Good afternoon, folks. There’s plenty of important championship action on today’s GAA agenda and we’ll keep you updated right here. Here’s the menu for the day:
Ulster SFC semi-final: Tyrone v Cavan — 2pm
All-Ireland SFC first-round qualifier: Leitrim v Waterford — 2pm
Leinster SHC semi-final: Galway v Offaly — 3.30pm
Munster SHC semi-final: Tipperary v Limerick — 4pm
We’ll start off by following the Ulster semi-final between Tyrone and Cavan in Clones, which begins at the top of the hour, while also keeping an eye on events in Carrick-on-Shannon between Leitrim and Waterford.
Here are the teams for the meeting of Tyrone and Cavan. Both sides are unchanged from their respective quarter-final victories against Derry and Armagh, while Tyrone also welcome Ronan McNabb back to the matchday squad for the first time since he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury last September.
Tyrone
1. Michael O’Neill (Clonoe)
2. Aidan McCrory (Errigal Ciarán)
3. Ronan McNamee (Aghayaran)
4. Cathal McCarron (Dromore)
5. Tiernan McCann (Killyclogher)
6. Niall Sludden (Dromore)
7. Peter Harte (Errigal Ciarán)
8. Colm Cavanagh (Moy)
9. Matthew Donnelly (Trillick)
10. Cathal McShane (Eoghan Ruadh)
11. Mark Bradley (Killyclogher)
12. Richard Donnelly (Trillick)
13. Connor McAliskey (Clonoe)
14. Sean Cavanagh (Moy — captain)
15. Ronan O’Neill (Omagh)
Cavan
1. Raymond Galligan (Lacken)
2. Padraig Faulkner (Kingscourt)
3. Killian Clarke (Shercock)
4. Rory Dunne (Redhills)
5. Feargal Flanagan (Butlersbridge)
6. Conor Moynagh (Drumgoon)
7. Niall Murray (Cavan Gaels)
8. Tomas Corr (Denn)
9. Michael Argue (Bailieborough)
10. Dara McVeety (Crosserlough)
11. Gearoid McKiernan (Swanlinbar — captain)
12. Martin Reilly (Killygarry)
13. David Givney (Mountnugent)
14. Cian Mackey (Castlerahan)
15. Sean Johnston (Cavan Gaels)
Throw-in in Clones has been delayed due to extra-time being played in the minor curtain-raiser between Armagh and Derry, but the players are out on the pitch now so the start of this one shouldn’t be too far away.
2 mins: Leitrim 0-1 Waterford 0-0
Emlyn Mulligan gets the home side off to a good start in miserable conditions in Carrick-on-Shannon.
5 mins: Leitrim 0-2 Waterford 0-0
Ronan Kennedy adds to Leitrim’s lead.
8 mins: Leitrim 0-3 Waterford 0-1
Gavin Crotty responds for Waterford but Ciaran Gilheaney restores Leitrim’s two-point cushion.
With a place in the Ulster final at stake, Tyrone versus Cavan in Clones is finally underway.
10 mins: Leitrim 0-3 Waterford 0-2
Patrick Hurney points a free for Waterford.
7 mins: Cavan 1-1 Tyrone 0-0
First blood to Cavan as David Givney finishes to the net after good work from Martin Reilly, before Feargal Flanagan adds a great point. Excellent start for Cavan.
8 mins: Cavan 1-1 Tyrone 0-1
Cathal McShane responds with a fine score for Tyrone.
9 mins: Cavan 1-1 Tyrone 0-2
Another beauty for Tyrone, this time from Connor McAliskey.
21 mins: Leitrim 0-5 Waterford 0-2
After a bit of a lull, Ronan Kennedy gets his second point of the game for Leitrim — as does Emlyn Mulligan.
11 mins: Cavan 1-2 Tyrone 0-2
Tomas Corr kicks a fine score from long range.
14 mins: Cavan 1-3 Tyrone 0-2
Cian Mackey puts Cavan four ahead.
18 mins: Cavan 1-3 Tyrone 0-3
Ronan O’Neill gets on the scoresheet for Tyrone.
29 mins: Cavan 1-3 Tyrone 0-6
Cavan lost a little bit of discipline and Tyrone are right back in this. Martin O’Reilly tried to flick the ball up instead of going down on it and Peter Harte intercepts before slotting over.
