standing on points difference. Therefore, this will be a competitive restart as Westmeath and Laois battle it out to pip the other. Importantly, a loss could leave either of these counties in relegation territory ahead of round 7. On the other hand, a win could project them towards the summit with just one game remaining.

Previously, Westmeath suffered defeats to Roscommon and Cavan. But, wins over Clare and Fermanagh made amends for this. In February, they played out a thrilling 3-12 to 2-15 draw with table toppers Armagh.

Likewise, Laois had wins over Clare and Armagh cancelled out by losses to Cavan and Kildare. A draw on the opening weekend in January in Roscommon has them equal with Westmeath.

These are the two sides who won promotion from Division 3 in 2019. In the final, Westmeath were three-point victors. Nonetheless, both sides have justified their presence in Division 2 so far. As a result, Westmeath and Laois’ primary concern will be remaining where they are. But, a win for either side in this fixture could tee them up for a hopeful final position.

The Championship is played in a straight knock-out format this year. Therefore, Westmeath and Laois will need to use their League games to get them as prepared as possible. To illustrate, Westmeath have the toughest of starts available as they face Dublin in the Leinster quarter-final. That same weekend (7/8 November), Laois face the winners of Longford and Louth.

Allianz National League Division 2: Westmeath vs Laois, Saturday October 17th, 2pm (Cusack Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Armagh vs Roscommon – National League Division 2 Preview

It will be a fiery return to inter-county action in Division 2 with Armagh vs Roscommon. As it stands, Armagh are on top of the Division. But, their Connacht opponents have an equal record and are only second due to points difference.

Allianz Football Division 2 round 6
Armagh v Roscommon, Athletic Grounds, 5.30pm – RTÉ2  Preview and live score updates

Before the lockdown, Armagh were on a run of form. For example, their last outing saw them register a 3-14 to 0-10 win away to Fermanagh. Similarly, Roscommon ended on a good note with a home win against Westmeath. Both sides have a draw on their record in the League. Armagh’s came in a high-scoring thriller against Westmeath. On the other hand, Roscommon and Laois had 2-14 a piece in the opener in January.

In spite of being joint-leaders, a loss for either team here would make it tough to secure a top-two finish. There are three teams within two points of them. Furthermore, both sides have away fixtures in round 7. Roscommon travel to Cavan while Armagh go to Clare.

After coming down from Division 1 last year, Roscommon are an ambitious coming-of-age team who will hope to return to the top tier. Meanwhile, Armagh have been competitive in the Championship in the last couple of seasons. Therefore, a strong League campaign will be a sign of intent from the Orchard County.

It is Armagh who have the more hectic return to action. Specifically, their final League game comes just a week prior to their Championship opener away to Derry. If they hit the ground running they can carry their form into the Ulster Championship.

In contrast, Roscommon have an extra week to prepare for their Connacht semi-final at home to either Leitrim/Mayo. The reigning Connacht Champions are keen to retain their crown in a straight knock-out Championship.

Allianz National League Division 2: Armagh vs Roscommon, Saturday October 17, 5.30 pm (Athletic Grounds).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Kildare vs Cavan Preview- National League Division 2

With the return of the Allianz National League fast approaching, we look at the Kildare vs Cavan Division 2 fixture. Somewhat surprisingly, Kildare find themselves in a relegation battle with two games to save their Division 2 status. In contrast, a good finish for Cavan could see them secure a top-two finish.

Allianz Football Division 2 round 6
Kildare v Cavan, Newbridge, 2pm – Preview and live score commentary

After finishing bottom of Division 1 in 2019, Cavan are looking to bounce straight back up. To date, wins over Westmeath, Fermanagh, and Laois projected them towards the promotion places. Despite being near the bottom, Kildare will be a tough opponent. But, a win here could make Cavan’s round 7 tie with Roscommon a promotion shoot-out.

In contrast, Kildare could only muster up wins over Laois and Fermanagh to sandwich their three losses. At the start of the year, the Lilywhites were one of the favourites for promotion. Therefore, they will have been able to regroup since the lockdown and can start afresh this time around. With promotion now all but impossible, Kildare will settle for staying in Division 2. Two home games is a welcome advantage.

Cavan face Monaghan in their Ulster Championship opener on October 31st. As a result, they will welcome two competitive League games as preparation. After going all the way to the Provincial Final in 2019, Cavan aim to go one better this time around.

Meanwhile, Kildare have a favourable draw in Leinster. They don’t play until the quarter-final stage on November 8th when Offaly or Carlow will be the opposition.

After two exciting club Championships in Cavan and Kildare respectively, the players will be itching for inter-county action. Hence, this is an exciting fixture to return with.

