Compiled by IAN O'RIORDANand GAVIN CUMMISKEY
Today
Leitrim SHC Final (replay)
Cluainín Iomáint v Gortletteragh, Carrick-on-Shannon, 3.45pm – Two weeks ago it finished Cluainín 2-4 to 1-7 as favourites Gortletteragh needed an injury-time point from Cathal McCrann to force extra-time. Both sides could only muster a single point in the additional minutes so the expectation remains that Gortletteragh can get the job done today.
Wicklow SFC semi-final (replay) Rathnew v St Pat’s, Aughrim, 3.45 – This is the game that forces Leighton Glynn’s delayed departure to Australia for International Rules duty, as he himself hit the equaliser for Rathnew last week to force the replay.
Win or lose he’s okay to travel as the Wicklow board have deferred the county final until he returns, should Rathnew progress.
SUNDAY
Clare SHC final: Crusheen v Sixmilebridge, Cusack Park, Ennis, 3.30 – Defending champions Crusheen look like the team to beat once more, not least based on their semi-final win over Kilmaley – 2-15 to 0-13 – when veteran and 1997 All-Ireland winner David Forde helped himself to 0-5.
But they could be facing another Clare veteran as Davy Fitzgerald, who just last week was appointed manager of his native county, has been filling the Sixmilebridge goalkeeping position instead of first-choice Derek Fahy, who missed the last two games with a facial injury.
It’s not clear whether Fitzgerald or Fahy will start, but either way they’ll need a big game to hold off the Crusheen onslaught, and win a first county title for Sixmilebridge since 2002.
Galway SHC semi-finals
Gort v St Thomas, Athenry 2pm – That St Thomas overcame the mighty Portumna in the quarter-finals is worth noting but so is the fact Joe Canning and Andy Smith were suspended.
Gort will see this as a massive opportunity to end a 28-year famine. They last reached the final in 2008 and the influence of the amazingly successful minor manager Mattie Murphy could prove the difference.
Clarinbridge v Craughwell, Athenry, 3.30 – Clarinbridge required a replay to see off Mullagh but the defending All-Ireland champions must be keen to turn recent success into a dynasty despite the hurdle presented by their neighbours.
Kilkenny SHC final
Ballyhale Shamrocks v James Stephens, Nowlan Park, 3.30, M Flynn – Live TG4. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better sporting event in Ireland this weekend. Ballyhale are expected to take back the title they relinquished as they, mirroring the county side, sought five in a row last year.
Henry Shefflin is reportedly fitter and sharper than his All-Ireland final appearance in early September, having only returned to hurling in May.
Regardless, TJ Reid and Colin Fennelly will seek to drive into the heart of the 2005 champions defence – where Jackie Tyrrell will be waiting in the form of his life.
Eoin Larkin should also have a massive influence for The Village but the presence of Michael Fennelly and James “Cha” Fitzpatrick in the Shamrocks midfield should deliver a 14th county title.
Ulster SHC final: Ballycran (Down) v Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim), Casement Park, 3.0 – Loughgiel Shamrocks should underline their status as current kingpins of Ulster club hurling as they bid to retain the title, and collect their sixth in all.
Loughgiel have already beaten Kevin Lynch’s of Derry 2-18 to 1-5 in the semi-final, with Liam Watson scoring 1-7, while it’s a first Ulster outing for Ballycran, who are bidding to win the title for the first time since 1993. The Down men last reached the final two years ago where they lost to Dunloy (Antrim).
Galway SFC semi-final (replay) Salthill/Knocknacarra v Tuam Stars, Tuam Stadium, 2pm – There are national connotations to this result as if, as expected, Salthill/Knocknacarra progress then their captain Finian Hanley will not travel to Australia for the International Rules series. Seán Armstrong’s scoring ability should ensure the club’s gain is Ireland’s loss.
Mayo SFC Final
Castlebar Mitchels v Ballintubber, McHale Park, 3.30pm – Castlebar’s return as the dominant force in Mayo football may have to wait as the scoring threat of Cillian O’Connor and Alan Dillon should see a repeat of last year’s final result as the Moclair Cup stays in Ballintubber.
Mitchels captured their 27th title in 1993 and while it is expected to be close, the presence of midfielders Jason Gibbons and Michéal Hoban should ensure enough supply into the two dangermen as they seek only their second ever county crown. Tipperary SFC Semi-finals
Thomas McDonagh’s v Clonmel Commercials, Holycross, 2.0; Arravale Rovers v Moyle Rovers, Holycross, 3.30.
Tyrone SFC Final
Clonoe O’Rahilly’s v Dromore, Healy Park, Omagh, 4.0 – A third Tyrone final in four seasons for Dromore, who had a convincing win over Omagh in the semi-final to set up an attractive repeat of the 2008 final, against Clonoe O’Rahilly’s.
Dromore will start as marginal favourites but Clonoe looked pretty hot themselves in their semi-final, putting 1-13 past Derrylaughan to their 1-3, in what was a largely one-sided game.
There won’t be much between them, and Kevin Cassidy appears to have brought a new steely edge to Clonoe, who might thus cause the upset.
Waterford SFC Final
Stradbally v Ballinacourty, Fraher Field, 3.30 – Who can stop Stradbally? They’ve been the dominant force in Waterford football for the last decade and are now seeking that special three-in-a-row, although that’s not saying Ballinacourty can’t stop them, as they seek a second title in five years, and face their rivals in a repeat of last year’s final.
Key to Stradbally’s chances will be the performance of county hurler Michael “Brick” Walsh at midfield; he has been in superb form all season for the club and his man-of-the-match performance in the semi-final helped them to mount a stunning comeback to defeat the Nire in the semi-final.
Westmeath SFC Final (replay) – Garrycastle v Mullingar Shamrocks, Cusack Park, 3.30pm – Dessie Dolan’s Garrycastle, the 2/5 favourites here, very nearly let this slip in the drawn encounter when it required a late James Dolan point to salvage a replay.
They are seeking three in a row while trying to prolong Mullingar’s 11 -year wait for an 11th title.
The Dolan influence should ensure that agony goes on.
