Hurling predictions and GAA betting tips: Limerick fancied for final glory

Free GAA hurling tips, best bets and match previews for this weekend's Leinster and Munster finals.

Best bets

Galway
3pts 4-5 BoyleSports

Galway to win and both teams to score a goal
2pts 7-4 BoyleSports

Conor Whelan (Galway) to score a goal
2-1 1pt BoyleSports

Limerick -5
2pts 10-11 general

Aaron Gillane (Limerick) to score a goal
1pt evens Betfair, Paddy Power

Gearoid Hegarty (Limerick) to win RTE Man of the Match award
1pt 10-1 BoyleSports

Galway v Kilkenny

RTE2, 7pm Saturday

There was late drama when these sides met during round three of the Leinster championship, when an injury-time Kilkenny goal looked to have salvaged a draw before Galway converted a free at the death to win by a point.

The Tribesmen are narrow favourites to confirm that form in this provincial decider, and they should be very tough to stop if producing a full 70-minute performance.

There was little to separate the sides on the scoreboard last month, and Brian Cody will surely be champing at the bit to take another stab at the western side. However, the Cats have since been beaten by a spirited Wexford side and need to bounce back.

Cody has lost only three of the 20 Leinster finals he has contested as Kilkenny manager but two of those defeats came in the last four years, including one against Galway.

Kilkenny impressed against Dublin in their penultimate championship appearance of 2022 but Mattie Kenny's side finished out of the season pretty dismally and scored only six points in the second half. That does not look a strong piece of form.

For all that Galway's margin of victory was minimal when they clashed with the Cats last month, it was a game they could have won more decisively.

Henry Shefflin's men remarkably went 20 minutes without registering a score in the second half and goalkeeper Eanna Murphy should saved at least one of Kilkenny's goals.

Galway would also have doubled their goals tally if Conor Whelan, who had just come on as a substitute, had managed to connect with an inviting rebound in the 46th minute.

Take the Tribesmen to lift the Bob O'Keeffe Cup, and back a Galway win and both teams to score a goal.

Whelan scored 1-2 against Laois in his penultimate championship fixture, and he might have even had a goal to go with his five points against Dublin last time if he hadn't been fouled for a penalty.

Odds of 2-1 for Whelan to raise a green flag here look more than fair.

Clare v Limerick

RTE2, 4pm Sunday

We were treated to a gripping dust-up when these neighbouring counties went toe to toe in round four of the Munster championship, and a draw ensured both sides advanced to this provincial final.

Limerick already had one foot in the Munster decider when heading to Ennis on May 15 but fought ferociously in a game that saw the teams level on 14 occasions.

A passionate crowd at Cusack Park ensured Clare made home-field advantage count, and the fact Sunday's showdown is fixed for Semple Stadium in Thurles creates a different dynamic that should benefit the Treaty County.

Aaron Gillane has been outstanding for the reigning All-Ireland champions this season - currently second favourite to be crowned Hurler of the Year - and his absence was felt when Limerick faced the Banner last time.

He and Cathal O'Neill are reportedly back fit and available for selection now, though, while the controversial sending-off of Gearoid Hegarty stunted the finishing effort of John Kiely's side to a certain extent.

Clare have started to come of age under Brian Lohan this season after showing flickers of serious potential in recent years. They have come a long way, but probably not far enough to topple the best side in the country.

Limerick are known to time their run perfectly at key moments of the campaign, and a significantly improved display from their last clash with Clare is expected.

Layers have cottoned on to the fact that the Treaty are on the verge of a big display but covering a five-point handicap still looks achievable.

Hegarty, who scored four points from play and was a prominent force before his sending off nine minutes from time, will be eager to deliver a major response. He looks worth taking a chance on at a double-figure price in the RTE Man of the Match market.

Gillane has scored three goals from play in his three championship appearances this term and can continue that strong form.

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

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport