This Weekend’s Previews

ALL-IRELAND CLUB SFC QUARTER-FINAL St Kiernan’s (London) v Slaughtneil (Derry), Greenford, 1.0 Attitude is the key for homebased teams heading London way for this annual fixture, given that the exiles have a reputation for producing teams stout in spirit. St Kiernan’s will not lack for that – they are a tight group who boast seven London-born players on their match panel – but they are facing a remarkable club who come from such a small base that complacency is an alien concept. Verdict: Slaughtneil INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL Ulster v Munster, Parnell Park, 2.0 Ulster’s advocacy for the retention of a tournament that no longer resonates with the wider GAA public is good enough reason to make them favourites once again. The Ulster shirt still has a lure for the province’s top players, which contrasts sharply with Munster, with just Aidan O’Mahony and former county player Tommy Walsh making themselves available. In truth, Kerry have fund-raising commitments in New York this weekend, but the reality is – and there is no blame or shame attached – is that this is way down their list of priorities. INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL Ulster v Munster, Thurles, 1.45 With the finals hosted by the AllIreland champions, it was inevitable that there is a star-studded feel about Anthony Daly’s panel and this could turn ugly for an Ulster selection, who won’t be breaking their inter-provincial duck here. Verdict: Munster