Weekend previews

Compiled by SEAN MORAN

Compiled by SEAN MORAN

Today

Dublin SFC Semi-final

St Oliver Plunkett’s v St Brigid’s, Parnell Park, 6pm – West-county derby that should go the way of Plunkett’s against a Brigid’s team still in the process of regeneration.

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Tyrone SFC Semi-final

Carrickmore v Omagh, St Enda’s, Pomeroy, 4.30pm – Postponed from last week because of legal wrangling over Omagh’s many defensive suspensions, this is still Carrickmore’s to lose.

Laois SFC Semi-final

Portlaoise v Stradbally, Portlaoise, 7.30pm – Postponed because of the sad passing of Peter McNulty, this will be an emotional afternoon for the champions but they remain strong favourites to advance to meet Arles-Kilcruise.

Leitrim SHC Final

Gortletteragh v St Mary’s- Kiltoghert, Carrick-on-Shannon, 5pm – Gortletteragh are unlikely to half the champions’ pursuit of a 12th successive title.

Longford SHC Final

Wolfe Tones v Clonguish, Pearse Park, 4.30pm – Clonguish are expected to push Wolfe Tones all the way but the champions should still notch up a fourth straight title.

Tomorrow

Cork SHC Final

Glen Rovers v Sarsfields, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4pm – Having powered past Midleton in the quarter-finals, Glen Rovers come up against the 2008 champions, who will be happier with the unseasonal fine weather.

The Glen haven’t reached this stage since 1991 when 18,000 watched them go down against Midleton but have had a good season, combining strength and forcefulness with Patrick Horgan’s at times sensational finishing.

Butt Sarsfields look more consistent and have the forwards to capitalise on Glen’s occasionally chaotic defending.

Kilkenny SHC Semi-finals

Erin’s Own v Carrickshock, Nowlan Park, 2pm; Ballyhale Shamrocks v O’Loughlin Gaels, Nowlan Park, 3.30pm – All-Ireland champions Ballyhale and Carrickshock are hot favourites to contest the final. Given Ballyhale’s strength and proven ability to win the title even without Henry Shefflin and the hitherto latent abilities of Carrickshock, hoping to reach a first final since winning their last county in 1951, that’s no surprise.

FBD League SF Final

New York v Mayo, Rocklands, New York, 4pm – James Horan gets an early outing as Mayo manager in this faraway fixture.

Mayo SHC Final

Ballyhaunis v Tooreen, Ballyhaunis, 3pm – On the verge of three-in-a-row, Ballyhaunis are favourites even with Keith Higgins struggling to recover from injury.

Wicklow SHC Final

Carnew v Glenealy, Aughrim, 3.30pm – Holders Carnew may be vulnerable in tomorrow’s meeting of Wicklow hurling’s big two.

Galway SHC Semi-finals

Clarinbridge v Tynagh-Abbey/ Duniry, Athenry, 2pm; Portumna v Loughrea, Athenry, 3.30pm – Holders and favourites Portumna come up against the last club to defeat them in the county, four years ago.

Clarinbridge should shade the other semi-final against opponents with a good defence.

Wexford SHC Final

Oulart-The Ballagh v St Martin’s, Wexford Park, 3pm – Favourites Oulart won’t be complacent against the club that surprised them in the 2008 final and who have such inter-county talent like Eoin Quigley and Diarmuid Lyng.

But the holders, who have been winning their matches by an average of nearly 20 points, can make amends for two years ago,

Dublin SFC Semi-final

Kilmacud Crokes v St Vincent’s, Parnell Park, 4pm – The clubs who won two of the past three All-Ireland titles meet in the county semi-final, neither thriving as much as in their pomp. Vincent’s may feel the effects of a midweek replay win over holders Ballyboden, while Ger Brennan is an injury doubt. Kilmacud to progress narrowly.

Cork SFC Semi-final

Clonakilty v Nemo Rangers, Páirc Uí Rinn, 7.30pm – Champions Clonakilty come up against the side most fancied to relieve them of their title. Nemo have progressed smoothly whereas the holders have had to come through more competitive tests, most recently against Duhallow.

The city side’s experience and quality should see them through.

Carlow SHC Final

Naomh Moling v Mount Leinster Rangers, Dr Cullen Park, 3.45pm – Mount Leinster Rangers should retain their title against the opponents they have beaten twice in recent county finals.

Clare SFC Final

Doonbeg v Liscannor, Cusack Park 3.30pm – Doonbeg beat All-Ireland finalists Kilmurry in the semi-final, removing the club which spoiled Liscannor’s most recent finals in 2008 and ’02.

Doonbeg can prevent their opponents winning a first title.

Kerry SHC Final

Ballyduff v Lixnaw, Tralee, 3.30pm – Lixnaw upset Anthony Daly’s Kilmoyley in the semi-finals but Ballyduff are capable of refreshing their place on the roll of honour.

Monaghan SFC Final

Clontibret v Magheracloone, Inniskeen, 3.30pm – Clontibret go for back-to-back titles. Magheracloone are unbeaten to date but needed a replay to get past Scotstown. Although Tommy Freeman is the top scorer for the challengers, they also have a tight defence and are less dependent on him than Clontibret are on Conor McManus and they can regain the trophy last won in 2004.

Waterford SHC Semi-finals

Lismore v Ballygunner, Fraher Field, 3.30pm; Passage v De La Salle, Walsh Park, 3.30pm – After last year’s dramatic, replayed final both Lismore and Ballygunner have lost players to retirement but the Gunners have bounced back impressively and should take their title defence to the last day.

Passage, fired by Eoin Kelly’s scoring exploits and with Noel Connors available to go head-to-head with De La Salle’s John Mullane, can join them.

Kildare SHC Final

Celbridge v Coill Dubh, Newbridge, 3.30pm – Celbridge have the wherewithal to repeat last year’s victory over Coill Dubh.

Laois SHC Final

Camross v Rathdowney/Errill, Portlaoise, 4pm – Rathdowney- Errill beat the champions Clough-Ballacolla in the semi-final and on that form, have to be taken to beat Brian Whelahan’s Camross.

Meath SHC Final

Kildalkey v Kilmessan, Navan, 4pm – The clubs that have shared the past two titles meet again with Kildalkey just about favoured.

Offaly SFC Final

Rhode v Clara, Tullamore, 4pm – Having ambushed holders Rhode 12 months ago to win the title, Clara have kicked on in the interim and, with Thomas Deehan in fine form up front, can prevail again.

Roscommon SHC Final

Four Roads v Pádraig Pearses, Athleague, 3.30pm – Four Roads are favourites to clinch the three-in-a-row.