32 mins: Cavan 1-3 Tyrone 0-7
Tyrone have kicked five in a row. Cavan haven’t scored since the 15th minute. Colm Cavanagh sends the Red Hand into the lead for the first time. Tyrone are really starting to dominate.
35 mins: Cavan 1-3 Tyrone 0-8
Ronan O’Neill swings over a lovely score off the left. The momentum has definitely swung firmly in favour of Tyrone. Cavan’s forwards need to start looping around their full-forwards when they win possession. David Givney is far too isolated up there.
35+1mins: Cavan 2-3 Tyrone 0-8
GOAL FOR CAVAN! What an end to the first-half.
David Givney has been causing trouble in the area all day. Conor Moynagh’s first championship goal arrives after Givney flicked on Galligan’s long-range free. Great call by the referee to give the goal.
Half-time: Cavan 2-3 Tyrone 0-8
There’s a great second-half in store here. Cavan’s long-ball strategy, when done properly, is paying huge dividends.
Half-time: Leitrim 0-7 Waterford 0-2
Leitrim in control at the interval.
36 mins: Leitrim 0-9 Waterford 0-2
Ronan Kennedy stretches Leitrim’s lead to seven.
That was a great call by the referee to award Cavan the goal. Big moment in the game.
The second-half is underway and Rory Brennan has replaced Mark Bradley on the Tyrone team.
45 mins: Leitrim 0-10 Waterford 0-3
Emlyn Mulligan curls over a free for Leitrim.
48 mins: Leitrim 0-11 Waterford 0-3
Kennedy sends over another one.
39 mins: Cavan 2-3 Tyrone 0-9
Richard Donnelly levels the game with a nice strike from outside the boot.
41 mins: Cavan 2-3 Tyrone 0-10
For the first time today we see a high-tempo Tyrone counter-attack. Mattie Donnelly finishes off a fine move to put Tyrone in front. Cavan are still well in this game, but they need to cut down on the mistakes.
43 mins: Cavan 2-3 Tyrone 0-10
After taking an age with the free, Seanie Johnston puts it over to bring the teams level again.
From the ensuing kickout, Cavan win possession and hit Givney with a long, high ball. Givney’s shot is blocked by a Tyrone defender and Galligan converts the 45. Cavan are back in front.
60 mins: Leitrim 0-12 Waterford 0-4
Ten minutes remaining. Barring a disaster Leitrim will find themselves in the next round of the qualifiers.
47 mins: Cavan 2-6 Tyrone 0-10
Darren McCurry is about to be introduced by Mickey Harte. Three points in a row for Cavan, the latest one a brilliant score by wing-back Niall Murray, leaves Cavan two in front. Tyrone’s wide tally is into double figures.
50 mins: Cavan 2-7 Tyrone 0-11
Cavan are rampant. Dara McVeety left Colm Cavanagh flat-footed and popped it over off his left foot. Moments later, McVeety picks up a yellow. He’s somewhat fortunate not to receive a black card there. McCurry has come in for Tyrone, just as Ronan O’Neill converts a free.
66 mins: Leitrim 0-12 Waterford 0-6
53 mins: Cavan 2-7 Tyrone 0-12
Cavan lead by one. Sean Cavanagh’s first point of the game, after a trademark shimmy, leaves Tyrone within touching distance. From their next attack, Cavan kick their 10th wide.
56 mins: Cavan 2-7 Tyrone 0-14
Conor McAliskey slots over off his right in the corner after another swift counter-attack. Seanie Johnston has a free given against him for charging and Tyrone break away for Niall Sludden to score in oceans of space. That’s his first ever score in the senior championship. Tyrone are wresting momentum back in their favour.
69 mins: Leitrim 0-12 Waterford 0-7
A couple of frees are converted by Mark Francombe for the Deise. It’s goals they need, though.
1 min: Offaly 1-0 Galway 0-0
GOAL! Joe Bergin finds the net for Offaly after 15 seconds. What a start!
Full-time: Leitrim 0-12 Waterford 0-8
Leitrim are in the hat for the second round of the qualifiers.
4 mins: Offaly 1-2 Galway 0-0
Shane Dooley and Dermot Mooney score a point apiece in a lightening fast opening few minutes for the home side.
