One of the more anticipated Leinster clashes of the colleges calendar is set for Dr Cullen Park, Carlow tomorrow when Good Counsel, New Ross play St Mel's of Longford in the quarter-finals.

But Good Counsel and St Mel's are on a particular mission this year. Both schools were stung by the progression of St Patrick's, Navan in last year's championship, and the chance to get another crack at the Navan school is sure to be eagerly sought.

Good Counsel - at the time All-Ireland champions - were the first to fall last year after a cutting semi-final went to extra-time, followed by the three-point crash of St Mel's in the Leinster final.

Whoever wins will most likely get to play All-Ireland champions St Patrick's in the Leinster final, presuming the Navan students get past St Peter's, Wexford in their quarter-final tomorrow.

The other quarter-finals should see Marist, Athlone bypass Moate Community School while the meeting of St Michael's, Trim and St Mary's, Mullingar promises to be a more closely contested affair.

The hurling championship takes off this weekend with two appetising Dr Harty Cup semi-finals. Munster champions and beaten All-Ireland finalists St Flannan's are in action on Saturday when they continue their quest for a fourth successive provincial title by facing Midleton at Buttevant. Thurles CBS meet St Colman's the following day in Clonmel.

Omagh CBS have become the first school to book their place in Ulster's MacRory Cup football semi-finals. They comfortably dismissed St Macartan's on Saturday, but St Patrick's, Armagh and St Michael's, Enniskillen will have to meet again on Saturday week after their quarter-final ended in a draw.