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Crossmaglen Rangers players gearing up for today's game. INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter
GAA

Here’s your guide to today’s AIB All-Ireland club semi-finals

Two football showdowns and one hurling replay all neatly packaged into one preview.

All-Ireland Club SFC semi-finals

WHEN? Today, 2pm.

WHERE? Cusack Park, Mullingar.

WHO? Crossmaglen Rangers from Armagh against St Brigid’s from Roscommon.

These two have recent history, don’t they?

Meeting for the third time in seven years lends an air of familiarity alright. Crossmaglen Rangers have had the upper hand though, winning the 2007 All-Ireland semi-final by 1-11 to 0-11 and the 2011 All-Ireland final by 2-11 to 1-11. St Brigid’s will be hoping for third time lucky.

Do the Roscommon champions have a chance of setting the record straight?

They have certainly established their credentials with last November’s victory over Ballaghaderreen their third consecutive Connacht title.  A team packed with Peter Domican, Ian Kilbride, Karol Mannion, Senan Kilbride and Frankie Dolan ensures they are well primed on the pitch with the former Mayo duo of Kevin McStay and Liam McHale directing operations from the sideline.

But is it again a case of in Cross we trust?

Chasing a third successive All-Ireland title is an onerous task yet Crossmaglen have ticked every box so far. The displays of Aaron Kernan, Jamie Clarke, David McKenna and Oisin McConville demonstrate they have lost none of their focus or capabilities. They’ll be steeled for a dogfight and usually find a way to win these games.

Verdict: Crossmaglen Rangers.

St Brigid’s goalkeeper Shane Curran with manager Kevin McStay. Pic: INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy.

WHEN? Today, 4pm.

WHERE? Semple Stadium, Thurles.

WHO? Kerry’s Dr Crokes clash with Dublin’s Ballymun Kickhams.

A renewal of Kerry and Dublin rivalries it seems?

On one hand yes, as the two counties are represented by their respective club kingpins. But on the other hand, this is a markedly different encounter. Dr Crokes have the recent All-Ireland club experience of reaching the final in 2007 and contesting the semi-final last year whereas Ballymun Kickhams are back on the national stage after a two decade absence.

But haven’t Ballymun shown few inhibitions since emerging from Dublin?

Correct. Paul Curran is a canny manager but his cause is aided by the presence of some sparkling young talents. Philly McMahon and Alan Hubbard bring some experience, James McCarthy and Dean Rock bring some youth and class while Ted Furman and Jason Whelan have proved consistent threats in attack.

Should Dr Crokes tread warily then?

Absolutely. But they have plenty reason to be optimistic after winning their third consecutive Kerry title and second consecutive Munster title. Colm Cooper, Kieran O’Leary and Eoin Brosnan are the standout figures but Fionn Fitzgerald, Johnny Buckley and Brian Looney are becoming so important to their cause as well. Their team looks more seasoned, their panel looks to have more depth and they look to have the capacity to prevail here.

Verdict: Dr Crokes

Ballymun Kickhams players gearing up for today’s match. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final replay

WHEN? Today, 2pm.

WHERE? St Tiernach’s Park, Clones.

WHO? St Thomas of Galway face Loughgiel Shamrocks of Antrim.

Hold on, aren’t these two just after facing off?

Indeed they are. 3-19 to 1-25 was the final score after a cracking encounter that spanned over 80 minutes last Sunday. Conor Cooney shot 0-12 in an electric display for St Thomas yet it was Liam Watson’s ability to hold his nerve to unleash a bullet to the net with the last act of the game that saved reigning All-Ireland champions Loughgiel Shamrocks.

Can we expect more of the same so?

That’s certainly the hope. There is a new setting in St Tiernach’s Park in Clones which will please both teams given the misgivings over the Parnell Park surface in Dublin that noticeably cut up towards the end of last Saturday’s draw.

And who are Kilcormac-Killoughey going to be facing in the final?

Toss of a coin time. Both teams had standout displays last week – Conor Cooney, Bernard Burke and James Regan (St Thomas) while Joseph Scullion, Eddie McCloskey and Brendan McCarry (Loughgiel). Both will hope their star men – David Burke (St Thomas) and Liam Watson (Loughgiel) get a little more freedom to express themselves. Loughgiel have the experience but St Thomas have the youth. It should be extremely tight again but St Thomas may just finish off the job the second time around.

Verdict: St Thomas

St. Thomas’ Darragh Burke under pressure from Declan Laverty and Joey Scullion of Loughgiel Shamrocks. Pic: INPHO Cathal Noonan

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