65 mins: Cavan 2-7 Tyrone 0-15
Tyrone used all their experience there by putting together a measure move, switching the ball from side to side, before Mattie Donnelly’s incision. His right footed point sends Tyrone two in front.
7 mins: Offaly 1-2 Galway 0-2
Joe Canning and Conor Cooney settle the Tribesmen somewhat with a score each.
69 mins: Cavan 2-7 Tyrone 0-16
Gearoid McKiernan and Martin O’Reilly were forced into take a couple of potshots from distance. They both trailed off wide.
Tyrone break up the field, putting together a fantastic move through the hands which resulted in McNulty forcing a fantastic save from Galligan. McCurry lands over the 45. Cavan need a goal to force a replay. Tyrone by three.
We’re into four additional minutes in Clones.
71 mins: Cavan 3-7 Tyrone 0-16
GOAL! Cavan work an excellent move through the Tyrone defence and Givney palms it into the net. He deserved that. Who wants to win this?
Tyrone have a 45 that will surely win this game. McCurry is standing over it. One minute left on the clock…
73 mins: Cavan 3-7 Tyrone 0-16
He missed it! McCurry’s free trails off wide. We’ll have one more chance for either team to win this.
Full-time: Tyrone 0-16 Cavan 3-7
Sludden wastes a straight forward opportunity to win the game. His shot falls well short and Cavan survive to fight another day. Tyrone should have won this, they were the better side overall.
Not often we see a Mickey Harte team concede three sloppy goals in a game. The replay will take place in Clones on July 3.
We’re almost underway at Semple Stadium. Here’s a quick check on the teams:
Limerick
1. Nickie Quaid (Effin – captain)
2. Tom Condon (Knockaderry)
3. Dan Morrissey (Ahane)
4. Richie English (Doon)
5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell)
6. Gavin O’Mahony (Kilmallock)
7. Seamus Hickey (Murroe/Boher)
8. James Ryan (Garryspillane)
9. Paul Browne (Bruff)
10. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick’s)
11. Shane Dowling (Na Piarsaigh)
12. Barry Nash (South Liberties)
13. Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock)
14. Declan Hannon (Adare)
15. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell)
Tipperary:
1. D Gleeson
2. C Barrett,
3. J Barry
4. M Cahill
5. S Kennedy
6. R Maher
7. P Maher
8. B Maher
9. M Breen
10. D McCormack
11. P Maher
12. N McGrath
13. J O’Dwyer
14. S Callanan
15. J McGrath
34 mins: Offaly 1-5 Galway 1-5
Offaly captain Colin Egan has been sent-off. Galway’s extra man is starting to count. A Joe Canning levels the game as we approach half-time.
3 mins: Tipperary 0-0 Limerick 0-1
Limerick lead by one in the early stages. Shane Dowling’s free is all that separates the sides.
35+4 mins: Offaly 1-6 Galway 1-6
Canning with another free leaves the game level.
6 mins: Tipperary 1-0 Limerick 0-1
GOAL - Michael Breen with the finish to put the home side in front.
Half-time: Offaly 1-7 Galway 1-6
Offaly lead by the minimum but Galway have an extra man and the wind after the break.
8 mins: Tipperary 2-0 Limerick 0-2
GOAL - Breen knocks in his second goal after a good save from Nickie Quaid. Breen was in like a flash on the rebound. Tipperary have been electric so far.
Barry Nash sends over Limerick’s second point from the next attack.
14 mins: Tipperary 2-1 Limerick 0-3
RED CARD - John O’Dwyer is dismissed for striking out at Richie English.
20 mins: Tipperary 2-1 Limerick 0-6.
It’s very finely balanced here as Dowling slots over another free for Limerick.
28 mins: Tipperary 3-3 Limerick 0-7
GOAL – Seamus Callanan notches Tipperary’s third goal with a wonderful low strike past Quaid.
40 mins: Galway 2-7 Offaly 1-7
Canning finds the net for Galway five minutes after the restart.
32 mins: Tipperary 3-3 Limerick 0-11
Dowling lands over an enormous score and from the next attack whips over his first from play. His sixth leaves a point between them.
34 mins: Tipperary 3-4 Limerick 0-11
Callanan floats one over the bar after a long diagonal ball in the Tipperary full-forward line. Cathal Barrett has gone down with an injury as half-time approaches.
