Saturday

All-Ireland SFC B

Semi-Final

Tipperary v Fermanagh, Templemore, 2.0

Tipperary, with a new manager to impress, have the advantage on Fermanagh, who are short the Enniskillen Gaels contingent - on duty in the Ulster club final.

Club Championships

Munster SFC semi-final

UCC (Cork) v Rathgormack (Waterford), Pairc Ui Rinn, 2.30

The close-fought victory over Nemo in last weekend's Cork replay should lay to rest the notion that third-level college teams - for all the other charges levelled at them, eg. attracting students from neighbouring counties - lack the stomach for big occasions. The loss of Micheal Cronin and Michael D Cahill to intermediate championships with their home clubs shouldn't be taken lightly against a Rathgormack team which gave Laune Rangers a fright three years ago. Still, UCC have been operating at a higher level and should prevail despite the feisty Waterford side's impressive showing against last year's Munster finalists, Moyle Rovers of Tipperary.

Sunday

Club Championships

Connacht SFC final

Roscommon Gaels (Roscommon) v Crossmolina (Mayo), Dr Hyde Park, 2.30

Mayo clubs have done well in this championship in recent years and Crossmolina are looking to be the county's fourth winners in seven years. They are a reasonably strong combination with a good number of intercounty players at one level or another. Kieran McDonald's suspension is a blow, but Crossmolina are better-equipped than many clubs to compensate, and anyway Enda Lavelle was the prime mover in the forwards during the win over Killererin. Roscommon Gaels are hefty opposition, with Fergal O'Donnell a prominent influence. Clifford McDonald pivots the attack rather than the defence (his intercounty position) and they have added a couple of nimbler ball-players to the team which lost to Ballina in last year's final. Even though Roscommon have home advantage, Crosmolina, with the Nallen brothers James and Tom directing traffic from midfield and centre back respectively, are narrowly favoured.

Ulster SFC Final

Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) v Enniskillen Gaels (Fermanagh), Clones, 2.30

No matter how young a club side may be, this championship is an attritional business. Crossmaglen's phenomenal record of two All-Irelands in three years is made all the more remarkable by the virtually non-existent turnover of players. Their economy of style has contributed to this longevity but fatigue has to be a major worry after a battle to retain the county title and reach the provincial final.

Enniskillen have momentum. They have already defeated two clubs from the All-Ireland roll of honour (even if Burren's and Bellaghy's victories were in different eras) but the reigning champs will be tougher nuts to crack. Forward-looking and hardrunning, the Fermanagh team have won matches in the dying minutes - a time zone normally the domain of Cross - and will pose a major threat. A thunderous prospect, with the holders getting a cautious nod.

Leinster SFC semi-finals

Na Fianna (Dublin) v Portlaoise (Laois), Newbridge, 2.30

Dublin's status as the Leinster county with greatest strength in depth in regard to clubs can be underlined if Na Fianna become the fifth club from the capital this decade to reach the provincial final. Portlaoise have a great tradition but a slightly callow look at the moment. If the Dubliners maintain concentration they should be able to overcome the absence of Jason Sherlock and Senan Connell and reach their first Leinster final.

Sarsfields (Kildare) v Kilanerin (Wexford), Dr Cullen Park Carlow, 2.15

Sarsfields have a reasonable supply of intercounty names and a substantial win over Meath nominees Dunboyne under their belt. Kilanerin have been in good form with their attack - and Mattie Forde in particular - prolific. Their short-passing style will be no great surprise to the Kildare champions but an interesting match is on the cards with Sarsfields favoured.

Railway Cup

SH Final

Munster v Connacht, Thurles, 2.0

Connacht are generally good bets in this once they set their sights on winning it. Munster, however, have prepared well by presenting last season's medals in Limerick last night.

Meath SFC Final

Skryne v Dunshaughlin, Pairc Tailteann, Navan, 2.30

Skryne have Trevor Giles and John McDermott at the heart of their effort against rank outsiders Dunshaughlin. County championships are great levellers but blowing an obvious advantage through complacency isn't the most prominent of Meath characteristics.