Editor / 14 August 2008 Free Bet

Cork vs Clare

The Banner's shooting in their Munster final loss to Tipp may have been of the A-team variety but I pity the fool who underestimates them.

Cork [1.48] looked a war-weary outfit against Tipp and Dublin, but sickening Loughnane and co. will have been a great confidence booster. When Donal Óg Cusack got his marching orders, the Rebels refused to accept what looked to be an inevitable defeat. It'll be tough on the older soldiers to replicate that intensity only eight days later. And it'll be needed.

Clare [4.0] will be hurting after their Munster final display, and I'd expect the need for redemption will see a Clare performance closer to their displays against Waterford and Limerick than their shocker against Tipperary. If they can play with that pre-Munster final intensity, a minor shock could be on.

It's ten years since Clare beat the Rebels, but they'll revel in the underdog role. With last year's tunnel shenanigans fresh in the mind it should be another tempestuous affair...the type men like Colin Lynch will love. With Joe Deane and Ben O'Connor hitting form, Cork's scoring power may see them edge home. If you think it will be a tight affair, the handicap market offers the choice of Clare + 3.5 points at [1.81], or Cork -3.5 at [2.02].

However, a Clare win would not surprise me and at [4.0], I think they're a value bet.

Waterford vs. Wexford

Offaly hurlers are subscribers to the 'lone gunman theory' after being shot down last weekend. If Wexford need to worry about Eoin Kelly, they should also keep a check behind the grassy knolls for capable marksmen like John Mullane and Seamus Prendergast. If Dan (who is definitely not 'the man' this year) Shanahan and Stephen Malumphy can rediscover anything approaching their 2007 form, then Waterford [1.3] should be in business here.

Wexford [4.9] shouldn't be dismissed on their loss to Kilkenny; Offaly suffered a similar fate but regained pride with their recent performances. They have improved as the championship has gone on, but that wasn't hard given their first day display against Dublin. In Rory Jacob and Stephen Banville, John Meyler's men have the potential for scoring goals. I'd imagine they'll need to find the net if they're to win this one.

Waterford look to be slowly getting it together and are a nice price at [1.8] to win by five or more points. Wexford + 4.5 are [1.91].

I expect Waterford to win and keep Davy FitzGerald's demeanour bordering on placid. God help us all if they don't.

Ulster Final Replay

To imagine my smug smile after Ronan Clarke sweet second-half goal last weekend, think of Bill Clinton and an intern kneeling. Last week's recommendation of Armagh to lead at half-time/full time looked to be in the bag, and Armagh to win by 1-5 points was also a runner. For my full-time whistle reaction, picture Bill when he became aware that the intern didn't launder her blue dress.

There was a lot to like about Fermanagh's comeback from Marty McGrath's inspirational long-range score to Barry Owen's mayhem-making.

In a county of lakes, Fermanagh people are used to boats, but have they missed the one that brings them to the Anglo-Celt? I think so.

Peter McDonnell sent out the wrong signals last weekend by bringing players on to give them a run before the quarter-finals. Once Armagh dropped their guard, Fermanagh took over. I fear they'll regret not taking glory last Sunday. If you fancy a second draw, as happened with Tyrone & Down, take the [10.5] about that.

Armagh [1.69] are a side of seasoned individuals who'll be hurting by their collapse. Paul McGrane needs to lift his game if he's to lift the trophy, but he's capable of doing it. While Fermanagh [2.78] will battle and scrap, Armagh just have more forward power and can finish the job in style. Just like Monica.

Recommendations:

Clare: 1 pt Win at [4.0]
Waterford (-4.5): 2pts Win at [1.8]
Armagh to win by 1-5 points: 2pts Win at [2.44]