46 mins: Galway 2-10 Offaly 1-7
Galway have outscored Offaly by 1-4 to 0-0 in first ten minutes of the second half. Conor Cooney with the goal for the Tribesmen.
Half-time: Tipperary 3-5 Limerick 0-11
A thoroughly enjoyable first half in Thurles. Limerick have the spare man but they conceded three soft goals in that half.
48 mins: Galway 2-11 Offaly 1-8
Paddy Murphy gets Offaly’s first score of the half after a dominant Galway start.
55 mins: Galway 2-15 Offaly 1-8
Conor Whelan, David Burke (two) and Canning hit quickfire scores as Galway edge further in front with 15 minutes left.
56 mins: Galway 2-15 Offaly 1-10
PENALTY - Joe Bergin was fouled in the area and Shane Dooley steps up to it…
57 mins: Galway 2-15 Offaly 2-9
GOAL - Dooley dispatches the penalty with minimal fuss to reduce the gap to six.
Here’s a clip of Dooley’s finish.
60 mins: Galway 2-15 Offaly 2-9
RED CARD - Galway are also down to 14 men as Conor Cooney is dismissed. This one isn’t over yet!
62 mins: Galway 2-17 Offaly 2-9
Flynn is fouled and Canning clips the free over. From the next attack Donnellan sends over his second point for the Tribesmen. Galway’s lead is eight once again.
We’re still waiting for Limerick to come back out onto the field for the second-half. Tipperary are out on the Semple Stadium turf and ready for action.
65 mins: Offaly 2-9 Galway 2-17
Dooley goes for goal from a free but its blocked.
36 mins: Tipperary 3-6 Limerick 0-11
Less than a minute after the restart Noel McGrath gets Tipperary off to a great start with a point.
37 mins: Tipperary 3-6 Limerick 0-12
Dowling lands over a free for Limerick. From a similar position at the far end, Callanan misses a close-range free. Uncharacteristic by the sharpshooter.
40 mins: Tipperary 3-6 Limerick 0-12
Gavin O’Mahony is playing much closer to Callanan in the second-half.
72 mins: Offaly 2-9 Galway 2-18
Another free by Canning stretches Galway’s lead to nine. Almost over in Portlaoise.
Full-time: Galway 2-19 Offaly 2-9
Joseph Cooney has the final say with a point on the stroke of the final whistle. Galway are into the Leinster SHC final. The game assumed a practice match level in the end. Offaly battled hard but in the end Galway ran out deserved winners.
45 mins: Tipperary 3-8 Limerick 0-12
Callanan’s 65 is given as a point by Hawk Eye. From the next attack John McGrath drives through and drills over the bar. Excellent score by McGrath. That Hawk Eye decision has given Tipperary serious momentum.
Limerick’s forwards are not delivering, despite plenty of ball going inside to them. At the moment you wouldn’t think Limerick have the extra man.
50 mins: Tipperary 3-8 Limerick 0-13
Declan Hannon jinks to the right and scores a point despite a huge work-rate by Tipperary’s defenders. Four between the teams with 20 minutes left.
53 mins: Tipperary 3-9 Limerick 0-13
Callanan wins a free and plays a short free to Noel McGrath, who slots over. Limerick were not alert to that Tipperary attack.
55 mins: Tipperary 3-10 Limerick 0-14
Noel McGrath sends over a sublime score. Tipperary move into a five point lead.
Limerick have only managed three points in the second-half, despite the presence of a spare man. We’re into the last ten minutes.
65 mins: Tipperary 3-11 Limerick 0-15
Dowling’s free reduces the gap to five but it’s goals Limerick need at this stage.
Cathal Barrett has been outstanding today. He wins a free inside his own half but Noel McGrath sends the free wide. Four minutes left.
69 mins: Tipperary 3-12 Limerick 0-16
Paudie Maher races up the field and extends Tipperary’s lead to six. Fine score. Limerick respond with one at the far end but it’s goals they need.
72 mins: Tipperary 3-12 Limerick 1-16
GOAL - Tom Morrissey hits the back of the net to breath life back into this game. Has it come too late for Limerick? We have 40 seconds left.
Full-time: Tipperary 3-12 Limerick 1-16
That’s an impressive result for Tipperary considering they were down to 14 men after just 14 minutes. They move on to the Munster final where they’ll take on Waterford. That’s all we have for you today. Thanks for joining us.
