SATURDAY
All-Ireland club finals
IHC: Monaleen (Limerick) v Tooreen (Mayo), Croke Park, 7.0 – Live TG4
Two newcomers at this level with the Limerick men, who have bounced back to senior at the first time of asking, likely to have too much for Tooreen. Verdict: Monaleen
Gaelic Writers’ Association unveil 2024 personalities of the year and Hall of Fame entrants
Kilkenny’s Walter Walsh retires from intercounty hurling
Niall Grimley expects All-Ireland title defenders Armagh will have ‘target on their back’ this season
Paddy Tally appointed as Derry manager for three-year term
JHC: Ballygiblin (Cork) v Easkey (Sligo), Croke Park, 5.0
A year after losing by a point to Mooncoin, the Cork side are back and at full strength having retained their status. Their opponents were in the football final four years ago and are deep underdogs here. Verdict: Ballygiblin
FBD Connacht SF semi-final
Mayo v Galway, NUIG Connacht Air Dome, 5.30 – Live streamed by Connacht GAA
In edifying contrast with the carry-on in Leinster, the FBD is proceeding smoothly with all matches staged in the invaluable Air Dome. This semi-final sold out the limited capacity immediately with the old rivals circling each other warily at the start of a big year. Kevin McStay puts out a decent team against the All-Ireland finalists for whom Rob Finnerty and the returned Ian Burke shone against Leitrim. Verdict: Mayo
McKenna Cup (Ulster SF) semi-final
Cavan v Tyrone, Kingspan Breffni, 5.0
Dara McVeety, back with Cavan after three years, was the big difference in beating Armagh. The 2021 All-Ireland champions were pegged back for a draw against Derry but may focus on this a bit more tightly. Verdict: Tyrone
McGrath Cup Munster SF
Tipperary v Limerick, Fethard Community Astroturf Pitch, 2.0 – Limerick to maintain momentum. Verdict: Limerick
Walsh Cup Leinster SH
Westmeath v Antrim, Abbottstown, 2.0 – Antrim pushed Dublin whereas Westmeath found Galway too hot to handle. Verdict: Antrim
Dublin v Galway, Parnell Park, 5.0 – Both teams are in experimental mood, as Micheál Donoghue becomes the latest Galway manager to take on his old charges, under Henry Shefflin, who were impressive enough last week. Verdict: Galway
SUNDAY
All-Ireland club finals
IFC: Rathmore (Kerry) v Galbally Pearses (Tyrone), Croke Park, 3.30 – Live TG4
The concluding part of a Kerry-Tyrone double bill sees Rathmore, featuring current All Star goalkeeper Shane Ryan showing his poaching skills in attack, take on Galbally, home club of Kerry coach Paddy Tally. Verdict: Rathmore
JFC: Fossa (Kerry) v Stewartstown Harps (Tyrone), Croke Park, 1.30 – Live TG4
The David Clifford show rolls on for one more performance. Opponents Stewartstown were tested into extra-time before easing to victory against Clifden. This promises to be steeper. Verdict: Fossa
McKenna Cup Ulster SF semi-final: Down v Derry, Páirc Esler, 1.30 – Down to put it up to the Ulster champions. Verdict: Down
McGrath Cup Munster SF: Clare v Cork, Kilmurry Ibrickane, 1.30 – Cork have looked purposeful to date and can continue here. Verdict: Cork
Walsh Cup Leinster SH
Laois v Kilkenny, Rathdowney, 2.0 – Laois looking to develop on last week’s encouraging defeat of Wexford against understrength Leinster champions. Verdict: Kilkenny
Offaly v Wexford, Birr, 2.0 – Wexford will be smarting from the defeat in Mountrath and Offaly buoyant after pushing Kilkenny. Verdict: Offaly
Munster SHL round 2
Clare v Waterford, Cusack Park, 1.30 – David Fitzgerald brings his latest Waterford team home where old sparring partner Brian Lohan awaits, hopeful of maintaining his good record in the rivalry. Verdict: Clare
Cork v Limerick, Páirc Uí Rinn, 2.0 – The sides meet in rehearsal for opening night in next month’s league. Cork can raid successfully this weekend. Verdict: Cork
Kehoe Cup round 3: Wicklow v Kildare, Bray Emmets, 1.0; Down v Carlow, Abbottstown, 2.0.
