Railway Cup SF

Semi-final replay, Ulster v Connacht, Clones, 2.00 - Connacht, by all accounts, went close to emulating last year's success against Munster but were caught late by Tony Boyle. The western province see no need to alter last week's line-up, whereas Ulster make only a couple of changes, and one is forced by Mickey Linden's prior engagement with Down, but it confirms the impression of greater resources. Anthony Tohill comes in at midfield and will be expected to counter the threat of David Brady, whose display went a long way towards getting Connacht back into the match in Roscommon. Tomorrow's fixture looks as competitive as the drawn match, but Ulster's changes suggest that they may have improved sufficiently to tip the balance.

National Football League

Section D (2.30)

Kildare v Cork, Newbridge - Despite initial impressions which suggested that Section C was the toughest group in the NFL, this section has proved a lot more competitive with four counties harbouring reasonable ambitions of finishing in the top two. Such ambitions will not survive tomorrow and stay reasonable in all four cases, and this match is the most compelling. League semi-finalists last season, the teams had contrasting championship experiences and have each lost their match against Down in the pre-Christmas programme. There isn't a great deal between them tomorrow, although Kildare's players looked in better shape than Cork's in the Railway Cup last weekend. Absentees also play a larger role in Larry Tompkins' world, with Colin Corkery just back in training, no sign of Liam Honohan and Damien O'Neill still rehabilitating. All of this plus home advantage point marginally to a Kildare win.

Clare v Down, Ennis - The likelihood of a quarterfinals contender shipping water in Newbridge will have greatest resonance here. Down's impressive pair of victories over the two front-runners has put them in pole position, but this trip is one that has bothered them in the past. Clare have been training well and impressed observers in their challenge against Cork last weekend. The suspicion here is for a home win.

Limerick v Wicklow, Limerick - Pointless Limerick are unlikely to find the new year any more rewarding, with only Waterford in March holding much hope of a win.

Waterford v Tipperary, Stradbally - For Waterford, see Limerick above, although the McGrath Cup win when the sides met recently will encourage them.