Allianz National League Division 2: Kildare vs Cavan, Sunday October 18th, 2pm (Newbridge).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

National League Division 2 – Clare vs Fermanagh Preview

The Division 2 fixture of Clare vs Fermanagh has been thrown into doubt after an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Ulster county. Last Wednesday, Fermanagh GAA announced the suspension of all GAA activity within the county at both club and county level. As a result, Stephen McMenamin’s side could have little or no preparation before the Championship begins.

Several members of Fermanagh’s team tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, the squad is stretched ahead of the return to inter-county action. McMenamin has called for the game against Clare to be postponed due to the lack of preparation his team will have.

“We’re in no shape to play… even long-term if you look at the Ulster Championship, we do want to play it but you’re looking at the level of preparation.”

The former Tyrone defender added that his side should be afforded the chance to enter their League fixtures on a level-playing field. More importantly, with relegation a serious threat for Fermanagh they need to be playing at full capacity.

“It’s not a fair playing field. You kind of ask yourself should there be relegation in the league, if we’re not afforded the same chances as Clare?”

Division 2 Dogfight

Currently, Fermanagh sit bottom of Division 2. Therefore, they likely need at least a win and a draw in their remaining two fixtures to have any chance of survival. Their only win to date was a one-point victory against Roscommon.

In a similar way, Clare are flirting with relegation and need a strong finish to the League. As it stands, they are safe but only thanks to their points difference. A win over Fermanagh would allow them some breathing room ahead of their round 7 game with Armagh. Wins over Kildare and Cavan earlier in the year could stand to them in the end.

Clare open their Championship campaign away to Tipperary in the Munster quarter-final. This game is just a week following the League’s conclusion. Hence, the Banner men have no time to ease themselves in.

Meanwhile, Fermanagh are scheduled to face Down in the Ulster quarter-final on November 8th. The fixture is subject to change though in light of the situation among McMenamin’s team. If their League games are postponed they will have little match practice before then. However, if they play their remaining games with a weakened squad to fulfill the fixtures, the manager may not have an honest look at his squad prior to the Championship.

Allianz National League: Clare vs Fermanagh, Sunday October 18th, 1pm (Cusack Park). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

https://twitter.com/FermanaghGAA/status/1313779160930807809

Down vs Leitrim – Division 3 League Preview

Prior to inter-county football’s suspension, Division 3 of the National League was getting competitive. Aside from first and last places seemingly decided, the remaining six teams can finish anywhere between second and seventh. Those two polar positions will face-off in Down vs Leitrim.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Down v Leitrim, Newry, 4pm Preview and live score commentary

Team News
Down (v Leitrim): Rory Burns; Gerard Collins, Patrick Murdock, Ryan McAleenan; Daniel Guinness, Peter Fegan, Stephen Fegan; Johnny Flynn, Conor Poland; Barry O’Hagan, Caolan Mooney, Liam Kerr; Ceilum Doherty, Jerome Johnston, Donal O’Hare.

The Mourne men are currently in second. But, only points difference sets them apart from third place Longford. On the other side, Cork are three points clear at the top meaning it will be a huge task to usurp them. The Rebels were the only team to defeat Down before the lockdown. With that in mind, Down would have been frustrated when their momentum was forced to take a seven-month sabbatical.

On the other hand, the suspension of inter-county football gave Leitrim a chance to take stock ahead of the remaining two League games. A draw on the opening weekend against Derry and a win over Louth in round five is their only source of points so far. Tipperary share their record and the two sides face each other in the final round. As a result, that game could condemn either team to relegation. Therefore, Leitrim need a good showing against Down to avoid an immediate return to Division 4.

Leitrim begin their Championship on November 1st by hosting Mayo in the Connacht quarter-final. This means they need to hit the ground running in the league. In addition to this, they won’t have the luxury of experimentation that other teams may have.

Meanwhile, Down are also in their provincial quarter-final. But, they have an extra week to ready themselves before they face Fermanagh. The Ulster Championship is easily the most competitive of the four. Hence, Down won’t be afraid to throw everything at the League.

Allianz National League Division 3: Down vs Leitrim, Saturday October 17th, 4pm (Newry).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Cork vs Louth – National League Preview

The National Football League resumes on October 17th and the Division 3 fixture of Cork vs Louth is one of the first to throw-in. Previously, Cork laid the foundations for promotion to Division 2. Now, their good form earlier in the year leaves them with room for error in the remaining two fixtures.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Cork v Louth, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 4pm Preview and live score commentary

Team news

Cork (FL3 v Louth): Micheál Martin; Kevin Flahive, Maurice Shanley, Paul Ring; Kevin O’ Donovan, Mattie Taylor, Cian Kiely; Ian Maguire, Paul Walsh; Ruairi Deane, Killian O’ Hanlon, Kevin O’Driscoll; Damien Gore, Colm O’Callaghan, Paul Kerrigan.

