MUNSTER SHC FINAL
Ballygunner (Waterford) v Blackrock (Cork), Thurles, 2.00
It's 20 years since Mount Sion won Waterford's last Munster title. Astonishingly, Cork's record isn't much better and you have to go back to Midleton's 1987 win for the county's most recent provincial win. Blackrock look formidable challengers with three of Cork's All-Ireland winning defence, perennial score-getter Alan Browne at full forward and a good smattering of successful county under-21s. Despite a strong hand, the Cork champions faded alarmingly against Adare in the semi-final. The fact that that match was all of a month ago puts them at a disadvantage given Ballygunner's testing schedule over the same period.
That should stand to the Waterford side but when you look through the Blackrock team and see the strength of their half backs and the excellent form of captain Wayne Sherlock, there's a plausible argument that they're in a position to nullify their opponents' strengths up front. Throw in the threat Alan Browne poses to the rapidly maturing Alan Kirwan and the match looks a very close call, despite Ballygunner's more impressive campaign to date.
History can also play a role. Blackrock lead the All-Ireland club's roll of honour whereas Ballygunner have been disappointed in two recent finals and, if they exhibit any of the uncertainties that surfaced against Toomevara, the Cork side will have the swagger to exploit the situation.
Despite such reservations, Ballygunner have earned the favourites' status. Their experience at this level and the improvements to the team get them the vote - but a hesitant one.
LEINSTER SHC FINAL
Birr (Offaly) v Castletown (Laois)
Nowlan Park, 2.00
For such a familiar pairing there is an air of anticipation about tomorrow's Leinster final. This is explained by a number of factors. Firstly Castletown have been improving steadily and last year defeated Birr so the gap between the clubs has visibly narrowed.
The suspicion lingers that the Offaly champions were caught on the hop 12 months ago in the middle of a prolonged county championship, but Castletown's optimism rests on more than last season's win. New manager Paddy Kirwan (pictured) is from Birr and knows the opposition better than he knows his own players. The side has been playing well in winning their third successive Laois title, were emphatic winners over Faythe Harriers in the semi and have unveiled a prodigious talent in James Hoban. Yet, Birr look so powerful and were impressive in beating O'Loughlin Gaels. The timeless Joe Errity was excellent at full back and beside him John Paul O'Meara gave a Man of the Match display. Brian Whelahan anchors the defence. Johnny Pilkington switches effectively between the 40 and centrefield and the Hanniffy brothers combine physique and scoring potential. The loss of Simon Whelahan is a blow, but Birr still have an edge.
LEINSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL
Replay: Na Fianna (Dublin) v Sarsfields (Kildare), Navan, 2.00
In the eyes of most, this will decide the provincial title. Na Fianna glittered brightly for periods, stitching together good football, creating good chances and taking them. Sarsfields proved more resilient, dragging themselves back into the match more than once - even if the equalising free was a touch fortunate. The Dubliners are still reliant on a less-than-fully fit Des Farrell although Sarsfields had their own heroics with John Whelan playing through after sustaining a broken nose. Manager John Courtney has given the Kildare champions a harder edge and they have managed to do without Niall Buckley. Last week's recovery has given Sarsfields momentum, but Na Fianna created plenty of chances in the drawn match and may yet pull this out of the hat.
Rathnew (Wicklow) v Edenderry (Offaly), Newbridge, 2.00
Rathnew presumably feel as if they've been through the whole championship by this stage. Their win over Dunshaughlin was a tribute to their nerve under pressure, the ability to dig in and survive on meagre rations. The balance might have tipped towards Edenderry who have been waiting for three weeks for their opponents whose quarter-final saga might prove more draining than invigorating.
ALL-IRELAND SHC QUARTER-FINAL
Fr Murphy's (London) v Dunloy (Antrim), Ruislip, 2.00
Fr Murphy's have the experience of last year's quarter-final against Sixmilebridge, albeit that it ended in a trimming. It's nearly a full decade since the British representatives won a match in the All-Ireland series and Dunloy don't look candidates to help bridge that gap.
