A look ahead to all the gaelic games action today and tomorrow:
TODAY
Interprovincial semi-finals
SH: Ulster v Connacht, Ballybofey, 6.0
SF: Ulster v Connacht, Ballybofey, 7.45
Club demands and injury have hit the teams, Ulster particularly, but this shouldn't affect the outcome. Although Connacht came desperately close to bridging the near-40 year gap to their last success 12 months ago, Ulster should have enough in hand for the football whereas the Connacht hurlers will be expected to account for the home side in the opening clash.
TOMORROW
Tipperary SHC final
Loughmore-Castleiney v Drom-Inch, Thurles, 3.30.
Loughmore's chances of a senior double evaporated last week with their footballers' semi-final defeat, which also resulted in some injury problems. The club is trying to win a first senior championship in nearly 20 years against Mid-division rivals, Drom-Inch, who have yet to win the title. Loughmore's injury-time semi-final win over favourites Nenagh was impressive but teenager Séamus Callanan shot 1-8, all but three points from play, as Drom-Inch beat Killenaule. Superior firepower can propel Drom to an historic first title.
Tipperary SFC semi-final
Thomas MacDonaghs v Fethard, Templemore, 12.00
MacDonaghs' surprise run in the championship is expected to end here against a Fethard side looking to re-engage with Moyle Rovers in the final.
Galway SHC final
Kinvara v Portumna, Pearse Stadium, 3.30.
Portumna will be firm favourites to retain the title lost to Loughrea last year against the unexpected challenge of Kinvara, managed by Gerry McInerney, who in his 40s may still appear on the field.
The 2006 All-Ireland champions have the familiar big names with Joe and Ollie Canning, Damien Hayes et al expected to have too much scoring potential for the challengers, in their first final since 1979.
Monaghan SFC final
Clontibret v Castleblayney, Clones, 3.30.
The clubs met at the start of the championship when champions Clontibret held on for a win. Since then Castleblayney have found their rhythm and run up some big scores. With the Mones, Dessie and JP, and Vincent Corey on board Clontibret will be harder to penetrate but the challengers' improving form gives them the edge.
Offaly SHC final
Kilcormac-Killoughey v Birr, O'Connor Park, 3.30.
Birr are on the verge of eight county titles in nine years and are still led by Brian Whelahan. Kilcormac-Killoughey have a talented young team but the holders' more balanced blend of experience and youth can make it three-in-a-row.
Meath SFC final
Seneschalstown v Navan O'Mahonys, Navan, 3.45.
Defeated finalists last year, O'Mahony's are favourites to go one better this time. They overcame Dunboyne in the semi-final, with All Star Stephen Bray kicking five from play. Seneschalstown held off Simonstown's comeback in the other semi-final, Joe Sheridan notching 2-1. Still, O'Mahonys' experience at this level to tell.
Clare SHC final
Tulla v Crusheen, Cusack Park, 3.30.
An unexpected final pairing with the two clubs seeing off the heavyweight duo of Clarecastle and Sixmilebridge in the semi-finals. Tulla's last win was in 1933 whereas Crusheen have never won the championship.Tulla have already eliminated two fancied contenders Clarecastle and Newmarket and their progress has been more emphatic.
Derry SFC final replay
Glenullin v Bellaghy, Celtic Park, 3.0.
Bellaghy will be without suspended 'keeper Brian Scullion. Having held on last week, Bellaghy will be favourites this time out. But in the better conditions forecast this week Glenullin's lively attack, including All Star Paddy Bradley, can close the deal this time.
Carlow SFC final replay
Palatine v Éire Óg, Dr Cullen Park, 3.45.
Holders Palatine were disappointed to get pegged back last week. Éire Óg, who also drew in the semi-final, face a fourth outing in successive weeks. On the basis that the challengers have more room for improvement and a sharper cutting edge they get the nod.
Wexford SHC final
Oulart-the-Ballagh v Buffers Alley, Wexford Park, 3.45.
Oulart are hot favourites to regain the title tomorrow. Buffer's Alley surprised St Martin's in the semi-final but don't have the quality of their opponents, who feature a number of county players - the Jacobs, Darren Stamp, Des Mythen etc - and turned the tables on last year's conquerors, Rathnure, in the semi-finals.
Westmeath SFC final
Mullingar Shamrocks v Tyrrellspass, Mullingar, 3.45.
Holders Tyrrellspass have a dangerous attack with county players Denis and David Glennon plus Martin Flanagan. That potency plus the team's experience give them the advantage over Mullingar despite the impressive campaign of captain Anthony Clinton and the county's Donal O'Donoghue.
Kildare SHC final
Confey v Coill Dubh, Newbridge, 3.30.
Coill Dubh are more experienced but Confey will have learned from last year and have the wherewithal to make that count.
Waterford SHC semi-final
Ballygunner v Lismore, Dungarvan, 3.30.
Despite Paul Flynn's absence Ballygunner overcame holders Mount Sion. Colleges star Stephen Power blasted home two goals from frees. Lismore, with Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan and Dave Bennett on duty, are bidding to move closer to a first title in 14 years but the Gunners look more likely.
Kilkenny SHC semi-final replay
Fenians v St Martin's, Nowlan Park, 4.0.
Fenians are in action for the fourth successive weekend. No sign of fatigue last week as an improved second-half display earned them a reprieve. St Martin's young side can finish the job this weekend.
Kerry SFC semi-final second replay
Mid-Kerry v South Kerry, Killarney, 3.0.
Champions South Kerry have brought in Maurice Fitzgerald to help defend their title. Mid-Kerry had the initiative last time around but let it slip, which should prove costly.
Dublin SHC semi-finals
O'Tooles v St Vincent's, Parnell Park, 2.30;
Ballyboden St Enda's v Lucan, 4.0.
St Vincent's are pushing for a crack at the county double and can edge out O'Toole's while Ballyboden can book their final place.
Ulster Club SFC preliminary round
Cavan Gaels (Cavan) v St Eunan's (Donegal), Breffni Park, 3.0.
Cavan Gaels have more experience in this competition but the Letterkenny club will pose a major challenge despite the absence of Brendan Devenney.
Ulster Club SHC semi-final replay
Ballycran (Down) v Dunloy (Antrim), Casement Park, 3.00
An out-of-sorts Dunloy were taken to the edge by the promising Down champions last week but the Antrim champs should prevail.
