Gaelic Games

GAA club championship fixtures, throw-in times and TV details

Dublin football final one of the highlights on a busy day of club action on Sunday

Kevin McManamon’s meet Paul Mannion’s Kilmacud Crokes in the Dublin final on Sunday. Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho

Seán Moran's face
Seán Moran
Sat Nov 20 2021 - 08:00

ALL MATCHES SUNDAY

Connacht club SFC quarter-finals

Tourlestrane (Sligo) v St Kiernan's (London), Markievicz Park, 12.30 - Six-in-a-row Sligo champions Tourlestrane should have too much for Kiernan's who deposed champions Fulham Irish in an x-rated London final, which saw five red cards flashed.

Ballinamore Sean O'Heslin's (Leitrim) v Mountbellew-Moylough (Galway), Avant Money Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 1.30 - Ballinamore's great success in reclaiming Leitrim after 31 years has rather walked them into no-man's land but they have home advantage and opponents who won an historic title a week ago when downing three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions Corofin.

Leinster club SFC first round

Naomh Mairtin (Louth) v Rathvilly (Carlow), Geraldines, Haggardstown [Note venue change] 1.0 - Rathvilly are another side who produced an upset in a county final just last week for a first title in seven years. Naomh Mairtin backed up their first championship last year with another and now have the chance to compete in the province, which they can make count.

Mullinalaghta St Columba's (Longford) v Blessington (Wicklow), Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 1.0 - Mullinalaghta made history three years ago when winning Leinster but in the meantime they lost their title to Killoe and will be looking to make up for lost time. Blessington picked up Wicklow for the first time in nearly 40 years but will need to replicate their good start against Baltinglass to make a dent in the experienced hosts.

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Naas (Kildare) v Tullamore (Offaly), St Conleth's Park, 1.0 - Two clubs with hurling on their mind but Naas have hardly any dual players and played last week whereas Tullamore are due in a B final on Saturday with a handful of players involved in both. Tullamore did well to impose themselves in the Offaly replay having been dragged to a replay but Naas can take advantage of the wear and tear.

Ulster club SFC first round

St Eunan's (Donegal) v Glen (Derry), Letterkenny, 1.30 - A fairly high-brow meeting for the first round with Eunan's having home advantage after surprising Naomh Conaill for a first win in six years. Glen are a different story. The manner in which they devoured Slaughtneil in the Derry final suggested they are live contenders for provincial honours. One of the best coaches in the country, Malachy O'Rourke, is in charge and county footballer Conor Glass is in form. They came across each other at various stages under-age in recent years but Glen's time looks to have come.

Cork SHC final

Glen Rovers v Midleton, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3.0 - Midleton haven't won Cork since 2013 but Ger Fitzgerald and coach Ben O'Connor have wrought improvements. However, they'll need them given the sense of mission surrounding the Glen and Patrick Horgan, whose scoring exploits have fuelled them this year, after losing the last two finals. Midleton are well equipped themselves up front, as evidenced in a high scoring defeat of champions Blackrock. They may be a bit porous at the back to get over the hurdle here.

Dublin SFC final

Kilmacud Crokes v St Jude's, Parnell Park, 3.15 [Live, TG4]- Crokes are on a double in Dublin after the sensational hurling win last week. Paul Mannion's quality has dominated conversations about their progress to date but they're a strong collective and bounced out of the traps to put Ballyboden on the back foot from the word go in the much anticipated semi-final. Kevin McManamon's St Jude's have been a consistent presence in the latter stages of the championship without ever suggesting that they'll get over the line. They were better winners than expected in an odd semi-final with three penalties but Kilmacud's blend of experience, high-quality club players and the stardust of Mannion makes them deserved favourites.

Fermanagh SFC final

Derrygonnelly v Enniskillen Gaels, Brewster Park, 3.0 - Derrygonnelly lost last year's final having won the previous five so they're fired up for this against a talented, young Enniskillen side whose time will come but probably not yet.

Mayo SFC final

Belmullet v Knockmore, James Stephens Park, Ballina, 1.30 [Live, TG4]- Belmullet have come from more or less nowhere to reach a first final in 40 years. On one of those runs which picks up momentum as they build one unlikely win on another, they now come face to face with champions Knockmore for a second time this championship, as their improbable progress includes beating the holders in the group stages. This, however, is likely to give Ray Dempsey's team sufficient pause for thought - and revenge - to enable them win back-to-back titles.

Meath SHC final

Kiltale v Kildalkey, Páirc Tailteann, 2.0 - Kildalkey won the final two years ago after a replay but Kiltale look to be in better form this year.

Offaly SHC final

Coolderry v St Rynagh's, Bórd na Móna O'Connor Park, 2.0 - Rynagh's are favourites and looking to complete three-in-a-row in the county. They also won the group match between the teams and yet there's a sense that things have changed since then. Whereas the champions struggled in their semi-final, Coolderry were always in control against Shinrone. Any team on three-in-a-row can't be dismissed but the gradient looks like running against Rynagh's.

Tipperary SFC final

Clonmel Commercials v Loughmore-Castleiney, Semple Stadium, 2.30 - Loughmore's endless season was further prolonged by last week's hurling final draw and they may find themselves running out of steam against hot favourites Clonmel.

Waterford SFC final

Rathgormack v The Nire, Fraher Field, 2.0 - Rathgormack are out to make it two titles in three years but The Nire have impressed this season under the management of the ubiquitous Michael Ryan.

Westmeath SFC final replay

Garrycastle v St Loman's, TEG Cusack Park, 1.30 - Loman's late deliverance last week sets them up for a second shot here and they can record a first ever win over Garrycastle in a final, retain their title and have a go at Leinster, which they weren't able to do last year.