Today’s PREVIEWS

Connacht SFC semi-final

Roscommon v Mayo, Dr Hyde Park, 1.30pm, Referee: D Gough (Meath)

A compelling contest given the sense that both are on an upwards trajectory, despite Mayo having traded places with their hosts in next year’s Allianz League. Roscommon, for once, also look the more settled side. The Smith brothers – Donie and Enda – and the impressive Cian McKeown, have been in excellent form and they will need to be here. Mayo, infused by the energy that the likes of Oisín Mullin, Eoghan McLaughlin and Tommy Conroy have brought to the team, have a different look – and perhaps a winning one – this winter. Verdict: Mayo

Leinster SFC quarter-finals

Longford v Laois, Glennon Bros Pearse Park, 1.30pm, Referee: S Hurson (Tyrone)

Laois, after their stunning great escape from League relegation, have the wind in their sails but Longford have a record for blowing even bigger ships onto the rocks.

And it is likely that they will be bristling a little as a result of the deserved criticism for their decision to concede a walkover to Cork in the final round of the League, but the Championship is their thing and they will prove it here.

Verdict: Longford

Wicklow v Meath, Aughrim, 1.30pm, Referee: C Branagan (Down)

Facing a Wicklow team with momentum, in Aughrim in the depths of winter could have a menacing feel to it, but such a situation can also be overstated.

The progress that Meath have made over the past 12 plus months has gone a little under the radar, but as they showed in the Super 8s last year and Division 1 this fragmented season, they are operating at a level where they are beyond being unnerved by today’s opposition.

Verdict: Meath

Offaly v Kildare, MW Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 5.30pm, Referee: D Coldrick (Meath)

Optimism for Offaly is hard to come by, especially after giving up 20 points to a Carlow side not known for blowing fuses on scoreboards.

And despite his stuttering start, the influence of Jack O’Connor (right) is beginning to have an impact on Kildare not least in how they are defending. The Lilywhites finished the League with three consecutive shut-outs – which is bad news for an Offaly team in dire need of finding goals.

Verdict: Kildare

Munster SFC semi-final Cork v Kerry, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4.00 pm, Referee: D O’Mahony (Tipperary)

Cork’s hopes extend to more than the law of averages – it is eight years since they last beat their rivals. Last year they went toe-to-toe with Kerry and Dublin and

displayed patience against Tyrone’s heavily-manned defence, which all suggests they are a comfortable top-eight team.

That said, Kerry are a top-three one and Páirc Uí Chaoimh’s excellent surface should allow them to showcase their superior skills.

Verdict: Kerry

Ulster SFC quarter-final Fermanagh v Down, Brewster Park, 1.30pm, Referee: B Cassidy (Derry)

These two teams have traded League status but Down would be well advised not to read too much into that after coming up from Division 3.

Despite being hampered by a Covid-19 outbreak, Fermanagh performed quite well but still couldn’t avoid relegation, so they may be due a change in fortune although Down still look the more likely. Verdict: Down

HURLING

Christy Ring Cup

Roscommon v Sligo

Waldon Park, 12.00

Referee: R Fitzsimons (Offaly)

Sligo GAA is still reeling from the effects of Covid-19 on the county squads while Roscommon will take heart from their comeback against Wicklow.

Verdict: Roscommon

Lory Meagher Cup

Cavan v Louth

Kingspan Breffni Park, 2pm Referee: C McDonald (Antrim) Verdict: Louth