A look ahead to all the Gaelic games action today and tomorrow
TODAY
Galway SHC semi-final replay: Loughrea v Portumna, Athenry, 4.0– Loughrea will feel peeved at the amount of injury-time played, which gifted the champions a lifeline. Nonetheless they had the chances to put away Portumna and didn't and the opportunity probably won't arise again.
Cork SFC semi-final: St Finbarr's v Carbery Rangers, Páirc Uí Rinn, 8.0– The Barrs have won the last three championship meetings between the clubs and should, even if narrowly, set up an all-city final.
Tyrone SFC semi-final replay: Carrickmore v Omagh, Pomeroy, 4.0– Omagh's feisty rearguard action despite being riddled with injury and suspensions and some woeful finishing from Carrickmore ensured a replay. Carrickmore have more room for improvement and should avail of it.
TOMORROW
Kerry SFC final: Dr Crokes v Austin Stacks, Stack Park Tralee, 3.30– The big town clubs meet for the first time in a final for 16 years, won back then after a replay by Stacks. Injuries deprive each of a county panellist, Daniel Bohane for the Tralee side and Kieran O'Leary for Crokes. Stacks' narrow win over Dingle wasn't as impressive as Crokes' dethroning of champions South Kerry and Colm Cooper et al deserve to be favourites.
Dublin SFC final: St Brigid's v Kilmacud Crokes, Parnell Park, 4.0– Brigid's resurrection was the story of the semi-finals and their eclipse of the Plunkett's star ship overshadowed the arm-wrestle between Crokes and Vincent's. Despite injuries, Kilmacud have enough strength in depth and fire-power to recapture the title after a year's absence.
Galway SFC final: Corofin v Killererin, Pearse Stadium, 3.30– On the trail of three-in-a-row Corofin will have to scramble to contain the craft and guile of the Joyces but the champions have ways of defusing most teams and can repeat their victory over Killererin in last year's championship.
Laois SFC final: Portlaoise v Arles-Kilcruise, Portlaoise, 3.30– Another club with multiple titles accumulating, Portlaoise have been cruising in recent times and should chalk up their fourth successive title despite the form of Arles-Kilcruise star Ross Munnelly.
Down SFC final: Bryansford v Burren, Newry, 4.0– Down's top two clubs fight for outright leadership of the roll of honour at the end of a memorable season. They drew earlier in the season but Burren's better balance throughout the field can edge it against Peter McGrath's team.
Armagh SFC final: Crossmaglen v Dromintee, Athletic Grounds, 3.45– County final day in Armagh and Dromintee's recurring nightmare: four times they met Cross in the last decade at this stage and four times they lost. Looking to regain the title, Cross should be well focused after the semi-final fright.
Kildare SFC final: Sarsfields v Moorefield, Newbridge, 3.30– An all-Newbridge clash with Moorefield, under the management of former Dublin All Star Jack Sheedy, likely to justify their season-long favouritism against the neighbours for whom Alan Barry has been cleared of suspension on appeal and will play.
Monaghan SFC final replay: Clontibret v Magheracloone, Inniskeen, 3.30– Clontibret's dependence on Conor McManus continued in the drawn match with him levelling the final. But Magheracloone looked sharper and can close the deal tomorrow.
Waterford SHC semi-final replay: Ballygunner v Lismore, Fraher Field, 3.30– Lismore's miracle recovery of a five-point deficit in the last five minutes gives them momentum going into this but the Gunners can maintain their excellent record against these opponents.
Tipperary SHC semi-finals: Clonoulty Rossmore v Kildangan, Thurles, 2.30 and Thurles Sarsfields v Toomevara, Thurles, 4.0 – Clonoulty with Timmy Hammersley reeling off the shots, 1-11 in past two rounds, should get past Kildangan but the second semi-final is a major confrontation between Sarsfields, bolstered by the newly declared Hurler of the Year Lar Corbett but with just one win over Toome in 35 years, and Tommy Dunne's side, who have plenty of championship know-how with the manager's brother Terry chasing a 12th medal.
Connacht SFC preliminary round: St Brigid's (Roscommon) v Eastern Harps (Sligo), Kiltoom, 3.30 – Harps' drive and appetite was too much for Tourlestrane in the county final but they may struggle against the home side.
Ulster SFC first round: Kingscourt Stars (Cavan) v Naomh Conaill (Donegal), Kingscourt, 3.30 – Home advantage mightn't be enough for Kingscourt against the Glenties side, coming off a big county final win and with ambitions of bettering their previous, brief provincial outing five years ago.
Offaly SHC final: Coolderry v Tullamore, Tullamore, 3.30 – Surprise champions Tullamore have proved tenacious in their title defence but Coolderry's forwards look to have the capacity to unlock the champions and can extend their lead on the roll of honour with a first title in six years.
Clare SHC final: Cratloe v Crusheen, Cusack Park, 3.30 – Champions Cratloe have looked impressive en route to the final, dusting off last year's finalists Clonlara and Newmarket. They can put titles back-to-back despite Crusheen's doggedness.
Carlow SFC final: Rathvilly v Old Leighlin, Dr Cullen Park, 3.45 – A repeat of last year's final with Old Leighlin unlikely to be as stage-struck. But champions Rathvilly, with newly announced international Brendan Murphy on board, can repeat the dose.
Limerick SFC final: Adare v Monaleen, Newcastlewest, 3.30 – Monaleen will be favourites, having disposed of champions Drumcollogher-Broadford, to win a first title in five years against an Adare side firmly stating the club's dual credentials.
Waterford SFC final: Stradbally v Ballinacourty, Fraher Field, 3.30 – Stradbally will have Michael Walsh available after winning his latest All Star but the champions are vulnerable to a consistent Ballinacourty side.
Westmeath SHC final: Clonkill v Raharney, Mullingar, 3.30 – In this battle between the clubs who have won the last four titles Raharney have a good chance of upsetting the champions, who didn't look at their best in the semi-finals.
