Saturday
Leinster Club SHC quarter-final - Knockbridge (Louth) v Faythe Harriers (Wexford), Knockbridge, 2.30.
The Wexford town side bridged a long gap in winning the county title last week. Veteran Larry O'Gorman played a major role in the victory and is joined by a handful of county colleagues and a corner forward called Mick Mackey. The team is well balanced with some decent forwards. They'll hardly be put to the pin of their collar but Knockbridge have achieved a good deal in the past couple of years and their win over Trim in the last round was a striking success. Earnest opposition but no surprises.
Munster club SFC semi-final - Drum-Broadford (Limerick) v Fethard (Tipperary), Drumcollogher, 2.30.
Fethard reached the Munster final four years ago and although they fell short that experience gives them an edge. Their opponents have benefited from the rising tide in Limerick football, most obviously in the person of Jason Stokes. Despite that, the Tipperary champions are stronger and have momentum.
Sunday
Connacht Club SHC final - Four Roads (Roscommon) v Clarinbridge (Galway), Athleague, 2.0.
A tricky task for Galway champions Clarinbridge. As manager John McIntyre points out, Four Roads have the best track record of the clubs from weaker counties in the west and won the title 12 years ago. Clarinbridge's inexperience at this level should be enough to guard against complacency.
Leinster Club SHC semi-final - O'Loughlin Gaels (Kilkenny) v Birr (Offaly), Carlow, 2.0.
When the Whelahan family was honoured during the week for their contribution to the club championships by sponsors AIB, it was easy to forget they're still a viable proposition. Two All-Ireland titles have already been taken back to Birr and with the dearth of experienced clubs in this year's championship, the midlanders may be forgiven for fancying themselves. O'Loughlin Gaels are out of Kilkenny for the first time with a thumping win over Craobh Chiarβn under their belts. Assuming Birr still have the appetite for this, they deserve to be favourites.
Leinster Club SFC quarter-final replay - Dunshaughlin (Meath) v Rathnew (Wicklow), Navan, 2.15.
Dunshaughlin won't get many better chances to win than the last day when the Wicklow side hauled themselves back into contention. Rathnew won last year's saga but the feeling is the tide will turn.
Munster Club SHC semi-final - Toomevara (Tipperary) v Ballygunner (Waterford), Thurles, 2.15 (Live on TG4).
This promises to be an interestingly edgy affair. Both clubs have hatfuls of county titles in recent years but have been drawing blanks in the province as Clare sides have dominated since the mid-1990s. Ballygunner did well to get the Clare monkey off their backs a couple of weeks ago. Paul Flynn is still their most obvious asset but Tipp acquisition Andy Moloney is a useful recruit. Last week Toomevara were excellent. That momentum and the overall strength of the side gives them an edge although they are less likely to get away with the serial inaccuracies of the first half against Thurles Sarsfields.
