Saturday

Dublin SF Championship Final: Na Fianna v St Brigid's (Parnell Park, 3.30) - Na Fianna hope to make amends for last year's final defeat by Kilmacud Crokes, but they have to be worried by a young, if unproven Blanchardstown side. The sides made it this far in very different circumstances: St Brigid's battled for a one-point win over Ballyboden, while Na Fianna, to everyone's surprise, cruised through a disappointingly tame encounter with Kilmacud, who lacked the sharpness they displayed last year.

It is arguable that a sterner test might have been of more benefit to Na Fianna this afternoon. But they have a wealth of talent and are expected to emerge as Dublin's Leinster representatives this season.

Jason Sherlock has at last rediscovered the zest and imagination which saw him briefly redefine the possibilities of GAA stardom in 1995, while Mick Galvin is kicking points as freely now as in his heyday. Armagh stars Des Mackin and Keiran McGeeney significantly bolster a side which includes the highly regarded Thomas Lynch, upcoming defender Peader Andrews and the rangy Karl Donnelly. Dessie Farrell remains the linchpin in the attack.

Declan Darcy files the glamour flag for St Brigid's, but as a unit they have looked highly organised and substantial all season and have youth enough to allow them not to care a damn for reputation.

While their defence is structurally watertight, question marks have been asked about the fluency of their attack. They may be undone by an inability to mach the Na Fianna firepower.

Verdict: Na Fianna.

Sunday

Munster Club SH Championship: Ballygunner (Waterford) v Lixnaw (Kerry), (Tralee, 2.30) - Ballygunner have been twiddling their thumbs while awaiting a victory in the engrossing Kerry drama between Lixnaw and Crotta O'Neills, which went to a replay.

Despite that heartening win, and the fact that this match is in Tralee, this game could well be a chastening experience for the Kerry champions.

Waterford's early championship exit has left its stars fresh for club activity. Ballygunner boast marksman Paul Flynn, the redoubtable Stephen Frampton, Fergal Hartley, Tom Fives and Billy O'Sullivan among their ranks.

Inter-county defender Pat Cronin - who fired the winning point against Crotta O'Neills - leads the Kerry challenge along with Maurice McCarthy, Trevor McKenna and Michael Conway.

But overall, it is hard to see Lixnaw matching Ballygunner's strength in depth.

Verdict: Ballygunner.

Ulster SF Championship Replay: Castleblayney (Monaghan) v Bellaghy (Derry), (Omagh 3.30) - Anticipation will be at fever pitch around mid-Ulster tomorrow as this fixture enters the realm of Roy of the Rovers (as Gaeilge, of course). Eight minutes into injury time of last week's first replay, 'Blayney's Kieran Tavey fired an equaliser to force a third game from a fascinating encounter.

Castleblayney led at half time thanks to a penalty from Pauric McDonald and clung onto that advantage until late in normal time, when Jude Donnelly and John Mulholland hauled Bellaghy back into the game with late scores.

It promises typical Ulster fare: tight, uncompromising, rarely pretty.

Blayney have shown resilience to complement the skill of the likes of Peter Duffy, Tavey and Dermot McArdle, but Bellaghy, expected by many to dispense with their opponents the first time of asking, have more in reserve. They will be expected to seize the initiative early and chances are that this one will end in normal time.

Verdict: Bellaghy.

Leinster Club SH Championship: Naomh Moninne (Louth) v Faughs (Dublin), (Dundalk, 3.30) - THE recent introduction of the back door system at county level has been a cause for quiet celebration in Dublin hurling circles. Chances are Faughs, steeled by Dublin servants Conor McCann, Mick Fitzsimon and Liam Walsh, will be celebrating their progression in the club championship tomorrow night. The Dublin side will be too strong for the Louth representatives.

Verdict: Faughs

Down SF Championship Final: Burren v Mayobridge, (Newcastle, 3.0) - THE live game on TG4 features Down standardbearers Burren and Mayobridge, seeking their first title since 1919. Burren will have to put the disappointment of their recent Ulster club loss to Enniskillen Gaels behind them if they are to overcome a Mickey Linden-inspired Mayobridge side.

Burren looked weary in their Ulster saga against the Fermanagh team, and this would appear to be a good time to catch them. Burren will hope that the likes of Sean Ward and Kieran Byrne can rescue a season for them and they have disposed of some notable opposition on the way here, including outgoing champions Rostrevor. Mayobridge have four of this year's All-Ireland winning side - Benny Coulter, Mickey Walsh, Ronan Sexton and Brendan Grant - and have beaten Liatroim, Newry and Clonduff on the way to the final.

Mayobridge, though, are the form team.

Verdict: Mayobridge.

Waterford SF Final: Stradbally v Rathgormack, (Dungarvan, 3.30) - TWO evenlymatched sides. Stradbally are after their 10th title, Rathgormack seek their ninth. Martin and Richie Power front the Rathgormack effort, George Walsh again leads the way for Stradbally. Should be tight, but all summer Rathgormack have looked like a team on the rise.

Verdict: Rathgormack.