Today’s Previews

COMPILED BY MICHEAL CLIFFORD & PHILIP LANIGAN

FOOTBALL ARMAGH SFC FINAL

Clan na Gael v Crossmaglen Rangers

Athletic Grounds, 4.15

Clan na Gael will lean heavily on county star Stefan Campbell, who scored 0-10 in the semi-final win over Clann Eireann, as they seek to bridge a 29-year county title famine. However, class – not least in the O’Neill brothers, Rían and Oisín along with Cian McConville – suggests Crossmaglen can defend their crown.

Verdict: Crossmaglen Rangers

ROSCOMMON SFC FINAL St Brigid’s v Boyle

Hyde Park, 2.30

Boyle are seeking to end almost a century of pain – 1927 was their last title win – although the most relevant hurt is last year’s one-point defeat to Strokestown in the final. It is very much a family affair as they are managed by Cian Smith, older brother of county stars Enda and Donie, but they will find St Brigid’s the hardest of nuts to crack with Ben O’Carroll flying.

Verdict: St Brigid’s

SLIGO SFC FINAL

Coolera Strandhill v St Molaise Gaels

Markievicz Park, 3.15

St Molaise Gaels are on the brink of that rarest of achievements as they seek to follow last year’s intermediate championship success with a senior title. The last time they appeared in a final was under the name of Grange in 1978. And while Coolera Strandhill have their own hunger pangs – 2005 was their last success – history beckons for the Gaels.

Verdict: St Molaise Gaels

CAVAN SFC FINAL Kingscourt Stars v Gowna Breffni Park, 4.00

Kingscourt showed character in coming from behind to take out Ramor United in the semi-final, but are likely to find defending champions Gowna tougher. The champions’ seven-point win over Crosserlough suggests they intend to hold what they have.

Verdict: Gowna

DONEGAL SFC FINAL Gaoth Dobhair v Naomh Conaill Ballybofey, 4.0

The last time this pairing met in a final, it took three games before Gaoth Dobhair emerged as champions in 2018. Jim McGuinness’s eyes are likely to be fixed on Gaoth Dobhair’s Odhran MacNiallais who may well be convinced to come back for another try with the county. As for the outcome, there is a reason why Naomh Conaill are in their seventh consecutive final.

Verdict: Naomh Conaill

FERMANAGH SFC FINAL Derrygonnelly v Erne Gaels Brewster Park, 2.0

Erne Gaels are seeking a first title win since 1981. When these teams met in the group, Derrygonnelly won by a goal. The margin may be bigger here.

Verdict: Derrygonnelly

MONAGHAN SFC FINAL Inniskeen v Scotstown Clones, 3.30

Inniskeen are seeking to bridge a 75year gap since the last of their six championship wins. Their misfortune is they are facing a genuine powerhouse in Scotstown who are appearing in their 11th consecutive final.

Verdict: Scotstown

TIPPERARY SFC FINAL Clonmel Commercials v JK Brackens

Thurles, 3.30

JK Brackens may be attempting to win their first title but a fourth title in five years will see Clonmel join Fethard at the top of Tipperary football’s roll of honour.

Verdict: Clonmel Commercials

LOUTH SFC FINAL

St Mary’s Ardee v Naoimh Mairtin Dowdallshill, 3.30

Naomh Mairtin had four points to spare when the teams met in the 2020 decider, but nothing can alter the sense that the momentum these days is very much with defending champions Ardee.

Verdict: St Mary’s

DUBLIN SFC FINAL

Kilmacud Crokes v Ballyboden St Enda’s

Parnell Park, 4.0

All-Ireland champions Kilmacud are seeking to become the first since Na Fianna (1999-2001) to complete three in a row, but they will have to toil for it. They were less than impressive in scraping past Raheny in a penalty shoot-out, while in contrast Ballyboden looked like a team on a mission when putting St Jude’s to the sword.

Verdict: Ballyboden

KILDARE SFC FINAL Celbridge v Naas

Netwatch Dr Cullen Park, 4.0

Naas can become the first in 71 years to complete three in a row, last achieved by Sarsfields (1950-52).

The likelihood is they will do just that against a Celbridge side who are seeking to bridge a 15-year gap since their first and only title to date.

Verdict: Naas

WICKLOW SFC FINAL Blessington v Rathnew Aughrim, 2.30

Rathnew will be hoping for a repeat of their last championship win when they beat Blessington in 2017. However, Blessington will not go quietly.

Verdict: Blessington

LEINSTER SFC FIRST ROUND

St Loman’s (Westmeath) v Shelmaliers (Wexford)

Cusack Park, 2.00

The fact that Shelmaliers have just a seven-day turnaround from claiming the Wexford championship makes this cut and dry.

Verdict: St Loman’s

Tullamore (Offaly) v Summerhill (Meath)

O’Connor Park, 2.00

Question marks over whether Summerhill have got their feet back on the ground after a first Meath title in 10 years and home advantage for Tullamore, makes for a more persuasive case for the Offaly champions.

Verdict: Tullamore

HURLING CLARE SHC FINAL Clonlara v Crusheen Cusack Park, 2.0

Colm Galvin might be gone from the Clare senior hurling set-up but he’s shown with Clonlara that he’s lost none of his class and ball-striking ability. With brother Ian and county figurehead John Conlon adding experience to go with plenty of emerging talent, they can get the job done.

Verdict: Clonlara

DOWN SHC FINAL Portaferry v Ballycran Páirc Esler, Newry, 4.0

Putting 3-13 on the same opposition to win back in August didn’t exactly make up for last year’s agonising final defeat but will give Ballycran confidence that they can hold their nerve when it matters most here.

Verdict: Ballycran