I have to agree with you steve, whilst I am a Derry fan I am also a realist and I reckon that Westmeath have too much for Derry. I envisage derry still being in the hunt with 15-20 to go with westmeath then kicking on to in the region of a 10 point win. This seems to be the tried and tested format for these sort of games!
I think that the other semi will be closer - Mayo have made amazing strides this season under pete finnerty. They also have home advantage. However, tradition would suggest that Carlow will eventually win out and I would tend to agree.
As for derry v down - I think that the only people not surprised with this result were derry people - they have already beaten a full down side this year and that combined with some recent ulster championship results all pointed to a close game. Thats why I couldnt let someone calling the game a 'no brainer' slip by without a mention steve!!
I think that the other semi will be closer - Mayo have made amazing strides this season under pete finnerty. They also have home advantage. However, tradition would suggest that Carlow will eventually win out and I would tend to agree.
As for derry v down - I think that the only people not surprised with this result were derry people - they have already beaten a full down side this year and that combined with some recent ulster championship results all pointed to a close game. Thats why I couldnt let someone calling the game a 'no brainer' slip by without a mention steve!!