Tomorrow
Leinster Club SFC Final
Kilmacud Crokes(Dublin) v Rhode(Offaly), Parnell Park, 2pm - Even accounting for the absurdity of Kilmacud maintaining home advantage throughout their provincial campaign, this promises to be one of the most evenly balanced and keenly contested Leinster club football finals in years.
Kilmacud may have ridden their luck somewhat in coming away with the Dublin title, but they certainly looked the part against Celbridge, Newtown Blues and then Navan O'Mahony's, where their teamwork was perhaps at its most impressive.
Brian Kavanagh has been troubled with the flu this week but is almost certain to start, and the return of Cian O'Sullivan from a four-week suspension gives manager Paddy Carr another defensive option.
Goals at this time of year will almost invariably win matches, and while Kilmacud certainly present that threat, so too do Rhode, who put two past Portlaoise in the quarter-final, and three past Éire Óg in the semi-final.
Rhode lost out to Kilmacud in the semi-final three years ago, a year later lost the final to Moorefield, and now are clearly an older and wiser team. Although their suspended centre back Shane Sullivan is a clear loss, the Offaly champions have the potential to make amends for 2005 and win a first ever Leinster title.
Munster Club SFC Final
Dromcollogher-Broadford(Limerick) v Kilmurry-Ibrickane(Clare), Gaelic Grounds, 2pm - A Munster football final without either Kerry or Cork representation is always something of a novel occasion, yet either of these two clubs would prove deserving and honourable winners.
Kilmurry took the title back in 2004 to become only the second ever Clare club to land the honour (after Doonbeg in 1998) and that partly explains why they'll start this one as favourites.
When Dromcollogher-Broadford beat Cork giants Nemo Rangers in their semi-final it went down as one the most memorable days in the 120-year history of the small Limerick club.
It was only the third ever loss for Nemo in the provincial championship, and therefore one of the biggest upsets in club football. And they have the ability to cause another upset here.
Ulster Club SFC Final (replay)
Crossmaglen Rangers(Armagh) v Ballinderry(Derry), Brewster Park, 3.45pm - The news midweek that John McEntee was cleared to play having had his red card from last Sunday's draw changed to yellow will surely add some further fuel to an already fiery rematch.
The Derry champions hit 1-2 inside the final six minutes last Sunday, and the assumption is the Armagh champions won't want to let that happen again.
The vast experience of the Armagh champions should once again see them land what would be a seventh Ulster crown.
Ian O'Riordan
GAA Previews
