Ian O'Riordan previews the weekend's games
(All matches 3.30pm unless stated, with extra-time if necessary)
Today
National Hurling League
Division One Relegation Semi-finals
Wexford v Laois - Nowlan Park
The argument goes that relegation play-offs are at least better than being left in limbo at this stage of the season - where Cork and Galway are now. Yet, they bring unwanted pressure as well, as team selections can't really afford to be compromised.
Wexford had to work hard to see off the challenge of Down last Sunday, suggesting manager Séamus Murphy can't be too pleased with his championship build-up. A good win over Laois, which appears on the cards, should improve the mood.
Down v Antrim - Omagh, 2pm
A useful preview to their meeting in the Christy Ring Cup in a few weeks. Antrim's progress has been far more notable than Down, who are still adjusting to new manager Seán Murphy.
Division Two Quarter-final (replay)
Meath v Mayo - Hyde Park
Meath seemed certain of their place in the semi-final last Sunday before Mayo's late goal-fest levelled it at 2-19 to 5-10, yet Meath should still recover from that surprise to progress.
Ulster Under-21 Football Final
Derry v Tyrone - Ballybofey, 2pm
The conveyor belt of underage talent in Tyrone continues and, while the county looks set to extend its remarkable record in this grade, Derry have a useful crop of their own this year and will ensure a taut contest.
Tomorrow
National Football League
Division One Semi-finals
Mayo v Galway - Castlebar, 2pm
So Ulster's reputation as the powerhouses of modern football hasn't held up in this particular league campaign, with Donegal's progression from the lower division providing their only presence in the play-offs. What that means for the championship season only time will tell.
Mayo's determined and deserved draw with Tyrone last Sunday was just enough to see them through, at the same time denying Tyrone by an equally narrow margin.
Mickey Moran has clearly developed one of the crucial elements of any team - consistency - and although Ciarán McDonald is ruled out of this one, Mayo's team play has been another of the more impressive aspects of their game. Peadar Gardiner's goal against Tyrone last week perfectly illustrated that strength, and David Brady's return in recent weeks helps compensate for McDonald's loss.
Galway, however, have developed a mean scoring machine of their own in the form of Micheál Meehan and Seán Armstrong. With Michael Donnellan also back on board, their hammering of Down is ominous for anyone meeting them right now and, while Mayo won't lack the confidence to take on their old rivals, Galway come into this game at greater speed.
Kerry v Laois - Killarney, 3.45pm
At least Mick O'Dwyer won't have to travel far from his Waterville home, although he'd probably prefer to be meeting his native county with a slightly better hand. Forward Chris Conway is forced out with a knee injury, and Barry Brennan has opted out for the rest of the year.
Corner back Aidan Fennelly is also missing with a hamstring injury, counterpart Pádraig McMahon is still doubtful because of a back injury, and O'Dwyer is also short of his under-21 pick. On the flip side, Billy Sheehan, the former Kerry minor, has been passed fit to start.
Kerry won't be at full strength either. Séamus Moynihan's return at centre back provides cover for the injured Mike McCarthy, but the most telling aspect of the Dublin tie was how once again they needed Colm Cooper to generate much of the scoring.
It's been a long while since Kerry enjoyed home advantage at this stage of the league. Jack O'Connor knows early and meaningful tests like this don't come around too often, and Kerry look ready to make the most of it.
Division Two Semi-finals
Donegal v Westmeath - Breffni Park
It took a lot of moving and shaking in Sunday's final round to throw up this pairing, but, now that they are here, Westmeath will want to be as competitive as possible.
Donegal, though, are clearly the in-form side at the moment. They weren't overly impressive against Roscommon last week, but with Damien Diver back on board they are a daunting outfit, and should set up a final date.
Limerick v Louth - Newbridge, 3pm
Although they couldn't quite maintain their 100 per cent record this has been a rewarding campaign for Louth. Promotion may have come a little earlier than expected, but the team is clearly making swift progress under new manager Eamonn McEneaney.
Limerick too have made notable progress under Mickey Ned O'Sullivan, and still have the backbone of the team that come so close to the Munster title two years ago. A Division Two title is just what they want - and can win - in the build up to the championship.
National Hurling League
Division One Quarter-finals
Tipperary v Offaly - Thurles, 2.15pm
Even Michael Babs Keating must have been wondering what was going wrong after a couple of difficult results early in the campaign. However, their 17-point win over Laois a fortnight ago ensured their safe passage to this quarter-final, and Keating is now able to name his strongest side of the season, which includes the Kelly brothers and full forward Micheál Webster.
Offaly, however, have raised their own ambitions considerably in recent weeks, spurred on by last Sunday's eight-point win over Waterford.
This does mark a big test for John McIntyre's young team, but teenage forward Joe Bergin looked fearless when putting 2-3 past Waterford, and he has good company in the likes of Alan Egan and Brendan Murphy. Still, Tipperary should just have the edge.
Waterford v Limerick - Thurles, 4pm
Waterford are no strangers to inconsistency, but their campaign to date has set new standards in unpredictability. Manager Justin McCarthy will be looking for major improvement here.
A good league campaign was always seen as vital for Limerick, and manager Joe McKenna won't want it to end here. Fourteen players (yes, 14) contributed to their 4-24 total against Antrim a fortnight ago and on that note alone they are unlikely to be stopped here.
Division Two Semi-final
Dublin v Westmeath - Navan, 1.30pm
Having completed their regular league campaign with a 100 per cent record, Dublin will want to go all the way and return to top-flight hurling next year.
Yet, Westmeath know the importance of this game too, aware that the sides meet again in the championship in five weeks. Their 2-17 to 2-10 win over Derry last Sunday indicates they are in fine form, and Dublin will need to be at their very best.
Division Two Relegation Semi-final
Wicklow v Kildare - Carlow, 2pm
Both these teams struggled through their league campaigns, but Kildare's superior scoring means they'll have enough to survive for another year.
Division Three Semi-finals
Donegal v Longford - Breffni Park, 2pm
As leaders of Division Three A, Donegal will be expected to win this, although Longford have shown similarly good form and won't make it easy.
Armagh v Louth - Castleblaney
Unbeaten in Division Three B, Armagh have both the confidence and ability to stay on course for promotion.
Shield Semi-Finals
Sligo v Cavan, Carrick-on-Shannon, 1.45pm - Sligo to progress over a winless Cavan.
Leitrim v Tyrone, Enniskillen, 3.30pm - Tyrone to do likewise over Leitrim.
