Today’s previews
FOOTBALL Clare SFC final replay
Kilmurry-Ibrickane v MiltownMalbay, Cusack Park, 2pm Goalkeeper Ian McInerney earned Kilmurry-Ibrickane a second chance by converting a 45-metre free at the death last Sunday.
That equalising score was in keeping with the challengers’ attacking performance – they managed only two points from play – which suggests champions Miltown-Malbay look more likely at the second time of asking.
Verdict: Miltown-Malbay
Cork SFC final
Duhallow v Nemo Rangers, Páirc Uí Rinn, 4pm
Duhallow seek to avoid back to-back county final defeats and will depend on Eoghan McSweeney in attack.
The divisional side came up a goal shy in last year’s final against St Finbarr’s, but are likely to find Nemo an even tougher proposition, especially given the form of veteran forward Paul Kerrigan who netted twice in their semi-final win over Douglas.
Verdict: Nemo Rangers
Donegal SFC final replay
Gaoth Dobhair v Naomh Conaill, Ballybofey, 3pm Noamh Conaill thrived in their underdogs status last Sunday and had a late shot at winning a fourth county title, but Dermot ‘Brick’ Molloy’s effort tailed wide
That may have been their chance and although champions Gaoth Dobhair will be without the injured Kieran Gillespie, they may well have learned from the drawn game.
Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair
Limerick SFC final
Newcastlewest v Oola, LIT Gaelic Grounds, 3pm
It is 40 years since Oola won the last of their six titles and their wait is likely to go on as they face a fancied Newcastlewest side, seeking to regain the title they last won in 2015.
Verdict: Newcastlewest
Meath SFC final
Ratoath v Summerhill, Páirc Tailteann, 3pm
Ratoath feature in their first final but they are hardly wide-eyed innocents.
They are high in quality and experience – Conor McGill, Bryan McMahon along with the Wallace brothers, Eamon and Joey – will provide the kind of leadership which could unsettle Summerhill.
Verdict: Ratoath
Kildare SFC final replay
Moorefield v Sarsfields, St Conleth’s Park, 2pm
Sarsfields may have the momentum – they trailed by 2-3 to 0-0 after 10 minutes last weekend but secured a replay when Barry Coffey kicked the equalising point.
Still, Moorefield may take the view that they did not perform like a team seeking a third title in a row and will be out to make amends.
Verdict: Moorefield
Leinster Club SFC first round
Ferbane (Offaly) v St Patrick’s (Wicklow), O’Connor Park, 1.30pm The challenge for Ferbane is getting their feet on the ground after their stunning win over Rhode delivered a first Offaly title in 25 years. However, they may take some comfort that Rhode had 10 points to spare over St Patrick’s when they clashed at the same stage last year. Verdict: Ferbane Eire Óg (Carlow) v Castletown (Wexford), Netwatch Cullen Park, 3pm
Castletown are still basking in the afterglow of a first county title in nine years, while Eire Óg are a more battle-hardened outfit at this level.
Verdict: Eire Óg Garrycastle (Westmeath) v Killoe Emmet Óg (Longford), Cusack Park, 1.30pm
Emmet Óg don’t appear to be in the class of 2018 Longford champions Mullinalaghta and a Garrycastle team, who came from eight points down against St Loman’s, should confirm that. Verdict: Garrycastle
HURLING Kilkenny SHC final
James Stephens v Ballyhale Shamrocks, UPMC Nowlan Park, 3pm
This is a first final meeting between two of the county’s most celebrated clubs since James Stephens defeated Ballyhale after a replay in 2011, which also happens to be the last time ‘The Village’ were champions.
Meanwhile, Ballyhale have not had it easy – particularly in their quarter-final against Clara – but they were back to their brilliant best when TJ Reid and Adrian Mullen conspired to score 1-15 between them to beat O’Loughlin Gaels. It all suggests the All-Ireland champions are well placed to defend their title.
Verdict: Ballyhale Shamrocks
London SHC final
Robert Emmetts v St Gabriel’s, Ruislip, 2pm
Club of the decade is on the line with both having won three titles over the past nine years, with defending champions St Gabriel’s looking the more likely. Verdict: St Gabriel’s
Wexford SHC final
St Anne’s v St Martin’s, Innovate Wexford Park, 3pm
Two years after winning the intermediate title, St Anne’s are just 70 minutes away from a first senior title in 19 years.
And given their performance in the semi-final against Rapparees, in which county star Diarmuid O’Keeffe and veteran Redmond Barry excelled, they will feel they have every chance.
St Martin’s, seeking to regain the title they last won in 2017, are without suspended county star Rory O’Connor but may still get over the line. Verdict: St Martin’s
Ulster Club SHC semi-finals
Slaughtneil (Derry) v Middletown (Armagh), Athletic Grounds, 12.45pm For once flying solo after their footballers’ unexpected demise, expect Slaughtneil to take full advantage.
Verdict: Slaughtneil Dunloy (Antrim) v Ballycran (Down), Athletic Grounds, 2.30pm The Antrim champions are on course to exploit the chasm in class.
Verdict: Dunloy