CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS
TOMORROW
Complacency will hardly be an issue for Ballintubber after they managed to score just 0-6 – with a solitary point coming from open play – against a 13-man Tourlestrane team last weekend. Still, the class of the O’Connors, Cillian and Diarmuid, should prove too much for an Aughawillan side aiming to return to the final for the first time in 24 years.
Verdict: Ballintubber
Clann na nGael (Roscommon) v Corofin (Galway) Dr Hyde Park, 1.30pm
The two most decorated clubs in Connacht – they share 15 provincial titles between them – go head-to-head, but this is hardly a battle of equals. Clann na nGael have not reached a final since 1996, while they are facing the AllIreland champions who, even in the absence of the injured Ian Burke, should have far too much. Verdict: Corofin
LEINSTER CLUB SFC QUARTER-FINALS Dunboyne (Meath) v Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) Páirc Tailteann, 1.30pm
Kilmacud joint manager Robbie Brennan, who lives in and played for Dunboyne, provides a neat subplot to this fixture, but he will take his own pleasure from the fact that he is in charge of the better team. And in Paul Mannion, Kilmacud also may just possess the hottest inside forward in the game on current form.
Verdict: Kilmacud Crokes
Moorefield (Kildare) v Portlaoise (Laois) St Conleth’s Park, 1.30pm
Portlaoise’s dominance of Laois football is such that their only real challenge lies in Leinster, which should mean that focus comes easily here. However, it wasn’t enough against Moorefield last year, and with Adam Tyrell in the form of his life, the defending champions should make home advantage count.
Verdict: Moorefield
Rhode (Offaly) v Mullinalaghta (Longford) O’Connor Park, 1.30pm
The manner in which Mullinalaghta put Abbeylara to the sword in the replay of the Longford final should serve as a warning to Rhode. However, with Niall McNamee still shooting the lights out and Anton Sullivan pulling the strings, the Offaly champions should have enough. Verdict: Rhode
Newtown Blues (Louth) v Éire Óg (Carlow) Gaelic Grounds, 1.30pm
Newtown’s achievement is to have made it this far – they trailed by five in the Louth final, but a late revival and a Ross Nally’s goal got them over the line. Carlow football has momentum and Éire Óg have pedigree – they are five-time winners of this championship – and they advance to the last four. Verdict: Éire Óg
MUNSTER CLUB SFC SEMI-FINALS The Nire (Waterford) v Miltown-Malbay (Clare) Fraher Field, 1.30pm
Ordinarily, Clare and Waterford football inhabits different planets, but this is a battle of equals. Eoin Cleary is in excellent form for Miltown-Malbay who are seeking to reach their first final, but in contrast the Nire are aiming for a third final appearance in five years.
Verdict: The Nire
Dr Crokes (Kerry) v St Finbarr’s (Cork)
Dr Crokes, 1.30pm St Finbarr’s set out to make the final for the first time since the last of their four title wins in 1986 and will place their faith in the scoring form of Stephen Sherlock. Dr Crokes are not the force of old, but with Kieran O’Leary, Tony Brosnan and David Shaw heading up their attack and Colm Cooper on the bench, they can secure a seventh final appearance this decade. Verdict: Dr Crokes
ULSTER CLUB SHC FINAL Ballycran (Down) v Cushendall (Antrim) Athletic Grounds, 3.00pm
Ballycran dethroned Slaughtneil, but the Antrim champions can move to the top of Ulster’s roll of honour by winning an 11th title here. Verdict: Cushendall.