Weekend Gaelic football predictions and GAA betting tips: Mayo might make life tough for Tribesmen

Best bets

Mayo to lead at half-time
2pts 2-1 general 

Clare +15
2pts Evs Paddy Power 

Weekend Gaelic Football predictions

Kerry vs Clare

RTE, 1.45pm Sunday

Kerry shouldn't really be in a Munster final as Cork had their chances to beat the Kingdom, but couldn't stick the knife in when it really mattered. 

The Kingdom started to purr in the latter stages of the league when teams like Donegal and Galway were easing off and getting ready for the championship, so that piece of spring silverware should have an asterisk beside it. Did anybody really want to win it?

Clare weren't overly impressive in dismantling Tipperary in the provincial decider but Peter Keane has done a decent job since taking over the Banner and their average concession per game in Division 3 of the league was only 16 points. They beat Kildare and, with five wins, were unlucky to miss out on promotion. 

The 15-point handicap looks on the generous side and Clare are fancied to stay well within that. It wouldn't be that much of a surprise if Kerry were to only oblige by single figures. 

Mayo vs Galway 

RTE, 4pm Sunday

Damien Comer and Shane Walsh have not been named in the starting line-up for Galway's trip to MacHale Park for the Connacht final, so this could be the one day this year the Tribesmen are vulnerable. 

Don't get me wrong, Galway are my idea of the 2025 All-Ireland champions and I cannot fathom how you can still get 4-1 if you shop around, but a provincial decider in early May is definitely not the be-all and end-all so it could be a lot closer than people think.

The handicap spread is of little interest, as Galway's class could shine through in the closing stages and they could pull away, but one bet that does appeal is for the hosts to lead at half-time at a very generous 2-1. 

Mayo haven't won the Connacht title since 2021, with Galway landing the last three, so surely there will be no motivational issues. They could explode from the traps, especially coming in on the back of such a poor display against Leitrim. Patrick Durcan is back on the matchday panel, too, so things are starting to look a little rosier in the garden. 

If Mayo are going to keep this competitive, they need to start well. They need Ryan O'Donoghue bouncing and Aidan O'Shea winning his own ball. Jack Carney and Jordan Flynn need big games, too. Galway might be proper All-Ireland contenders, but don't be shocked if they get a huge scare here.

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