Replying To stringfellohawk: "In all my years watching games in Wicklow I have never seen Rathnew take that type of beating or St. Pats, ridiculous scores in both games. I'm still not sure who the favourites would be to win it out from here, maybe AGB? To be fair it could be any of the teams left!"
Tinahely came with a late flourish last year, who's to say they won't do it again ? Kiltegan are sailing along nicely. I can't see An Tochair getting whatever is wrong with them sorted in time - someone suggested outside management for them and it is probably needed. Can't see Rathnew or Pats coming back from those hidings - could be wrong. AGB looked really good yesterday but they looked really good in the first half against Blesso the previous week before packing it in in the second half. Balto are Balto and will make the final at least. Carnew will make whoever draws them work for it. At this point I will side with AGB to finally come good.
Replying To stringfellohawk: "In all my years watching games in Wicklow I have never seen Rathnew take that type of beating or St. Pats, ridiculous scores in both games. I'm still not sure who the favourites would be to win it out from here, maybe AGB? To be fair it could be any of the teams left!"
Rathnew and St Pats will be still in the championship when AGB are long gone. AGB don't have what it takes. For anyone still struggling to figure it out, these 2 teams were already in knock out stages. Kerry losing to Meath would spring to mind. Pats will go very close this year !
Replying To willielee: "Rathnew and St Pats will be still in the championship when AGB are long gone. AGB don't have what it takes. For anyone still struggling to figure it out, these 2 teams were already in knock out stages. Kerry losing to Meath would spring to mind. Pats will go very close this year !"
I have to agree with you here. Pats wanted to rest Dean Healy at the weekend but he wasn't having any of it. The draw tomorrow night will be very interesting. Great matches ahead for the quarterfinals.
Rathnew vs Carnew - I think Rathnew are there for the taking based on their last performance. Carnew have grown into the senior ranks well after a good display against An Tochar. Great draw for Carnew, great chance for a semi final spot
Baltinglass vs Kiltegan - A familiar local derby here and there's never much between these sides. Kiltegan have been knocking on the door for a while and this could be a good chance to knock out Baltinglass who I would consider the strongest team in this championship based on form.
Pats vs Tinahely - Pats coming in off the back of a heavy defeat to Kiltegan but you could argue they didn't need to win the game so it'll be interesting to see what Tinahely put up to them. The defending champions are slowly growing into the championship coming in off a convincing win over Blessington.
An Tochar vs AGB - Too young teams with tonnes of footballing ability. It should make for a cracking game but An Tochar are yet to show what they're about. AGB will be ready to take the game to An Tochar with the quality they have. Two fast paced teams, on paper it should set up to be the game not to miss.
Intermediate:
Annacurra vs Hollywood - Two teams that would be very familiar with each other in this championship. There's never a whole lot between them and both sides have been there or there abouts in terms of getting the break up to senior.
Aughrim vs Newtown - This will be an interesting one for me, aughrim have a lot of talent and are by no means out of place after their promotion. Newtown with a good win over the billies was enough to get them through. Youth vs Experience here, could set up to be a cracker.
Laragh vs Coolkenno - Again two very evenly matched teams. Laragh slightly struggling to keep get brilliant league form going but have done just enough to qualify for the 1/4 final. Coolkenno showing a bit of character after a good win against Hollywood. Another very close game.
Donard vs Avondale - Avondale have scored 97 points from their 3 opening games. They have a lot of scoring power which should be enough to get them through. Donard have a lot of their own quality but they will be biting at the chance to knock out the championship favourites.
I'll only comment on the senior draw as I haven't seen any of the intermediate championship.
Senior:
Rathnew vs Carnew - Do Carnew have the belief that they can beat Rathnew? Losing by 30 points regardless of whether they were through to the quarter final or not wouldn't have happened to Rathnew previously. I don't know if Carnew can do it against them but the first team Rathnew play with belief will beat them as will to win can only get you so far.
Baltinglass vs Kiltegan - Kiltegan are dark horses but can they beat Baltinglass? I've seen Baltinglass a few times and I continue to expect them to lose but they still do enough to advance. Baltinglass to make the semi-final.
Pats vs Tinahely - A bit like Rathnew, Pats lost heavily last time out which worries me. These defeat do have an impact on a team. Tinahely seem to be growing in confidence and as defending champions, I pick them to beat Pats.
An Tochar vs AGB - An Tochar have the players but until they get over the line and win a tight game I wouldn't pick them. AGB are currently showing good form and I pick them to advance to the semi-finals.
My semi finalists. Kiltegan to shade Balto. Tinahely to come good against Pats Carnew are tenacious and hardy enough to not be intimidated against a weakened Rathnew. Tochair are just too unreliable and inconsistent and so on last weeks form this has to be Arklow. Could have them all wrong but that's the beauty of this years championship being so open. It's a two week break, so we may wait.