Six sides are represented in this week’s edition of the GAA.ie Team of the Week.

Waterford and Cork lead the way with four selections each after their All-Ireland quarter-final wins over Tipperary and Dublin respectively.

Two Tipperary players make the side after their performances against Waterford but only one Dublin player joins them after the Cork game.

Two Offaly players appear in the side after the county’s fantastic performance against Derry in the Christy Ring Cup final.

The final spot is granted to Mayo after their fantastic Nickey Rackard Cup final victory over Tyrone.

Tipperary’s Cathal Barrett and Ronan Maher are given corner-back spots on the side for their displays against Liam Cahill’s Waterford.

Barrett has excelled to become one of the game’s top man markers and showed his quality in a tough game for the side’s defence by keeping Patrick Curran in his pocket.

Ronan Maher played a more attacking role than his teammate and was wing-back, despite the number on his shirt and his placement in the GAA.ie Team of the Week.

Maher scored 0-3 from play to help the Premier County fight for the win until the final whistle, even after a controversial penalty.

Waterford’s Jamie Barron ran the show for the opposition in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at the weekend to take them beyond Tipperary and, ultimately, save their season after an early exit from the Munster Senior Hurling Championship.

The midfielder dictated play when his side was in possession and added 0-4 of his own from long range.

His tenacity and never-say-die attitude off-the-ball was integral to Waterford’s impressive victory too.

Offaly’s Oisin Kelly as the sole representative from the Christy Ring Cup as his performance helped his county to their first third-tier hurling title and promotion to the 2022 Joe McDonagh Cup.

Oisin Kelly’s seven points and presence in the forward lines was devastating to the Derry defence, who failed to keep him locked up.

His performance secured second-tier hurling for his side, which looks nice alongside their Division One status.

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Most recently, Antrim played Meath in their final group game. The Ulster side showed no sign of respite despite already being qualified. Their scoreline of 2-30 was no doubt a sign of intent from Darren Gleeson’s side.

Gleeson refused to agree with those who consider his side to now be in ‘bonus territory’. The former Tipperary goalkeeper continued to say that his side’s earlier win over Kerry won’t grant them any advantage for this final which will “take a life of its own”.

The only blemish on Antrim’s otherwise perfect record this year was a draw with Carlow. Yet, the fact that they are undefeated and have already beaten Kerry this year will boost the players going into the climax whether Gleeson admits it or not.

Despite their defeat to Antrim in mid-November by seven-points, the Kingdom were the first to secure their place in the final. They bounced back from defeat with a convincing win over a strong Carlow side.

Kerry captain Bryan Murphy echoed Gleeson’s words in dismissing the suggestion that recent results would carry into this game.  “When it comes to a Final it’s anyone’s day,” he says. “Tactics nearly go out the window.”

Kerry have played Antrim thrice this year already but have come off worst on all three occasions. Yet, this is more than enough time to get to know an opponent so Sunday may allow the Munster men to finally decipher the highest rated Ulster Hurling team in Ireland.

The Joe McDonagh Cup Final is on RTÉ on Sunday.

Paddy Power have Antrim as 8/15 favourites versus Kerry’s 7/4 price. A draw is 9/1.

Prediction: Antrim.

Joe McDonagh Cup Final: Antrim vs Kerry, Sunday, December 13th, 13:00 (Croke Park). 

The Joe McDonagh Cup Final of @AontroimGAA v @Kerry_Official takes place this Sunday! Watch it live on RTÉ Sport #BestSeatInTheHouse pic.twitter.com/UFjeYS2PqP

— The GAA (@officialgaa) December 10, 2020

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https://3.249.64.60/gaa/dublin-v-mayo-2020-all-ireland-football-final-start-time-5pm-19th-december/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1337037351818731522

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Kerry conceded three first-half goals to the northerners which proved to be critical. In contrast, they failed to take goal chances of their own. For example, a Shane Conway penalty miss left Fintan O’Connor’s side with too much to do.

