Marc Ó Sé blog: ‘This game will run a similar path’
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In what is a huge day for GAA, the Marc Ó Sé blog sees the Ladbrokes ambassador preview the huge Division One, Two, Three and Four finals taking place this week.
Marc Ó Sé blog: ‘This game will run a similar path’
Derry v Dublin is a repeat of last year’s Division 2 final and I think this game will run a similar path. There is no doubt that Mickey Harte has strengthened his panel since last year. They have developed options in every line, with Diarmuid Baker and Donncha Gilmore in defence, Emmet Bradley in midfield, and Cormac Murphy in attack. Add in the fact that Lachlan Murray is now taking huge pressure off Shane McGuigan. There is no doubting the huge improvements in Derry. That said the Dubs are just on another level for me. Dessie Farrell has unearthed players like Theo Clancy, Cian Murphy, Cillian McGuinness and Lorcan O’Dell, and that is even before I mention all those Dublin players to come back in. I think the Boys In Blue are going to win this game pulling up and I expect them to win by 7 or 8 points.
The Division 2 final between Armagh and Donegal has all the ingredients to be great final. Both managers are out to win and not shadow box in preparation for the Ulster Championships. Oisin Gallen has been in flying form for Donegal and has been their player of the league so far. With Jamie Brennan and Ciaran Thompson for back up, Donegal have some excellent forward-scoring power. Armagh won’t be lacking fire power either with the likes of Andrew Murnin and Rory Grugan. The last time these teams met in the league it was a draw and I expect this to be a tight game again. However, I have a feeling Donegal may just sneak this at 11/8. I am basing that on the fact that I haven’t seen much of Rian O’Neill yet this year.]
The Division 3 final sees Down take on Westmeath. Both teams played out a draw when they played in the league this year in Mullingar. Robbie Forde and Luke Loughlin are the score getters for Westmeath. I was very impressed with Westmeath last year in the Championship and I feel they deserved to beat Tyrone when they met. Dessie Dolan is getting a good tune out of the Westmeath boys. Down had a good win against a very spirited Clare team who really went after a win last weekend. This is another game that will go down to the wire but I expect Dessire Dolan’s men to just come through and I am backing them for the win at 9/4.
Laois face Leitrim in the Division 4 final and the last time I can remember seeing Leitrim play at Croke Park was 1994. They may have been there since but I remember seeing nearly all of Leitrim there for that All-Ireland semi-final. I am delighted to see them get this opportunity to get back to headquarters. Laois have been in decline for a few years now and when you get to the bottom there is only one way you can go. Laois have been beaten by Leitrim for the second year running now in the league. Great credit must go to Andy Moran and his men. I think they can take a big scalp here and I am backing Leitrim at 10/3.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
