Last chance to watch Galway in the championship

Will both Galway sides be on their summer holidays in the second week of July?

I for one try to avoid tipping in hurling as haling from Donegal, the only reason we used hurls was to beat northern's back over the border on a bank holiday weekend. Galway were horrendous against Dublin and somewhat sublime against Clare but in truth their actual form lies somewhere in between. They are still the only side that can trouble Kilkenny and Tipperary but that's not to say they'll overcome the Rebels. Cork's confidence will no doubt be buzzing after beating Laois 10-20 but that Laois side are on a par with my own beloved Donegal in the hurling stakes and Galway and I truly hope they emerge victorious. I just won't be backing them.

In the football however it's a different story. I find it hard to envisage a Galway win. Their collapse against Mayo was painful to watch and no doubt our own boss Alan Mulholland suffered twice with Paul Conroy winning the punters all their money back. I have spoken to Alan and he;s quietly optimistic. He'd never come out and say as much but if we factor in the large gap between league and first championship match, excuses can be made for rustiness by Galway. I'd go along with that myself if it were not for the fact Galway started well, pushed on till half time and then just collapsed.

Meath look in the second tier ready to challenge any of the big guns on their day and as long as complacency doesn't creep in, it's hard to see Galway catching them out.

Verdict: Meath 4/9

Bet of the weekend price is drying up fast. I tipped up London to beat Fermanagh at 5/2 two weeks ago and expected to see them short odds to take care of Waterford. An initial price up at 11/10 had me salivating but that didn't last long and now London are into 4/6. Still a decent price and they should be put in all your weekend doubles, trebles etc.

Verdict: London 4/6


Kildare were robbed against Dublin but again John looked after the punters and as long as they don't go down the Louth route of feeling sorry for themselves, they'll account for Laois with the minimum of fuss. Laois are a decent side having reached the division 2 final but Kildare are probably the 4th best team in the country right now and McGeeney will have the troops fired up

Verdict:Kildare 2/5


Tyrone, Armagh, Down, Aintrim and Dublin are all heavily odds on to win this weekend and of the five perhaps Aintrim could be the only squeaky one capable of an upset by Carlow but at 9/2 doesn't greatly appeal. Down barely got past Clare and on the handicaps I'd look to side with Longford to keep it close against Tyrone.

Weekend Treble
Meath 4/9
London 4/6
Kildare 2/5

pays 2.37-1