GAA football and hurling previews

Dublin SFC final

Ballymun Kickhams v St Vincents, Parnell Park, 3.00
Wherever and whenever the road ends, Ballymun's achievement in just making it back to the Dublin final deserves a tip of the hat. In the past 30 years, only the three-in-a-row Na Fianna side of the turn of the millennium got to a Dublin final the year they played in an All Ireland final. It's a testament to both will and constitution that they're still thriving.

Vincent's are here on the back of a stellar month from Diarmuid Connolly, Shane Carthy and Mossy Quinn. Yet it's hard to see the three of them getting enough space to do damage against a Ballymun side with arguably the meanest defence in the country – they've conceded just five goals in 15 championship games.
Verdict: Ballymun

Leinster SFC club first round

Longford Slashers (Longford) v Rathnew (Wicklow), Longford, 2.30
For two clubs who routinely farm their home county titles – Rathnew's latest was their 31st, Slashers' was their 16th – neither have made much of a recent impression on the Leinster championship. The combination of James Stafford's poise and the fizz of Leighton Glynn, back in harness after the best part of two years on the sidelines, ought to be enough for Rathnew to progress.
Verdict: Rathnew

Munster SFC club quarter-finals

Dr Crokes (Kerry) v Castlehaven (Cork), Killarney, 2.0
Potentially the game of the day, assuming that Castlehaven don't get caught in the headlights like they did in last year's Munster final. Crokes are likely to be in no mood to entertain them though, having turned the Kerry championship into a cakewalk with their fourth title on the bounce. This could well be their stiffest test this side of St Patrick's Day but they should have a few points to spare all the same.
Verdict: Dr Crokes

Ballinacourty (Waterford) v Dromcollogher-Broadford (Limerick), Dungarvan, 2.00
Gary Hurney's trojan attempts to keep Ballinacourty's flag flying hauled them through the county final against Stradbally but even with home advantage, they look to have a lot on their hands here. Seanie Buckley and Michael Reidy will do plenty of donkey work for the Limerick champions and exiled Cavan man Killian Phair has been a huge addition.
Verdict: Dromcollogher-Broadford

Tipperary SFC final

Aherlow Gaels v Loughmore-Castleiney, Semple Stadium, 2.30
Aherlow's tolerance for sentiment is likely to be low so Loughmore-Castleiney's hectic last six weeks can only be a negative here. That said, they probably have pound for pound the better side with the McGrath brothers Noel and John as crucial here as they were to the hurlers. But fatigue must play its part and with Barry Grogan on form for Aherlow, a second weekend of heartache in Semple could be on the cards.
Verdict: Aherlow Gaels

Ulster SFC club quarter-finals

Glenswilly (Donegal) v St Galls (Antrim), Ballybofey, 2.30
Tough one for Michael Murphy and Glenswilly. St Gall's are a hard-nosed, battle-sharp side who've won seven in a row in Antrim and were All-Ireland champions three years ago. CJ McGourty is as deadly a forward as there is when he's in the mood and Seán Kelly orchestrates from centre-back. If they hold Murphy, they hold Glenswilly.
Verdict: St Gall's

Roslea Shamrocks (Fermanagh) v Ballinagh (Cavan), Enniskillen, 2.30
While Ballinagh have no experience beyond the county boundary, Roslea's time in the Ulster championship has been brief on both occasions they've escaped Fermanagh recently. They get the vote here but it's tentative enough.
Verdict: Roslea

Kilcoo (Down) v Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh), Newry, 2.30
This tie hit the headlines for the wrong reasons last year and it's likely that there will be a certain amount of needle left over. Cross were never in significant trouble on the scoreboard last December and although they've lost Jamie Clarke, Oisín McConville and James Morgan in the meantime, they still set the standard in the province. They haven't lost an Ulster championship game since 2005 – it's hard to make a case for them starting now.
Verdict: Crossmaglen

Scotstown (Monaghan) v Ballinderry (Derry), Clones, 2.30
After a first Monaghan title in 20 years, Scotstown would have appreciated a gentler introduction to provincial fare than Ballinderry. The Derry side haven't done justice to their own domestic superiority in recent years and have the look of men on a mission to change the record.
Verdict: Ballinderry

Cork SHC final

Sarsfields v Midleton, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3.00
After a couple of disappointing semi-finals, it's accepted that the two best sides are in the final here. Midleton are breathing rarefied enough air for them, while Sars are looking to make it four titles in six years. In Michael Cussen, Cian McCarthy and Daniel Kearney, they likely have just too much firepower.
Verdict: Sarsfields

Leinster SHC club quarter-finals, Clara (Kilkenny) v Oulart The Ballagh (Wexford), Nowlan Park, 2.30
After years of subservience, Oulart have had the whip hand over Kilkenny clubs in the past two seasons and there's no reason to imagine they can't keep it going here.
Verdict: Oulart The Ballagh

Castletown Geoghegan (Westmeath) v Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow), Cusack Park, Mullingar, 2.30
Mount Leinster Rangers have been on a roll in Carlow and they ran Kilcormac-Killoughey reasonably close last year. Good chance of an away win.
Verdict: Mount Leinster Rangers

Camross (Laois) v Kilcormac-Killoughey (Offaly), Portlaoise, 2.30
The All- Ireland runners-up have done the hardest bit by retaining the Offaly title. They shouldn't find Camross a huge obstacle.
Verdict: Kilcormac-Killoughey

Clare SHC semi-final

Clonlara v Sixmilebridge Cusack Park, 2.30 (today)
Clonlara got a huge fright in the quarter-final and needed extra-time to find their way past O'Callaghan's Mills. They'll need to be on their guard against Sixmilebridge who have been in free-scoring form.
Verdict: Clonlara

Newmarket-on-Fergus v Ballyea, Cusack Park, 1.00 (tomorrow)
Ballyea's run to the semi-finals has been spirited but you'd have to expect it to end at the hands of the reigning champions here.
Verdict: Newmarket.