TODAY’S PREVIEWS
FOOTBALL ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 1 Kerry v Dublin Austin Stack Park, 7.00
The suspicion is that the prize here for Jim Gavin is less the two points on offer and more the opportunity to trample on the early season optimism that has reared its head in the Kingdom.
Verdict: Dublin
Mayo v Cavan MacHale Park, 7.00
No one saw that nine-point trimming of Tyrone coming, and even less would have predicted that two rookies, Fionn McDonagh and Cian Treacy, would lead the way. Verdict: Mayo
DIVISION 2 Fermanagh v Kildare Brewster Park, 7.00
Fermanagh have given up just 13 scores in two drawn games of football. Kildare will attack with intent tonight though. Verdict: Kildare
DIVISION 3 Down v Westmeath Páirc Esler, 7.00
John Heslin’s return to training this week is a timely boost for the Lakesiders, who should maintain their promotion drive.
Verdict: Westmeath
HURLING ALL-IRELAND CLUB SEMI-FINALS St Thomas (Galway) v Ruairí Óg Cushendall (Antrim) Parnell Park, 3pm (Live TG4)
The 2013 All-Ireland champions coasted past holders Liam Mellows by nine points. And yet Cushendall’s track record suggests this one should go down to the wire. Verdict: St Thomas
Ballygunner v Ballyhale Shamrocks Semple Stadium, 5pm (Live TG4)
A venue that is almost a home-from-home for the likes of Pauric Mahony and Philip Mahony. It’s just that Ballyhale were absolutely ruthless in dispatching Ballyboden in the Leinster final.
Verdict: Ballyhale Shamrocks