Weekend GAA

Today Leinster SHC Quarter-final Ballyboden-St Enda's (Dublin) v Birr (Offaly), Parnell Park, 2

TodayLeinster SHC Quarter-final Ballyboden-St Enda's(Dublin) v Birr(Offaly), Parnell Park, 2.30pm - Having collected a second successive Dublin title last Saturday, Ballyboden-St Enda's find themselves straight into rematch with 22-time Offaly champions Birr - their clash in last year's Leinster final being one of the highlights of the entire campaign, serving up a superb encounter in which Birr edged to victory by a single point.

Birr looked a little edgy in coming through this year's Offaly final, beating Kinnitty by a goal, but will, as usual, be calling on a wide range of Offaly county stars.

Ballyboden looked mature and composed in beating Kilmacud Crokes last week and, with a range of talent of their own, this could be their chance to take the scalp of the Leinster kingpins.

Tomorrow

READ SOME MORE

Leinster SFC Quarter-finals

Kilmacud Crokes(Dublin) v Newtown Blues(Louth), Parnell Park, 2.30pm - No rest for the Kilmacud Crokes train here, and following the recent stops at the Dublin county final and last weekend's win over Celbridge, it's the Louth champions next - who won their county title with a three-point win over Mattock Rangers on a day when Hugh McGinn scored 0-9.

Yet, Kilmacud looked to have had something in reserve when getting past Celbridge and they should take another step closer towards provincial glory.

Éire Óg(Carlow) v Colmcilles(Longford), Carlow, 2.30pm - It's easily forgotten that Éire Óg have one of the best records in the Leinster championship, having won the title five times, and looked well primed to launch another strong bid when beating Wicklow champions Kiltegan by 3-10 to 1-12 in last Sunday's first round. Forwards Mark Kelly (2-1), Eric McCormack (1-1) and Simon Rea (0-3) can all do damage on the scoreboard.

Colmcilles are playing their first Leinster senior championship game after winning the Longford title for the first time since 1958. They beat Longford Slashers (0-13 to 0-7) in the final, but find themselves up against far greater experience here.

Rhode(Offaly) v Portlaoise(Laois), Tullamore, 2.30pm - No introductions necessary here as the Offaly-Laois rivalry is renewed in the form of these two old club rivals. Rhode saw Niall McNamee scoring 1-9 as they beat Tullamore by an impressive 1-20 to 2-4 in the Offaly final, but Portlaoise looked equally commanding in their 2-14 to 1-7 victory over Timahoe in the Laois final.

Portlaoise already have six Leinster titles to the name and having beaten Rhode in their previous meeting in 2004 will be fancied to progress.

Navan O'Mahonys(Meath) v Castledaly(Westmeath), Navan, 2.30pm - It's already been a memorable year for Castledaly as they finally collected a Westmeath title, beating Garrycastle 0-10 to 0-8 in the decider.

Navan O'Mahonys, in contrast, have extensive experience at this level, having just won their 17th Meath title with an easy win over Summerhill in the final. Their talent rests with the likes of Kevin Reilly, Stephen Bray, Mark Ward, Cormac McGuinness, Neill McKeigue and Stephen MacGabhann in their ranks, and while Castledaly have a few well-known names of their own, such as Derek Heavin, the advantage clearly rests with the Meath team.

Connacht SFC Semi-finals

Eastern Harps(Sligo) v Ballaghadereen(Mayo), Markievicz Park, 2.30pm - There was no denying the superiority of Eastern Harps as they coasted past Glencar-Manorhamilton in the quarter-final, ending with a 10-point win, but Ballaghadereen, who won the Mayo title for the first time since 1972, will undoubtedly present a stiffer challenge. Home advantage could be crucial.

Castlerea(Roscommon) v Corofin(Galway), Dr Hyde Park, 2.30pm - Castlerea are chasing their first Connacht title whereas Corofin already hold three provincial titles and looked well poised to challenge for another.

After beating Cortoon Shamrocks in the Galway final, they look capable of regaining the title they last won in 1997.

However, Castlerea came through a difficult Roscommon championship where they eventually captured the title thanks to a one-point win (0-9 to 0-8) over Pádraig Pearses in a replayed final. They'll provide a real test for Corofin.

Munster SFC Semi-final

Nemo Rangers(Cork) v Kerins O'Rahillys(Kerry), Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm - What better way to kick off the Munster club championship than the meeting of the Cork and Kerry champions.

Nemo are the most successful club in the history of the club football championships and begin their bid for a 15th Munster crown, having just won the Cork title for a fourth year in a row when beating Douglas in the final.

O'Rahilly's qualified for this after this after their 0-12 to 0-11 win over South Kerry in last weekend's Kerry semi-final replay, and naturally they still have one eye on winning the Kerry final, which takes place next week.

Ulster SFC Quarter-final

Crossmaglen(Armagh) v St Patrick's(Fermanagh), Crossmaglen, 2.30pm - Is there any stopping Crossmaglen? They retained the Armagh title for a 13th successive season whereas St Patrick's are appearing in the Ulster campaign for the first time. Crossmaglen will almost certainly have too much for St Patrick's.

Waterford SHC Final

Abbeysidev De La Salle, Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 2.30pm - One of the last county finals to be decided in 2008 and what a game it promises to be.

Inspired by John Mullane, De La Salle are seeking a first county title since 1914, while Abbeyside, who last Sunday overcame Ballyduff Upper, are back in the final for the first time since 1969, and looking to win a first ever title.

Promises to be a momentous game no matter what the result.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics