Kilmacud Crokes will defend their All-Ireland Club Football Sevens title when they host the 26th edition of the seven-a-side tournament on Saturday. Forty-eight teams from the four provinces will compete for the title in what has become a traditional curtain-raiser on the eve of the All-Ireland football final. Most of the leading clubs in the country will be represented, with some counties having several clubs carrying the banner in the packed one-day tournament. The competition is will have 12 groups of four competing on a league basis, guaranteeing each club a minimum of three matches. The knockout stages then decide the final two teams. The final will be played at the Glenalbyn Ground at 6.00 p.m.

"Once again it looks as exciting a prospect as any of its predecessors," says Pauric McMenamim, chairman of the Kilmacud Crokes football committee. "It brings together the football fraternity from every corner of the country and continues to be one of the most coveted prizes in the club calender."

The tournament, sponsored by Beamish Stout, begins at 11.00 a.m. at both Kilmacud pitches, at Glenalbyn and Silverpark, as well as the sports grounds at Clonkeen College, Cabinteely and St Benildus College. "It's always a contest of great vigour," says McMenamin, "but it is also a celebration of the game itself and its ethos. We expect a big contingent of players and spectators from Galway and Kildare and indeed supporters from Laois and Tyrone who will be meeting in the minor final the following day."

Draw - Group 1: Corofin, Castlewellan, St Anne's, Ardara. Group 2: Ballinderry, Omagh St Enda's, Stabannon Parnells, Old Leighlinn. Group 3: Castleblaney Faughs, Clane, Garda, Galbally. Group 4: Ballyboden St Enda's, Loughinisland, Tourlestrane, Newtownbutler. Group 5: Kilmacud Crokes, Castledawson, Clonmel Commercials, Clan Na Gael. Group 6: Knockmore, Blessington, An Riocht, Sean MacCumhaill. Group 7: Castlehaven, Naomh Mearnog, The Nire, Allen Gaels. Group 8: Mullaghbawn, St Vincent's, Fethard, Fr Manning Gaels. Group 9: Adortown, O'Donovan Rossa, Moate, Sarsfields. Group 10: Bryansford, Leixlip, St Peter's, St Nicholas. Group 11: Downpatrick, Kilmainhamwood, Cooraclare, Padraig Pearse's. Group 12: Glen, Castleisland Desmonds, Stradbally, Kilanerin-Ballyfad.

Venues: Glenalbyn, Groups 1,2; Silverpark, Groups 3,4; Clonkeen College, Groups 5,6,7,8; St Benildus College, Groups 9, 10, 11, 12.