Subs: Anthony Casey, Sam Ryan, Nathan Walsh, Donal O’Mahony, Tadhg Corkery, Sean Meehan, Aidan Browne, Niall Hartnett, Eoghan McSweeney, Jack McCarthy, Mark Collins.

Contrastingly, Louth seemed doomed to relegation. After five games they have no points to boast of. However, this could a blessing in disguise. With the pressure now off, the Wee County can use the League to prepare themselves for the Championship.

Louth follow up their game against Cork by playing another promotion hopeful in Down. Even a maximum return in these two games may not guarantee survival. However, Wayne Kierans will be more focused on the Leinster Championship game against Longford on November 1st. In January, Longford overcame Kierans’ team. Now, the manager will be ready to avenge that loss.

Meanwhile, Ronan McCarthy will have both eyes on the Championship fixture against Kerry on November 8th. McCarthy is one man who is perhaps relieved at the suspension of Club games. With the Cork Championship finals still to be played, he would have had a host of squad members joining the inter-county set-up at the last minute. More importantly, they were running the risk of injury. For example, Ian Maguire, Brian Hurley, and Michael Hurley all hobbled off in their semi-final. Add this to the already injured Liam O’Donovan and Tomás Clancy and McCarthy may not have had the ideal prep needed for the Kerry game.

After a disappointing season in 2019 which saw them relegated from Division 2 and lose all three Super 8 games, Cork are out to prove their worth.

Allianz National League Division 3: Cork vs Louth, Saturday October 17th, 4pm (Páirc Uí Chaoimh).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Division 3: Derry vs Longford Preview

Derry vs Longford sees last year’s Division 4 winners attempt to put themselves in a promotion battle ahead of round 7. However, Longford have Cork in the final round so they know that this could be their best chance to leave themselves in the mix for a step up.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Derry v Longford, Celtic Park, 4.30pm Preview and live score commentary

Only Down could beat Longford before the lockdown. A draw with Offaly is the only other blemish on their otherwise perfect record. Denis Connerton will not be complaining about the new suspension of club activity. The Longford Club Championship had already suffered setbacks and was only at the semi-final stage. As a result, the county manager would not have had some of his players available until a week before the game in Celtic Park. However, he will now have a full contingent to train with.

On the other hand, Derry started 2020 by kicking-on from the League performance in 2019. After winning Division 4, Derry proved to be more than able to compete in Division 3. Most recently, they were just two points shy of Cork in an exciting 3-13 to 3-11 game in March. Otherwise, convincing wins over Louth and Tipperary could only be overshadowed by a loss to Down. This came after an opening round draw to Leitrim.

In the Club scene, Slaughtneil returned to the summit. But, the Championship has been more competitive in recent years which will only be to manager Rory Gallagher’s benefit.

Derry have a tough Ulster Championship ahead of them. On November 1st, they host Armagh. If Derry can bring their League form to the Championship this year they may be able to compete in a tough province.

Meanwhile, Longford also start their Championship on November 1st. Division 3 rivals Louth are their opponents. Denis Connerton will be hoping to replicate their win against the Wee County in January.

Allianz National League: Derry vs Longford, Saturday October 17th, 4pm (Celtic Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Tipperary vs Offaly: Division 3 League Preview

Tipperary vs Offaly is an important tie in Division 3 as a win for the Premier County will give them the advantage in the fight for survival. Currently, Tipperary are outside the dropzone only on points difference. Offaly are two points ahead of them. But, with two tough games remaining John Maughan’s side need a point from somewhere to guarantee survival.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Tipperary v Offaly, Semple Stadium, 2pm Preview and live score commentary

Offaly are ahead of Tipperary courtesy of wins over Leitrim and Louth. Furthermore, a draw with Longford could prove to be a very important point.

On the other hand, Tipperary have just one win under their belt. This was a single point victory over Louth. But, they were unfortunate not to defeat either of the top two teams in the Division. Firstly, they drew 0-10 to 0-10 against Down. Secondly, they were unlucky to go down 0-21 to 3-13 against Cork.

Tipperary were relegated from Division 2 last season. With this in mind, they aim to pick up their form when inter-county action resumes. Two relegations in succession would be a massive fall from grace for 2016’s All-Ireland semi-finalists.

The Championship is being played on a straight knock-out format this year. Therefore, Offaly will be content with survival in the League. After that, their sights will turn to the Leinster Championship game against Carlow.

But, Tipperary will have to put in two good league performances before they can focus on the Munster quarter-final with Clare.

Allianz National League Division 3: Tipperary vs Offaly, Sunday October 18th, 2pm (Thurles).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

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