Today

Leinster SHC quarter-final

Birr (Offaly) v Castletown (Laois) P Ahern (Carlow), Birr (2.30)

These two sides know each other intimately from previous encounters (most recently last year's final) . . . all of which means there are unlikely to be any surprises in store for either in this latest match, held over a week because of an unplayable pitch six days ago.

If anything, Birr and Castletown demonstrate the close-knit community spirit that is part and parcel of the club championship: Birr has the three Whelahan brothers as well as the Pilkingtons and the Haniffys in its midst while the Cuddys make up fully one-third of the Castletown team. Winter hurling being winter hurling, nothing is certain at this time of year. But Birr have been through so many battles down the years that you'd feel Brian Whelahan, Joe Errity et al will have enough firepower to win this one and book a semi-final meeting with Kilkenny champions GraigueBallycallan.

Tomorrow

(all games 2.30 unless stated)

Leinster SFC

Navan (Second Round - second replay): Dunshaughlin (Meath) v Rathnew (Wicklow), B White (Wexford), second replay extra time if necessary - Not that you would expect anything to be cosy between Meath and Wicklow, certainly in football matters, these two sides have been quite inseparable of late. This will be their third encounter in this particular championship campaign and, at this stage, the feeling is that only something special will secure victory for one side or the other. Who's most capable of producing the magic? Probably Rathnew, despite having to venture into alien territory again. The Wicklow champion have yet to score a goal in either of the two previous meetings. If they manage to find a way through the Kealy clan inspired Dunshaughlin defence tomorrow, it could be the difference.

Pearse Park: Abbeylara (Longford) v Na Fianna (Dublin), N Cooney (Offaly) - Something of a David and Goliath match, the rural club against the big city club. Abbeylara may be newcomers to this level of competition but they are by no means out of their depth, as a previous round win over Laois's St Joseph's proved. On this occasion, however, the suspicion is that Na Fianna - with their healthy sprinkling of Dublin and Armagh inter-county players - will prove too strong and move onwards in defence of their provincial crown.

Tullamore: Rhode (Offaly) v Newtown Blues (Louth), J Rutherford (Dublin) - If Newtown Blues proved anything from their first outing in the competition, a win over St Anne's, it is that they are unlikely to lie down . . . even when the odds are against them. With Colin Kelly providing the inspiration in attack, the Louthmen could well upset the odds this time round against a Rhode team who earned the right to represent Offaly in a hard-fought play-off with Edenderry that resulted in five players being sent-off recently.

Dr Cullen Park: O'Hanrahan's (Carlow) v Coralstown/Kinnegad (Westmeath), J Smith (Meath) - With a provincial semi-final place at stake, neither team will require much extra incentives. Coralstown/Kinnegad were nominated by the Westmeath board to represent the county and their only previous provincial experience came back in 1995 when they lost to Eire Og. A chance for a sort of revenge?

Connacht SFC semi-final

Crossmolina: Crossmolina (Mayo) v Bunninadden (Sligo), E Stenson (Leitrim) - Every year, this championship throws up a surprise . . . and Bunninadden, having their first ever outing in a provincial championship, couldn't have asked for a bigger task than to come up against the holders. The Sligo club won their first county title since 1891 last month and are hoping to continue their remarkable run. It's hard to see Crossmolina falling, however.

Ulster SFC final

Clones: Errigal Ciaran (Tyrone) v Bellaghy (Derry), P McEneaney (Monaghan) (3.0) - A genuine toss-up this one. And, despite the fact that the two clubs are old hands in the provincial championship, this is new ground for both: they haven't met previously in the competition. With no baggage, apart from the inevitable Tyrone-Derry rivalry, this promises to be an exciting encounter as Errigal Ciaran go in search of their first Ulster title since 1993 and Bellaghy chasing their first since 1994. Bellaghy lost both the 1996 and 1998 finals to Crossmaglen and, obviously, will be hoping that their misfortune in even-digit years won't be maintained. However, Errigal Ciaran have shown an ability to match skill with passion so far in the campaign and may edge home.

Munster SHC quarter-final replay

Limerick Gaelic Grounds: Toomevara (Tipperary) v Patrickswell (Limerick), P Moore (Waterford) (2.0) - Toomevara have walked a tightrope in progressing to this stage of the championship, but their luck may be running out. With marksman Tomas Dunne ruled out of this replay because of suspension, and a further injury worry hanging over Paddy O'Brien, the pendulum may be swinging in the direction of Patrickswell who have the added assistance of home advantage.

The Galway county football final between Corofin and Killanin at Tuam Stadium tomorrow will be televised live on the GAA Beo programme on TG4, starting at 2.20 pm.