Leinster SHC final

UCD (Dublin) v Graigue-Ballycallan (Kilkenny), Carlow, 2.15

There'll be a new name on the roll of honour tomorrow evening. This will be decided between the greater consistency of the Dublin club and the exceptional firepower of the Kilkenny champions.

Graigue's semi-final display was the more impressive as they rolled over the lively Castletown side which had eliminated Birr. A bit susceptible at the back, they will need to be wary of UCD's creativity in the half forwards and the dash of Brendan Murphy (if fit) and Michael Gordon in the corners.

Sean O'Neill lent a solidity to centrefield when brought on two weeks ago and should be in action earlier. Although there is a great deal of talent in a defence controlled by David Hegarty, UCD leaked too many chances against a limited St Anne's attack.

Graigue are concerned about the fitness of Denis Byrne, but have such strength up front that they are likely to make the chances count. And that is likely to be the difference between the teams.

Munster SHC final

Sixmilebridge (Clare) v Mount Sion (Waterford), Thurles, 2.0 IT'S now or never for Mount Sion. Waterford has come tantalisingly close to this title through the efforts of Ballygunner in recent years, but Clare clubs have always blocked the way.

Mount Sion got a particularly painful drubbing from St Joesph's Doora-Barefield two years ago and questions were raised about their stomach for this level.

They are, however, a stronger outfit this year and the 'Bridge don't represent the strongest challenge to have come out of Clare, yet the county is in line for a sixth successive club title.

The fitness of Niall Gilligan is a major concern for Sixmilebridge and in his absence - a decision won't be made on his participation until tomorrow - the attack poses a thin enough threat if we accept that John Reddan's talents won't be expressed in five points from play all the time.

The Clare champions' defence played well against Patrickswell. Still, you'd have fancied the Limerick side had Gary Kirby not been carrying an injury.

With Tony Browne, Ken McGrath and Micheal White floating around, the Mount Sion attack have the resources to convert opportunity. After all the close calls of recent years, this is a great chance for Waterford.

National Football League

(All matches at 2.0 unless otherwise stated

Division One A

Donegal v Louth, Ballybofey

Louth lost the momentum of their good start by losing at home to Roscommon. Tomorrow, with a growing injury list, they travel to take on a Donegal team which has played well in Mickey Moran's first matches in charge. Unlucky to be caught by Galway a fortnight ago, they should be good enough for this.

Galway v Offaly, Ballinasloe

Both sides are understrength, but have started reasonably well. The Holy Grail of four points before Christmas is well within the reach of each of them.

But Offaly have a bit of an edge with some of their first choices returning to action and more of a focus for the League. With Galway marking time until the break, the visitors are preferred.

Roscommon v Tyrone, Hyde Park

A good test for Tyrone, the form team of the moment. Roscommon showed a bit more of their mettle against Louth with Dolan and Lohan getting amongst the scores. Peter Canavan starts for Tyrone. Ciaran McBride and Chris Lawn are also back. Their points.

Division One B

Sligo v Cavan, Markievicz Park

Both sides have been quick out of the traps and have gone a long way to ensuring they stay in the top flight. Sligo are the more finished product and showed good resolve in seeing off (an admittedly understrength) Meath in a tight finish.

Val Andrews' team have already scalped Clare and Laois - likely relegation candidates - and have the warm feeling that they will be McKenna Cup champions for a further year as the competition isn't being run in 2001.

Meath v Fermanagh, Navan

After some early-season tinkering had failed to be accompanied by success, Fermanagh ignited in the B final last week and will come into this match in good spirits after a fine attacking display rubbed out Wicklow. Meath are in very experimental form and couldn't quite cope with a fired-up Sligo two weeks ago. They may pay the price for all this trialling once again tomorrow.

Clare v Derry, Cusack Park

As good an opportunity as Clare will get to land some points. Derry's trawl for new players - forwards to be specific - continues. Paul McFlynn is at full forward where he played Sigerson Cup for St Mary's, but is not apparently a candidate for long-term conversion from wing back. Clare have the Eire Og players available once again and can make this an instructive rather than a productive afternoon for the holders.

Laois v Mayo, Portlaoise

Bad start for Laois although they were unlucky in Derry, whereas Mayo have begun well. Hard to say whether anything new is happening for Pat Holmes, but they were convincing winners over Fermanagh. The usual problem of otherwise-engaged county champions continues to apply with the Crossmolina contingent not available to start although one or two may be called off the bench. Should be a home win.

Division Two A

Cork v Limerick, Pairc Ui Rinn

Repeat of lively championship encounter with Limerick returning to full strength. They'll give it a good crack but Cork should still survive. Antrim v Armagh, Casement Park

Brian White's forebodings about playing his toughest League matches with a decimated panel come to pass. Cork won as they pleased here two weeks ago. A pity because a full-strength Antrim would have made both the fixtures very competitive. Away win.

Leitrim v London, Carrick-on-Shannon, 1.0

Having paid the price for Galway's championship over-run the last day, Leitrim can return to winning with this match against (the presumably very well-behaved travellers of) London.

Westmeath v Wicklow, Mullingar

This fixture caused mayhem nearly two years ago, but this time it should be less fraught. Wicklow disappointed in the B final last week and may struggle again in the company of the ummm high-flying home side.

Division Two B

Monaghan v Carlow, Clones

Carlow are in the news again thanks to the club scene, but they also scored their first win in the league last time out. A repeat won't be as likely against Monaghan whose win over Kildare has revived thoughts of promotion. Kildare v Down, Newbridge

Down to win the battle of the ongoing experiments.

Tipperary v Wexford, Ardfinnan

Tom McGlinchey, the new Tipp manager, has taken on a big job as motivating the county before Christmas has traditionally proved impossible. Tomorrow, however, represents a good opportunity.

Longford v Waterford, Pearse Park

Home banker as top-of-the-table plays bottom.

John Hegarty was incorrectly stated to have been sent off during Wexford's defeat by Longford. He was in fact substituted. Team-mate Darragh Breen was given the line.