National Football League

Division One B

Mayo v Kildare, Castlebar, 1.30

Outside of the early passages of A Christmas Carol it would be hard to find such disgruntlement and ill-will at this time of the year. Both Mayo and Kildare have been kept back three weeks to fulfil this fixture - long after all the other boys have returned home for Christmas. It has had its benefits for the teams. Mayo had been under-strength because of the good club campaign of Crossmolina.Kieran McDonald returns after shooting all those fish in a barrel last week in Yorkshire. He is joined by James Nallen and Enda Lavelle who makes his debut after catching the eye in Crossmolina's march to next February's All-Ireland semi-final.

Kenneth Mortimer is injured, with his predecessor as captain Noel Connelly replacing him at corner back. Sarsfields' contingent are still not recovered from the Leinster final defeat by Na Fianna, but Cathal Sheridan and Anthony Rainbow make welcome re-appearances for the county.

So far, Mick O'Dwyer's team has had more success in assembling new talent for this campaign, particularly in the forwards, although the conversion rate in the last match against Derry was lamentable. Mayo also had an encouraging previous outing, against Fermanagh, but in the more demanding company of tomorrow's engagement, that promise may wither and die.

Oireachtas SHC Final

Galway v Kilkenny, Nenagh, 2.00

Contrasting approaches to this hurling showpiece from the finalists. Kilkenny field only three of the team which was pipped in last September's All-Ireland final whereas Galway send out their full Railway Cup contingent, fresh from last month's success. Most excitement seems to have been stirred by Glenmore's John Phelan coming in at full forward for Kilkenny.

Still, Galway have a more interested air about themselves.