Today’s PREVIEWS

Ulster Club SFC final

Gaoth Dobhair (Donegal) v Scotstown (Monaghan) Healy Park, 2.00 GAOTH DOBHAIR confirmed their quality in the four-goal mauling of Crossmaglen where their blend of youth and experience was underlined by Dáire Ó Baoill’s firsthalf hat-trick of goals.

In contrast, seeking a first Ulster title since 1989, Scotstown have been less than convincing, not least in scraping past Coleraine in the semi-final when they were forced to lean heavily on the kicking skills of Rory Beggan.

Of course, they have others to look to such as Donal Morgan, Darren and Kieran Hughes, Conor McCarthy and Shane Carey, but if Gaoth Dobhair get to grips with Beggan’s restarts a first Ulster title beckons.

Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair

Leinster Club SHC final

Ballyboden St Enda’s (Dublin) v Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) Netwatch Cullen Park, 2.00 JUST as Con O’Callaghan helped drive Cuala to glory, Colm Basquel is doing likewise for Ballyboden and underlined his class by scoring 3-3 against Coolderry in the Leinster semi-final.

Still, the challenge facing the Dublin champions, who are seeking their first Leinster title, is formidable against the province’s aristocrats Ballyhale.

With Henry Shefflin on the line, TJ Reid on the 40 and Colin Fennelly in a hot run of form – he put Basquel to shame by scoring 4-4 against Naomh Éanna – the Kilkenny side look set for a ninth provincial title. Verdict: Ballyhale Shamrocks