In fairness, Kerry started the second-half very well. But, a ten-point deficit at half-time was too much to overturn, especially when Antrim kept the scoreboard ticking. Fionan MacKessy was shown the line in injury time for Kerry but the game was effectively over by then.

A week previously, Carlow edged out Meath to put them in a very strong position. The 2018 winners had drawn their opener with Antrim, making it a decisive game. Likewise, Meath needed a win. The Ulster team were given a huge boost when Marty Kavanagh scored a goal from the penalty spot. By half-time, Carlow had a six-point lead.

However, they couldn’t put their opponents to bed in the second half. Luckily, Meath’s accuracy let them down in the third quarter and Antrim remained ahead. Despite an injury time scare, Carlow prevailed. Now, they come into this game refreshed after a week’s absence.

Last year, Carlow were relegated from the Senior Championship after finishing last in Leinster. Colm Bonnar will be eager to guide his team straight back to the top tier.

With this being Kerry’s last chance to earn a place in the final, the home draw will suit them. On the other hand, Carlow know that a win here doesn’t end their charge. But, Bonnar’s side would rather seal their fate as soon as possible.

Betting

Bookmakers have Carlow at slight 11/10 favourites. Kerry are priced at 11/10 and a draw is 8/1.

Prediction

The draw looks a great bet at 8/1

Team News

Kerry – 1 (GK) Martin Stackpool Martin de Stacapul Leac Sna 2 John Buckley Seán Ó Buachalla Leac Sna 3 Tomás O’Connor Tomás O Conchúir Na Níallaigh Crotta 4 Eric leen Eric Ó Laighin Naomh Breandánaigh 5 Micheal Leane Micheál Ó Laighin Baile Ui Thaigh 6 Jason Diggins Iasán Ó Duigín An Tochar 7 Brendan O’Leary Breandán Ó Laoire Mainistir ó dTorna 8 Paudie O’Connor Padraig Ó Conchúir Cill Mhaoile 9 Shane Nolan Seán Ó Nuaillain Na Níallaigh Crotta 10 Brandon Barrett Brandon Baróid An Tochar 11 Daniel Collins Daniel Ó Coileán Cill Mhaoile 12 Colm Harty Colm Ó hArthaigh An Tochar 13 Shane Conway Seán Ó Conhbuí Leac Sna 14 Mikey Boyle Micheál Ó Baoil Baile Dubh 15 Pádraig Boyle Pádraig Ó Baoil Baile Dubh 16 (GK) John B O Halloran Seán Breandán Ó hAllurán Cill Mhaoile

Carlow – Brian Tracey, Micheál Doyle, Paul Doyle, Gary Bennett, Ger Coady, David English, Richard Coady, Jack Kavanagh, Aaron Amond, Diarmuid Byrne, Jon Nolan, Edward Byrne, Martin Kavanagh, Kevin McDonald, Chris Nolan

Joe McDonagh Cup Round 4: Kerry vs Carlow, Saturday, 21st November, 13:30 (Austin Stack Park).

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State of play in the Joe McDonagh Cup as we head for the ‘Deep South’ this weekend…..@itcarlow #CarlowRising pic.twitter.com/xlt1JtngMx

— Carlow GAA (@Carlow_GAA) November 17, 2020

https://twitter.com/Carlow_GAA/status/1328623923202830336

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

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One player returned a positive test on Tuesday, leading to the entire squad then being tested.

On Wednesday evening, Croke Park facilitated ‘rapid-testing’ on the entire squad.

As a result, four more players and one member of the backroom staff have tested positive. Another player is also self-isolating having been identified as a close contact.

Antrim are scheduled to play Westmeath in the Joe McDonagh Cup in Belfast on Sunday.

The Saffrons intend to fulfil the fixture, but with a depleted squad.

In a statement, the Antrim County Board said:

“We in Antrim have confidence in all panel members and we put our best foot forward on Sunday.”

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