The 16th Man

Kerry V Down

For me I think this will be the biggest shock of the weekend. Many analysts have downplayed this tie by writing off Down and I feel this will be a lot closer than expected. Down have displayed very solid performances all year and with the addition this year of Aussie rules star Martin Clarke, and the escapades of their Under 21 sides, last year, including a heartbreaking All-Ireland defeat to Cork they will have the bit between their teeth going up against the Goliath-like kingdom of Kerry.
Kerry will be missing six of their All-Ireland winning 15 of last year. No matter what team it is missing six of the 15 is hard to replace. Every time I’ve seen them this year they have never impressed me while Down’s downfall so far this year seems to be their youthful inexperience. I’m putting my neck on the line here but I have faith in Down to pull through tomorrow.

Verdict: Down by 2

Tyrone V Dublin

This game is a massive test for the young guns of Dublin who have become the pioneers of a new brand of football that was so alien to Dublin players and fans alike. Tyrone on the other hand have become the master of this type of football more commonly known as the blanket defence.  Dublin, of course, have attained the status of perennial chokers in recent times because of the car crash like performances of ’08 and ’09 so expectations in the capital are understandably quite low.

Tyrone on the other hand are flying quite high at the moment, they suffered defeat to a strong Cork team last August in the All-Ireland semi final but their performances to date would suggest they are determined to let people know that they are not gone yet.
Tyrone are the obvious favourites in this tie and I for one would go along with the prediction of them as winners. However I do not think it will be a hammering. This is a determined, changed for the better Dublin team, but this game on Saturday is a step too far.

Verdict: Tyrone by four

Verdict: Roscommon V Cork

Cork, forever the bridesmaids continue their quest for an All-Ireland that began back in ’08 but are still struggling to push themselves over the line. However I don’t think this test on Sunday will be their banana skin if they are to have their annual one. Cork when they get to Croke Park are always quietly confident except when they play their near neighbours but Conor Counihan must be confident his side will have enough in the tank to sweep Roscommon out of the way.

Roscommon on the other hand have stumbled into the position of Connacht champions. A good side with some bright lights like Donie Shine but I could firmly rule them out of making any more progress this year. The Connacht title was their All Ireland and I feel Fergal O’Donnell will be hoping for a competitive performance from his charges to round off a rather successful year.

Verdict: Cork by six

Meath V Kildare

A first and eagerly awaited look at the team that will be talked about for years and years to come. The incident that has become known as Sludden-gate will go down in many great moments of GAA but for now the footballers of Meath must focus firmly on their near neighbours in Kildare. The champions of leinster in name are back in Croke park up against McGeeney’s charges in a game that is reminiscent of many great battles through the years and this is surely to be another one just like that where Eamonn O’Brien’s men from the Royal County will look to build progress on what has been a topsy turvy year so far. Many people feel that the win over Louth was through unnecessary behaviour from Joe Sheridan so they will be out to prove a point of what they are about but Kildare may put a stop on the tracks with the momentum that they have built up over the last few weeks. Kildare suffered defeat to the hands of Louth also earlier on in the season which put a dampener on their year, but they have bounced back enough to secure a place in the All Ireland semi finals.

Verdict: Kildare by three.

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