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The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show

Roscommon for Connacht

For me, Roscommon look the bet of the summer at 3/1 to win the Connacht Senior Football Championship...
TodayFM
TodayFM

11:21 AM - 14 May 2015



Roscommon for Connacht

The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show

Roscommon for Connacht

TodayFM
TodayFM

11:21 AM - 14 May 2015



For me, Roscommon look the bet of the summer at 3/1 to win the Connacht Senior Football Championship.

The primrose and blue ran Mayo to 1 point last year; have gained successive promotions to end up in Division 1 of the National Football League; arguably have the easier side of the draw in the province, and in John Evans, they have a good motivator with a proven track record of success - see Laune Rangers for evidence.

In terms of the All Ireland series itself, it's hard to look beyond Dublin and Kerry. The Dubs are my slight preference at 6/4. Jim Gavin has guided the Metropolitans to 6 titles from 7 attempts. I believe they are too thorough to allow last year's capitulation to Donegal to occur again. In Diarmuid Connolly and Paul Flynn, they possess two exceptional footballers. And we haven't even mentioned Bernard Brogan, Stephen Cluxton or Michael Darragh MacAuley.

Kerry have the most astute tactician in manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice. Colm 'The Gooch' Cooper is like a new signing; and the Kingdom also welcome Tommy Walsh, Paul Galvin and Darran O'Sullivan back to the picture. It's hard to retain the Sam Maguire, but Kerry achieved the feat in 2007. If you think they will go all the way, the Gooch is not a bad price at 16/1 to be Footballer of the Year. 

I also have a sneaky feeling that Derry may contend in Ulster. I think they have changed their approach for 2015 and at 8/1 could represent a bit of value, provided the injury list clears. 

As for Hurling, to me it looks wide open. One thing I am confident of is that Kilkenny won't retain the Liam McCarthy Cup. It's a very level playing field, and on the law of averages, my gut is telling me that it's not going to be the Cats' year, especially after such a spate of retirements. As a gambler, the gut can sometimes be more powerful than any statistics. JJ Delaney may be more of an immediate loss than Henry Shefflin.

Calling it is very difficult. Watch out for Wexford against Kilkenny if it materialises on June 21st. I believe Liam Dunne's team could go far, without necessarily winning any silverware. I believe one of Tipperary, Limerick or Clare will come out on top on the first Sunday in September - Tipperary look the most solid proposition, while Limerick have proven form if they can be a bit more potent in attack. 

Clare were as flat as orangeade in the fridge for a month in 2014; I still believe they have the raw talent; and if they can get on a run, 15/2 may not be a bad price for All Ireland honours.  Once again; check out the Player of the Year market - if you agree with me and see the Banner doing well; Shane O'Donnell is 50/1 in that market - if you believe Limerick will win a first crown in 42 years; Richie McCarthy is also 50/1 to be Player of the Year. Food for thought. 

 



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