Waterford, Donegal, Leitrim and Clare tipped for GAA victories

Waterford to beat Offaly (Hurling)

Waterford controlled large portions of their game against Clare until the Bannermen upped the tempo to pull away in the final quarter. Offaly got far closer to Kilkenny than many expected and any team that hits four goals against the usually watertight Cats defence has to be respected. The home team will fancy their chances but the Deise have hurled at a higher level than Offaly in recent years and should have the strength to come through in a tight encounter.

Donegal to beat Down (Gaelic Football)

Any doubts concerning Donegal’s indifferent league form were dismissed as the reigning champions powered past Tyrone by six points in Ballybofey. Down looked all at sea against Derry in the first half but inspired by Mark Poland turned it around brilliantly to win out in the game of the Championship so far. Injuries still dog the champions, but with the triumvirate of Murphy, McFadden and McBrearty in sparkling form, it’s difficult to see how Down can upset the odds here.

Leitrim to beat London (Gaelic Football)

Leitrim coasted past New York in Round One, but they’ve suffered a major blow since, when management dropped four members from their already small panel for ‘breaches of discipline’. London will be full of confidence after winning their first Connacht Championship match in 36 years, when they deservedly saw off Sligo by a point in Ruislip. Despite their well documented problems, Leitrim have Emlyn Mulligan in great form and home advantage should see them squeeze into the final here.

Clare to beat Cork (Hurling)

Clare squeezed past Cork after extra-time in their league relegation playoff and have the advantage of a Championship victory under their belts already. Cork performed very well last year to reach the All-Ireland semi-finals but injuries to key forwards have badly hampered their preparations this time out. Expect a tight game at the Gaelic Grounds but Clare looked extremely well drilled and fit under Davy Fitzgerald and should have enough about them to progress.

 All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publishing