This year is certainly the most exciting championship to date for us in John Mulholland offices as our head honcho Alan Mulholland is now also head honcho for the Galway senior team. I expect John Mulholland’s prices to come under more scrutiny than ever this season.
Before I go any further, let me point out explicably this is my preview, Kevin, the Donegal eegit in the booth’s opinion so I won’t be doing any Galway cheerleading for the boss. I’m like one of those Roman lads whispering into the emperor’s ear “Your only a man”, or more to the point “Donegal will knock you out in the qualifiers”
Lets start with Alan’s own Province
Connacht
Galway are 5/2 to win their first Connacht title since 2008 but they’ll have to do it the hard way. Roscommon will be no easy task this Sunday and if they overcome that, Sligo stand in their way. Sligo had a poor 2011 but signs they could come be coming back with an easy win in New York and a competent league campaign including a win over Roscommon in their last match. The team to beat however is Mayo who looks to have hit a real swagger in their step this year. An easy FBD title was followed by big wins in the league campaign against Dublin & Kerry then falling to Cork in the final. They look a real solid bet at 8/13 and at 14/1 to win Sam will have their followers. Make sure to back them ew however as although a final looks very realistic, Mayo men would sneer at Man City’s supposed 44 year hex.
Ulster
What a minefield. My own Donegal finally got their hands on the prize after 19 years last season but they have to overcome a likely route of Cavan, Derry, Tyrone and Down to lift the Anglo Celt cup. Tyrone have an away trip to Armagh to overcome themselves but they look to be back as a genuine top 4 side in Ireland and I’d be inclined to take them at 2/1 to win Ulster.Down look to have the soft side of the draw but injuries have plagued their build up and I’d make them underdogs against any of the 4 big guns Tyrone, Armagh, Derry or Donegal in the final.
Leinster
The draw has it scheduled for Dublin to meet Kildare in the final and instinct would make me plump for Kildare at 5/2 over Dublin at 8/13. They won Division 2 despite having being under the cosh at various stage s to both Galway & Tyrone in the final two games but got the job done. The off season has been all about the Seanie Johnstone saga and he may indeed be the final piece of the jigsaw. The problem for Kildare backers is although their forwards are good, they are not top class and lacks a real ‘go to guy’ in high pressure situations. Top class backs will find ways to stop them and although I’d be happy to take 5/2 for Leinster, I’d pass at 9/1 for Sam. One side to perhaps have a good fist of Leinster is Longford. 66/1 winners may look a bit mad but I expect them to take the scalp of Laois in the first round.
Munster
Kerry or Cork?, Cork or Kerry? People slag off the SPL for its old firm dominance but only one other winner in over 75 years means Munster is the biggest two horse race in sport. The only saving grace is that they meet in the semi finals so one will be thrust into the qualifiers a round earlier. Of the two Kerry look ahead of Cork in my pecking for All Ireland glory and 12/5 Kerry v Cork 10/3 looks about right. Cork just has not convinced me the last two seasons despite winning in 2010. Their last great display was against Tyrone in 2009 and they look mentally weak come August & September.
Who will win the All Ireland?
The bet for this year’s championship is Tyrone at 10/1. I was slightly disappointed they allowed Kildare back in and lost the Division two final but Mickey Harte has the right balance of youth and experience in his squad. Harte does not take any competitions easy and right from the Dr McKenna cup, Tyrone have shown a desire to reclaim their place at the top table. Successive defeats to Dublin will have hurt and I see them going through the front door all the way to the final. Who will they meet? At 13/2 to reach the final, Mayo looks to be a cracking bet. Both sides will avoid each other if they both win their provinces.
Recommendations
2 Pts Tyrone to win All ireland at 10/1
2 Pts Mayo To reach final at 13/2
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