League Semi Final Preview
Semi-Finals take centre-stage on Sunday.
With the hurling league drawing to its conclusion, there are two huge ties on the menu.
Wexford will aim to build on their win over Kilkenny, when they face All-Ireland champions Tipperary in Nowlan Park. In the second game of the day, Limerick host Galway in what should be a fiercely fought contest.
Davy Fitz’s side will be out to prove that their win over the Cats was an indication of what’s to come. Wexford were superb in their quarter-final win. The five-point margin could have been a lot more had it not been for some excellent goalkeeping from Eoin Murphy.
We have seen it before. Davy always manages to inspire the best from his teams. His sides may not have been blessed with the quality of Kilkenny or Tipperary, but they have never been found wanting for heart.
Tipp are coming into this game on the back of annihilating Offaly.
In what was their easiest outing to date, Callanan and co made light work of the Faithful County. Although Wexford will provide a sterner test, Tipp will be favourites in this one.
It should be an open game, with both teams capable of putting the ball in the net. Wexford’s trio of McDonald, Chin and Morris will provide the threat.
Any one of Tipp’s forwards, including their subs, are likely to grab a goal which is why I see them winning this one.
In the later game, two Division 1B teams will slog it out for their shot at glory.
Limerick and Galway will meet in the Gaelic Grounds for the second time in a few weeks.
On the first occasion, Galway left with a three-point win. After an entertaining first half, David Burke grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and guided the Tribesmen to victory.
Burke’s six points, from play, were what got Galway over the line and ensured their place in the quarter-finals.
In truth, there is not much to separate the sides. Both have top class forwards and both showed tremendous guts in their last game.
Limerick are a bit more reliant on Shane Dowling than Galway are on Joe Canning and I think that is what will be the difference. I would love to see Limerick get to the final, but I think Galway will shade it.
It is very rare that hurling disappoints. This weekend we are in for a feast of action as four top counties battle it out for a place in the League decider.
