The All Ireland club hurling championshipresumes this Saturday
evening after a break of two months. How teams cope with this long layoff is
key to their preparations and this should be considered in advance of any
wagers.
We start with Cuala (5/6), attempting to go where no Dublin
hurling club has gone before and reach a All Ireland Club final. Deservedly
favourites for the title, they have kicked on from Dublin Championship and the
addition of C O Callaghan has brought the Dalkey club to a new level. They have been showing excellent form in
challenge games against inter county teams and have a top class forward line. The
full forward line of Treacy, O Callaghan and Schutte would be hard for any
inter county team to handle, let alone a club team. The Dublin champs should
see off Slaughtneil in late February. I expect their forwards to open up in the
wide expansions of Croke Park. Take the 5/6!!
Ballyea (3/1) backboned by one of the Bear in the Square's
favourite hurlers Tony Kelly, face St Thomas's of Galway this Saturday evening.
We believe that this game has the makings of a thriller. Ballyea's surprise win
against Thurles Sarsfields in the Munster Semi-final was as exciting a game as
we saw in 2016 and what was notable about that win was their inability to give
up. In the Munster final, they could potentially have won by more than 8 points
such was the impressive nature of their display. Their movement and pace seemed
to thrive on the hallowed turf of Semple Stadium and this venue should be a
massive plus for them on Saturday. They also possess some physical players like
Gary Brennan and Damien Burke which will allow them to mix it should it be
required. Watch out too for Gearoid O'Connell too at wing back, gave an
outstanding display in the Munster Final with 3 long distance scores.
In opposition to Ballyea Saturday evening are St Thomas's (5/2)
of Galway. The All Ireland club champions of 2013 have the benefit of that
experience which some of their opposition will lack. Their county players David
Burke and Conor Cooney play a major role for them. Burke (who has won 3 All
Stars) will be in direct opposition to
Kelly (1 all star, 2013 Hurler of the year and Young Hurler of the year) and
this will be worth the entrance fee alone. How Thomas's choose to curb the
influence of Kelly will have a massive bearing on this game. We believe it is
possibly too close to call and may even have a small bet on the draw @ 17/2
with Boyles.
Our favourite club story of 2016 was Slaughtneil (25/1).
What they have achieved is the envy of clubs across the land. It just shows what can be achieved. It must be
remembered they are a community with approximately 300 families. While we will
not rule them out of contention for the Club football AI, we believe that
success in this competition is a step too far. We fear for them against Cuala.
Tthey just will not have it in their capabilities to cope with their forwards.
Cuala 3pts @ 5/6 to
win All Ireland (Paddy Power)
Draw 1pt @ 17/2 between St Thomas and Ballyea (Boylesports)
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