It's that time of the year again!

Day 907, 16:43 • Published in Ireland Ireland • by John Gormley

Although I'm not that big into GAA myself, as a spectator I always look forward to this time of year when the hurling and football championships start up. Football has already had a meaningless Galway-New York clash and in hurling the Ulster Championship is started, but tomorrow is when the real action starts when 3 football matches are played.



Football:
I would say that this year it will be won by one of 3 or 4 of the same teams again - Tyrone, Kerry, Cork and I wouldn't rule out Dublin either if they could get their act together. As a Corkman, I definitely don't want a repeat of last year's disappointing All-Ireland final...

But, Cork were very impressive last year and have even added a few more promising players so should be very strong again. Meanwhile, their rivals to the west - Kerry - have lost a handful of important players so could be very vulnerable. I'd tip Cork, but not with any great confidence.
Predictions:
Munster Champions: Cork
Connacht Champions: Mayo
Leinster Champions: Dublin
Ulster Champions: Tyrone
All-Ireland Champions: Cork (Hopefully! 🙂 )


Hurling:
Unfortunately, I cannot be as confident about Cork here. They haven't won the Liam McCarthy Cup since 2005 (see my current avatar!), and that's the last time Kilkenny didn't win it! Cork's performances in the league had me hopeful that they could do well this year, but the poor show against Galway in the league final shows that they probably have a load of work to do to get back to the top. Despite a poor league, Kilkenny are still the team to beat. I expect Tipperary and Galway to push them hard but I feel ultimately Kilkenny will win out yet again.
Predictions:
Munster Champions: Tipperary
Leinster Champions: Kilkenny
Ulster Champions: Antrim
All-Ireland Champions: Kilkenny