It’s Valentine’s weekend and love is in the air, though it could be a massacre in Semple Stadium as Tipperary face a Cork slection in Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League under lights. The Rebels third string, or is it fourth, fought gamely against the Dubs last weekend, but Tipperary are a more potent force and are well capable of getting four or more goals at 5/6.

In the football League, Fermanagh to beat Meath at 2/1 represents the best value this weekend, as the Royals looked out of sorts in their opening match against Cork. Kerry’s visit to Tyrone will see Jack O’Connor lock horns again with Micky Harte. I’m going to go with the Kingdom to reverse the result of last September and claim the points at 13/8.

Listen to the best of the Allianz League action on Sunday Sport (LW & DAB) on RTÉ Radio 1. Highlights on RTÉ Two television from 7.00pm.

Ireland expects

After Ireland’s victory over France, talk of the Grand Slam and a showdown with Wales on 21 March, is in the public domain. Dangerous sentiments, as the Irish are not always good at delivering when expectations are high. 

However, we may have turned a new leaf with Kidney at the helm and Brian O’Driscoll rediscovering the magic of old? Ireland are 4/1 to win the Grand Slam. In saying that, the trip to Rome should yield a victory, but the hosts will make it tough for us and we may have to work hard to win by plus 10 at 6/1.

Watch live coverage of Italy v Ireland on RTÉ Two from 1.45pm on Sunday, 15 February.        

Hennessy Gold Cup

With Cheltenham fast approaching, the Leopardstown highlight has lost some of its lustre as a result of its cancellation from last week.  Neptune Collonges travels over and he will hope to stay upright at the venue this time around. His odds are prohibitive at 8/11, and his rivals are not likely to trouble him with Thyne Again at 14/1 capable of following him home if he gets a good run

In the Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday, I am going to oppose Voy Por Ustedes and plump instead for Tamarinbleu at about 5/2.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 13th, 2009 at 6:46 pm and is filed under Irish Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.