LAOIS MARKED A welcome return to form with an impressive qualifier victory over Cavan last weekend but the O’Moore County face a huge step-up in class when they tackle Armagh in Tullamore today.
Armagh’s biggest problem is that they haven’t played a competitive game for almost six weeks, since beating Monaghan in the Ulster final last month.
It may take James Daly’s charges a little while to blow off the cobwebs but if they can do that, the Orchard County girls should progress.
Inspirational midfielder Caroline O’Hanlon has returned from the Commonwealth games, where she represented Northern Ireland, and the team captain will spearhead the challenge.
But Armagh should be wary of a Laois team that was obviously stung by the criticism that came their way following the heavy Leinster Championship defeat to Dublin.
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They showed admirable spirit, resolve and a goalscoring touch to floor 2013 TG4 All-Ireland intermediate champions Cavan last weekend, but Armagh will present a more formidable challenge.
Betting: Armagh 1/8; Draw 14/1; Laois 11/2.
Verdict: Armagh .
Cork v Mayo
O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 18:00
Cork are in a similar boat to Armagh, having not played a competitive game since the TG4 Munster final victory over Kerry last month.
But any hopes that potential pretenders to their All-Ireland crown harboured about a drop in standards were blown away emphatically as Cork put 6-14 past the Kingdom in the provincial decider.
Goalkeeper Elaine Harte and former midfielder Juliet Murphy may have slipped into retirement but Cork’s conveyor belt shows no signs of slowing down.
The Rebelettes are aiming to lift the Brendan Martin Cup for the ninth time in ten seasons but Mayo will prove a tough nut to crack.
The Westerners stuttered past Westmeath last weekend but Cora Staunton was in superb scoring form again, registering 2-6 and the winning free to get her side over the line.
Sarah Rowe was excellent too and Mayo have plenty of experience in the form of Staunton, Fiona McHale, Helena Lohan, netminder Yvonne Byrne, and Martha Carter.
A cracking tie is in store and last weekend’s game should bring Mayo give Mayo confidence but Cork, who are almost five weeks without a competitive game, proved last year that you cannot back against them in knockout games.
Ladies football: Armagh and Cork both expected to advance to semi-finals
Armagh v Laois
O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 16:15
LAOIS MARKED A welcome return to form with an impressive qualifier victory over Cavan last weekend but the O’Moore County face a huge step-up in class when they tackle Armagh in Tullamore today.
Armagh’s biggest problem is that they haven’t played a competitive game for almost six weeks, since beating Monaghan in the Ulster final last month.
It may take James Daly’s charges a little while to blow off the cobwebs but if they can do that, the Orchard County girls should progress.
Inspirational midfielder Caroline O’Hanlon has returned from the Commonwealth games, where she represented Northern Ireland, and the team captain will spearhead the challenge.
But Armagh should be wary of a Laois team that was obviously stung by the criticism that came their way following the heavy Leinster Championship defeat to Dublin.
They showed admirable spirit, resolve and a goalscoring touch to floor 2013 TG4 All-Ireland intermediate champions Cavan last weekend, but Armagh will present a more formidable challenge.
Betting: Armagh 1/8; Draw 14/1; Laois 11/2.
Verdict: Armagh .
Cork v Mayo
O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 18:00
Cork are in a similar boat to Armagh, having not played a competitive game since the TG4 Munster final victory over Kerry last month.
But any hopes that potential pretenders to their All-Ireland crown harboured about a drop in standards were blown away emphatically as Cork put 6-14 past the Kingdom in the provincial decider.
Goalkeeper Elaine Harte and former midfielder Juliet Murphy may have slipped into retirement but Cork’s conveyor belt shows no signs of slowing down.
The Rebelettes are aiming to lift the Brendan Martin Cup for the ninth time in ten seasons but Mayo will prove a tough nut to crack.
The Westerners stuttered past Westmeath last weekend but Cora Staunton was in superb scoring form again, registering 2-6 and the winning free to get her side over the line.
Sarah Rowe was excellent too and Mayo have plenty of experience in the form of Staunton, Fiona McHale, Helena Lohan, netminder Yvonne Byrne, and Martha Carter.
A cracking tie is in store and last weekend’s game should bring Mayo give Mayo confidence but Cork, who are almost five weeks without a competitive game, proved last year that you cannot back against them in knockout games.
Betting: Cork 1/12; Draw 16/1; Mayo 13/2.
Verdict: Cork.
Cooper to Walsh: Five fresh faces who’ve made a difference to Cork this year
Here’s your GAA coverage on TV and radio this weekend
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