Munster SHC Semi-finals

Ballygunnar (Waterford) v Na Piarsaigh (Limerick), Walsh Park, 2pm – There is an easy presumption that Na Piarsaigh will be sated by their first county title, but the presence of Kevin Downes, not to mention Shane Dowling and David Breen, will demand respect, even from the 2001 champions, who must be thinking of replicating the achievements of current Munster champions De la Salle.

Carrigtwohill (Cork) v Crusheen (Clare), Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm – Niall McCarthy’s small east Cork village could be dreaming of a memorable tilt at provincial honours and beyond or like Na Piarsaigh, simply content with a county championship. Crusheen look more capable of building on back to back county titles here.

Leinster SFC First Round

Summerhill (Meath) v St Brigid’s (Dublin), Páirc Tailteann, 2.30pm – Summerhill have been patiently waiting for their shot at the new Dublin champions, as their Meath final against Dunshaughlin was first played on October 3rd (although it did necessitate a replay, two weeks later).

They won’t lack incentive, having already waited 25 years to win back the Meath title. Adrian Kenny has been in excellent form, scoring 0-6 in the replay, but they’ll need something very special to break down the St Brigid’s defence, which just last Sunday, when winning back the Dublin title after eight years, limited St Oliver Plunkett’s to just 0-8, or 0-4 from play, despite the presence of the Brogan brothers Alan and Bernard.

Indeed there’s a momentum about St Brigid’s that looks the more unstoppable.

Portlaoise (Laois) v St Patrick’s (Louth), Portlaoise, 2.30pm – There shouldn’t be a whole lot between these two teams, and not just in terms of colours. Indeed their clash of green and white has forced a switch to county colours, with Portlaoise hoping that will not change their luck.

They’ve already created Laois history this season by winning a fifth successive county title, comfortably beating Graiguecullen in the final. Paul Cahillane and Craig Rogers lead an impressive attack, and home advantage should spur them on further.

Yet they won’t want to underestimate St Patrick’s, who boast Louth star Paddy Keenan, and looked determined when beating Newtown Blues, in a replay, when landing their first county title since 2007.

Athy (Kildare) v Edenderry (Offaly), Newbridge, 2.30pm – This is a big stage and occasion for both teams, starting with Athy, who are back in the Leinster championship for the first time in 24 years.

Their victory over Carbury in the Kildare final saw James Eaton and Cian Reynolds notch up impressive scores, with Michael Foley also making a big impact in defence, and the home venue should excite further progress.

Edenderry won back the Offaly title for the first time in 10 years, with a one-point win over Clara. Managed by former Offaly star Peter Brady, they’re a very young team (10 of the starting county final team were under 23), so win or lose tomorrow the future still looks bright.

Garrycastle (Westmeath) v Longford Slashers (Longford), Mullingar, 2.30pm – This is actually a repeat of last year, when the Westmeath champions won the same first round tie by a single point – and there’s nothing to suggest they’ll be any more or less between the teams this time.

Garrycastle needed a replay to get past Mullingar Shamrocks in the Westmeath final, while Longford Slashers retained their county title with a one-point win over Clonguish.

Still, there’s something a little more classy about Garrycastle, thanks to the enduring presence of Dessie Dolan, which should be enough to see them through.

Leinster SHC Semi-finals

Oulart-the-Ballagh (Wexford) v Clough/Ballacolla (Laois), Wexford Park, 2.30pm – Kilkenny clubs have won seven of the last eight Leinster titles, including the last three, but Oulart-the Ballagh put an end to that run by beating a well fancied James Stephens last Sunday, 2-12 to 0-15.

Coached by newly appointed Wexford manager Liam Dunne, Oulart also won a third successive county title this year, and look intent on pressing for provincial honours – all of which should make for a very difficult challenge for Clough/Ballacolla.

Ballyboden St Enda’s (Dublin) v Coolderry (Offaly), Parnell Park, 2.30pm – There’s an interesting backdrop to this game in that Ballyboden St Enda’s, who recently collected a brilliant fifth successive Dublin hurling title, are managed by Liam Hogan, the Offaly man who has actually dedicated much of his life to Coolderry.

Hogan promises to put his county allegiances aside, and will need to, as Ballyboden once again start without long-term absentees Conal Keaney and Stephen Hiney, with David Sweeney only now coming back to fitness.

Coolderry retained the Offaly title by beating the perennial favourites Birr 2-14 to 0-16, with Damien Murray scoring 0-8, and certainly won’t have any fear of the Dublin champions, who will call on every little detail that Hogan can reveal.

Ulster SFC Quarter-finals

Roslea (Fermanagh) v Burren (Down), Brewster Park, 2.30pm – The presence of quality players like Kevin McKiernan, Donal O’Hare and Gerard McCartan should guarantee safe passage for Burren.

Glenswilly (Donegal) v Latton (Monaghan), Páirc MacCumhaill, 2.30pm – If Latton are to stop Glenswilly they must conjure up a method of containing Michael Murphy. The Donegal captain is poised to dominate this contest and keep his marvellous year alive for a few more weeks.

Ulster SFC Semi-final

Ballinderry (Derry) v Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh), Casement Park, 2.30pm – This meeting of two giants of Ulster club football has gone the way of Crossmaglen in recent times. The All-Ireland champions are without Paul Kernan but Jamie Clarke tends to ensure the scores will come.

The Derry men boost national figures in Kevin McGuckin, Enda Muldoon and Conleith Gilligan, but Cross’ are masters of these winter outings.

Wicklow SFC Final

Rathnew v St Mary’s, Aughrim, 2pm – After a lull in their county championship dominance (no title from 2006 to 2009) Rathnew are closing in on another three in a row. Considering coach Harry Murphy leaves to take charge of the county panel and the mere presence of Ireland international Leighton Glynn, it’s hard to see past a 31st title for Rathnew.