TG4 All-Ireland ladies senior football championship semi-final
Armagh v Cork
Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford, 3:30 (G. Chapman)
LAST WEEKEND’S FIRST TG4 All-Ireland ladies senior football championship semi-final went as the bookies predicted, with Dublin advancing to their first decider since 2010.
On Saturday afternoon, Ulster champions Armagh and reigning League Division 1, Munster and All-Ireland title holders Cork battle it out for a spot against the Dubs on 28 September.
This clash is a repeat of last year’s qualifier between the sides, a tie that Cork edged by just a single point.
Armagh have improved since then and claimed the Ulster title with victory over Monaghan, before cruising past Laois in the quarter-finals.
Captain Caroline O’Hanlon is in scintillating form and the midfield battle against Cork pair Rena Buckley and skipper Briege Corkery will be something to savour.
We have learned from experience that you write off Cork at your peril and when the chance of Brendan Martin Cup glory presents itself, this remarkable group of players generally grasp the opportunity.
The Rebelettes scorched Kerry in the Munster final before beating Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
And while it will be tight, Eamonn Ryan’s all-conquering charges get the nod to make it through to a ninth final in ten seasons.
Odds: Cork 2/5 Draw 10/1 Armagh 9/4
Verdict: Cork
TG4 All-Ireland ladies intermediate football championship semi-final
Fermanagh v Roscommon
Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford, 1:45 (C. McManus)
With Down already safely through to the final, Fermanagh and Roscommon lock horns at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford on Saturday for the right to contest the 28 September All-Ireland ladies intermediate football championship decider.
Fermanagh were Ulster champions last year but lost at the All-Ireland semi-final stage, suffering a crushing defeat against Tipperary late on when victory was in their grasp.
Fermanagh were beaten by Down in this year’s provincial final but got the show back on the road with an impressive All-Ireland quarter-final victory over a fancied Waterford side.
Roscommon failed to reach the Connacht final but have beaten Offaly and Longford through the back door to reach the last four of the All-Ireland series.
They are reigning Division 4 League champions but Fermanagh look better placed to set up a repeat of the Ulster final in the All-Ireland decider.
Fermanagh have bitter memories from their semi-final exit 12 months ago and will ensure that they don’t slip up again.
Odds: Fermanagh 8/13 Draw 8/1 Roscommon 6/4
Verdict: Fermanagh
