WEEKEND PREVIEWS
FOOTBALL TODAY ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 1 Kerry v Donegal, Austin Stack Park, 2pm
Motivation and circumstances all favour the home team, who win will secure a 21st League title with a victory. It may not be Peter Keane’s priority but he will hardly turn up his nose at it. Declan Bonner, mindful that a season-defining game against Tyrone is only eight days away, is unlikely to be as enthusiastic. Verdict: Kerry
DIVISION 2
Cavan v Roscommon, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm Cavan need the points to ensure survival, while Roscommon have all but secured promotion. Verdict: Cavan
Clare v Armagh, Cusack Park, 2pm Armagh retain the kind of attacking power that deserves to be showcased at a higher level, and Clare’s second-tier status could be torched as a result. Verdict: Armagh
Fermanagh v Laois, Brewster Park, 2pm
Fermanagh did not lack spirit when going down to Clare last weekend but with nothing to play for and Laois desperate for a win to avoid joining then in Division 3, this is set up for the visitors. Verdict: Laois
DIVISION 4
Wexford v Wicklow, TBC Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm There are any number of permutations here, but the simplest is whoever wins goes up, although a draw provided Limerick don’t beat Sligo, would see both promoted on scoring difference. Wicklow will hardly take that chance. Verdict: Wicklow Sligo v Limerick, Markievicz Park, 2.00pm; Victory for Billy Lee’s team will earn promotion. Verdict: Limerick
TOMORROW
DIVISION 1 Galway v Dublin, Pearse Stadium, Salthill 2pm The likelihood, should Kerry win 24 hours earlier, is that this should amount to little more than a dead rubber, but Pádraic Joyce needs a display to repair any psychological damage from last weekend, while Dessie Farrell needs his team to shake off cobwebs. Verdict: Dublin
Monaghan v Meath, St Tiernach’s Park, Clones, 2pm
With just six days to a defining game against Cavan, Monaghan will be distracted while already relegated Meath have the comfort of a 15-day window to the start of the Championship. They might just bring Monaghan down with them. Verdict: Meath
Mayo v Tyrone, Elverys MacHale Park, 2pm
Mayo need a win to extend their 23-year stay in the top flight and their attitude last weekend suggests that is the least they are capable of achieving this season. Oisín Mullin, Eoghan McLaughlin, Mark Moran and Tommy Conroy have given the side an energy boost, while Aidan O’Shea’s relocation to fullforward could be defining. Verdict: Mayo
DIVISION 3
Louth v Down, Dowdallshill, Dundalk, 2pm Down are likely to seal their return to Division 2 with an easy win. Verdict: Down
Leitrim v Tipperary, Carrickon-Shannon, 2pm
The winner here stays up, but apart from a gulf in class, Tipperary manager David Power can lean on his obvious anger at Leitrim’s decision not to field last weekend for an edge. Verdict: Tipperary
Offaly v Derry, Tullamore, 2pm Another game with little hanging on it but match practice and Derry should prevail. Verdict: Derry
HURLING TODAY
(ET & Winner on the Day)
LEINSTER SHC QUARTER-FINAL
Dublin v Laois Croke Park, 6pm (Live Sky Sports) It’s a big ask for Laois to repeat the qualifier ambush of Dublin a year ago when Eddie Brennan’s team were playing at a level that suggested they would make a right fist of the Leinster round robin. Now, any momentum has long evaporated, particularly for a county who endured an extended lockdown. The Dublin club championship meanwhile showcased a lot of familiar faces in flying form and the force is with a team that have a point to prove. Verdict: Dublin
TOMORROW
(ET & winner on the day)
MUNSTER SHC QUARTERFINAL
Clare v Limerick Semple Stadium, 3.45pm (Live RTE2) Back in March, this one had the feel of a proper meeting between the two form sides in the country, both topping their respective Division 1 groups and the reason why this Championship game doubles up as a League final. Now, even after such an extended lay-off, it feels like the momentum has shifted towards the 2018 champions Limerick. Perhaps by virtue of having a manager in John Kiely who isn’t trying to feel his way in year one like Brian Lohan, in terms of systems and personnel. And also perhaps by virtue of Clare losing captain John Conlon, the star talent of Colm Galvin and Peter Duggan still being Down Under on sabbatical. Verdict: Limerick
JOE McDONAGH CUP
Kerry v Meath Austin Stack Park, 1pm Shane Conway’s 1-14 wasn’t enough to inspire Kerry to top flight hurling in last weekend’s Division 2A league final defeat but was another reminder of a special talent. Verdict: Kerry
Antrim v Westmeath Corrigan Park, 2pm For Antrim, Covid-19 has brought home the fragility of any side’s aspirations. Verdict: Westmeath
CHRISTY RING CUP
Roscommon v Wicklow Dr Hyde Park, 1.30pm Back before lockdown, Wicklow were doing more than just trying to survive in Division 2A and that augurs well. Verdict: Wicklow