Saturday
Munster Club FC
Doonbeg (Clare) v Ballylanders (Limerick), Doonbeg, 3.0.
Munster champions Doonbeg will be strongly fancied to dispose of the Limerick champions as they begin the defence of their crown.
Sunday Ulster Club FC
Bellaghy (Derry) v St Eunan's (Donegal), Ballinascreen, 3.30.
There are two ways of viewing this match. Either a tired Bellaghy team, jaded after three excruciating games against Castleblayney are facing the well-rested Donegal champions, or else a finely-tuned Derry side are ready to steamroll a team who played their last championship game a month ago.
The truth probably lies somewhere in between. If St Eunan's have managed to keep their blistering form simmering, they will be tough work on Sunday.
Against Castleblayney, Bellaghy repeatedly proved their hard-nosed durability. Letterkenny's John Haran will need to be on his game to neutralise the high-flying Bellaghy midfielder Fergal Doherty.
This game should be emblematic of meetings between the two counties; St Eunan's play open and often short football, Derry are tightmarking, nippy and economical. They are also hard to beat.
Verdict: Bellaghy.
Cargin (Antrim) v Crossmaglen (Armagh), Clones, 3.30.
THE All-Ireland club champions will be fancied to make it through to yet another Ulster final tomorrow, but it won't necessarily be plain sailing. Cargin underlined their provincial intentions by dispatching Tyrone representatives Carrickmore in the previous round.
Meanwhile Crossmaglen creaked a bit against Cavan side Gowna in their previous outing, but they constantly show their pedigree and bottle. Oisin McConville coninues to excel. As against Ballina last march, they have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to close games in the final quarter and have too much experience for the Antrim side.
Verdict: Crossmaglen.
Munster Club HC
Ahane (Limerick) v Toomevara (Tipperary), Limerick, 3.0.
THE elite teams in both counties have again emerged from their local competition with their crowns intact and they each come into this game with a reasonable chance. However, Toomevara have been playing with a dash which has thus far eluded the Limerick champions. While Ollie Moran and Clement Smith provide the backbone to a sturdy Ahane defence, there remains a doubt as to whether the young midfield pairing of John Meskell and Sean O'Connor can shackle Tommy Dunne.
Verdict: Toomevara.
Connacht Club FC
Glencar-Manorhamilton (Leitrim) v Tourlestrane (Sligo).
VIRGIN territory for the Leitrim side who emerged from the county for the first time in 32 years. However, Tourlestrane have been one of the most consistent forces in the Sligo game in the 1990s. Manorhamilton will look to Aidan Rooney for scoring guidance, while Tourlestrane will rely on Gerry McGowan.
Verdict: Tourlestrane.
Munster Club FC
Rathgormack (Waterford) v Moyle Rovers (Tipperary).
DECLAN BROWNE, Moyle Rovers' brilliant attacker, has been the main source of optimism for football fans in the county but as a club they have real ability in the likes of Liam Cronin, Donal Foley and Derry Foley.
Rathgormack are on the rise in Waterford but they overcame Stradbally with defensive aptitude rather than any great attacking flair. The promising full-back unit will have their work cut out. Verdict: Moyle Rovers.
Leinster Club FC
Dromard (Longford) v Rathnew (Wicklow), Longford, 3.30pm, Rahthnew can prolong their season provided they keep tabs on Dromard forward James Martin.
Sarsfields (Kildare) v O'Hanrahan's (Carlow), Newbridge (3.30), O'Hanrahan's caused a surprise by silencing Carlow kingpins Eire Og - for a season at least - but they will be up against it tomorrow. Sarsfields to advance.
Kilanerin (Wexford) v Stabannon Parnells (Louth), Gorey (3.30pm), Kilanerin looked impressive in their county final win over Castletown, but they may find the Louth outfit too tough a prospect.
Athlone (Westmeath) v Railyard (Kilkenny), St John's Park, Kilkenny, 12.00, N Cooney (Offaly). Unless the early start catches Athlone napping, they should progress to the next round.
