Hurling predictions and tips for All-Ireland semi finals: Clare to overhaul Cats
Mark Boylan picks out his best bets for this weekend's huge championship action
Free GAA hurling tips, best bets and match previews for this weekend's All-Ireland semi finals.
Best bets
Clare
3pts 4-5 general
Both teams to score a goal and Clare to win
1pt 7-4 Paddy Power/Betfair
Kilkenny-Clare double result
1pt 19-4 Bet365
Shane O'Donnell (Clare) to score over 2.5 points
2pts 6-4 BoyleSports
Limerick to win by six points or fewer
1pt 6-4 Bet365
Over 1.5 Limerick goals
3pts 10-11 BoyleSports
Aaron Gillane (Limerick) to score a goal
1pt 11-8 Bet365
Declan Hannon (Limerick) to score over 0.5 points
2pts5-6 Paddy Power/Betfair
Kilkenny v Clare
RTE & Sky Sports Arena, 5.30pm Saturday
And then there were four. A massive weekend of hurling awaits as Kilkenny, Clare, Limerick and Galway fight it out in the All-Ireland semi finals - and an all-Munster decider is the most likely outcome.
Kilkenny and Clare get proceedings underway on Saturday night, and the Banner are a confident selection to reach their first All-Ireland final since lifting Liam MacCarthy in 2013.
The general feeling throughout this year's provincial fixtures was that Munster hurling looks a step ahead of matters in Leinster, and Clare have been far more impressive in going unbeaten throughout the Munster championship than Kilkenny were in winning the Leinster title.
Brian Lohan's men have found only Limerick too strong in this year's championship, but they still managed to draw with the All-Ireland champions in May and forced extra time in the Munster final before coming up short by three points. That is no mean feat.
The Banner have come of age this season, developing consistency, raising their intensity and playing with much greater confidence,a s they showed when overcoming a six-point deficit with ten minutes to go against Wexford last time.
It is never easy to overhaul Brian Cody's men in big moments at Croke Park, as Limerick found out in the 2019 All-Ireland semi final.
However, Clare are playing with a better style at the moment and Lohan can be relied on to have his troops well prepared. It's surprising that his side are not a shorter price given their excellent form.
There could also be some value in backing both teams to score a goal and Clare to win. The Banner have enough attacking fire to cause Kilkenny problems, but they also coughed up three goals against Wexford last time and failed to keep a clean sheet in their five provincial outings.
Meanwhile, Kilkenny's 14 goals in five games in the Leinster round-robin was more than any other side.
The Cats have huge experience of Croke Park, but the style of Clare's play should be well suited to the Dublin turf. Top forward Shane O'Donnell could excel and is fancied to score at least three points.
The Cats are more used to big-game environments and can be expected to settle into the game quickly, while Clare have not led at half-time in three of their last four games, so it could be worth taking a chance on Kilkenny being in front at the break and Clare winning.
Limerick v Galway
RTE & Sky Sports Arena, 3.30pm Sunday
It's difficult to envisage anyone stopping Limerick this season and they can move one step closer to a fourth All-Ireland title in five years with victory over Galway.
Galway need to show considerable improvement from their disappointing Leinster final defeat against Kilkenny if they are to shake up the best side in the country, although the Tribesmen took confidence from beating Limerick in the Allianz League this year.
Still, they edged Cork by only a point last time, and Limerick will give them a far stronger test, especially since they are operating with a squad that is close to full fitness. The outstanding Cian Lynch is in contention to play some part after a spell on the sidelines.
Limerick haven't been blowing sides away in this year's championship. They beat Waterford by three points, Tipperary by seven after a prolonged battle and drew twice with Clare in ordinary time before prevailing by three following extra time in the Munster final.
Odds of 6-4 about the title holders winning by six points or fewer looks fair, but there is also some value in the scoring markets.
Galway have conceded soft goals and that could be exploited by a ruthless Limerick side, and star forward Aaron Gillane. Backing Limerick to score at least two goals makes plenty of appeal, as does Gillane to raise a green flag at 11-8.
Declan Hannon has scored in each of the last two All-Ireland finals at Croke Park and has popped up with a score in three of Limerick's five Munster fixtures this year. He can get on the scoresheet again at 5-6.
Not got a Paddy Power account? Sign up and get up to £50 in free sports bets
Place a single £10 Sportsbook bet and get money back as a free bet if it loses. There are x5 Free Bets available. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10. Only deposits made via Credit/Debit Card will be eligible for the promotion. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org
Today's top sports betting stories
Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport
Published on inGAA tips
Last updated
- All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final: Best bets for Armagh vs Galway plus a £30 Sky Bet free bet offer
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final: Best bets for Clare vs Cork plus a £30 Sky Bet free bet offer
- Weekend All-Ireland Football predictions and betting tips: Galway and Armagh to set up final date
- Weekend All-Ireland hurling championship predictions and betting tips
- Weekend All-Ireland Football predictions and betting tips
- All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final: Best bets for Armagh vs Galway plus a £30 Sky Bet free bet offer
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final: Best bets for Clare vs Cork plus a £30 Sky Bet free bet offer
- Weekend All-Ireland Football predictions and betting tips: Galway and Armagh to set up final date
- Weekend All-Ireland hurling championship predictions and betting tips
- Weekend All-Ireland Football predictions and betting tips