5 players to watch out for in today’s GAA club action

With three provincial titles down for decision in the AIB GAA Senior Club Championships today, we have a look at the men to watch.

Colm Cooper (Dr Crokes)

He has eight All-Star awards as well as seven Munster titles and four All-Irelands in the green and gold of Kerry, but Colm Cooper still has room on the mantelpiece for his first AIB GAA Senior Football winner’s medal.

Crokes are red-hot favourites to win their third successive Munster final this afternoon with some bookmakers quoting them at prices as short as 1/33. Cooper scored 1-3 against Loughmore-Castleiney of Tipperary last time out and if the Gooch is allowed even a hint of space to play, Cratloe will suffer.

Podge Collins (Cratloe)

If there’s an unofficial award for busiest player of the autumn, Podge Collins must surely be the front-runner.

After his starring role in Clare’s U21 and senior All-Ireland hurling success, the 21-year-old turned his focus back to the big ball and helped Cratloe to their first county title. Less than 24 hours later, the Clare club won their first ever provincial game.

Usually found at centre-forward, Collins’ playmaking will be key if Cratloe are to maintain any forward momentum.

Michael Murphy (Glenswilly)

It goes without saying that Donegal captain Michael Murphy is as vital for his club as he is for his county.

After scoring 1-4 against St Gall’s, Murphy played the role of both creator and finisher in the semi-final against Roslea, scoring 1-2 and setting up wing-forward Colin Kelly for one of his two goals.

Kevin McGuckin (Ballinderry)

Ballinderry are strong favourites to win a first provincial crown since 2001, a season which ended with their one and only All-Ireland title.

The Derry club got another boost this week with the news that Kevin McGuckin is free to play against Glenswilly. McGuckin saw red in the semi-final against Kilcoo but his dismissal was downgraded to a yellow card on appeal.

A full-back during his inter-county days, the former Derry captain has forged an important role in midfield in recent years, an area where Ballinderry will need to control the game.

Rory Jacob (Oulart-the-Ballagh)

Rory Jacob led the charge with 1-4 as Oulart-the-Ballagh dethroned reigning Leinster champions Kilcormac/Killoughey in the provincial semis.

Jacob needs no introduction and at 30, he is still every bit as important to this Oulart side as when he won his first Wexford title with them back in 2004.