A look ahead to this weekend's big games in hurling and football:

Today

All-Ireland Under-21 FC Final

Down v Galway, Mullingar, 3.30pm

Both of last week's semi-finals ended as close calls after the eventual winners squandered big leads. The respective finales indicated what areas of the field may prove decisive in sorting out who'll win the Cadbury All-Ireland Under-21 title.

Dublin were trailing by a substantial amount for much of the second half, but the move of John Coughlan to full forward put the frighteners on Down's defence that had already conceded enough chances to give their goalkeeper Declan Alder the platform for a man of the match performance.

In Limerick, it was the other way around with the forwards of Galway and Seán Armstrong in particular making the difference at the end of a tense half when Cork were just a point behind. Armstrong's points in injury-time were sheer class and his six-point haul from play will have made for uncomfortable viewing in Down who were troubled enough by an under-strength Dublin.

The Ulster champions also struggled at centrefield, whereas county senior Niall Coleman provided a good supply for Galway. Armstrong thrived in the space created as Cork got to grips with Micheál Meehan, who is in his fourth year in the grade and already has an All-Ireland from three years ago and who scored nine points, four from play.

Down also have useful forwards and their full forward James McGovern gave Dublin plenty of trouble in the absence of the suspended Willie Lowry. The advantage lies, however, with Galway who look more reliable at the back and have the capability at centrefield to service a lively attack.

NHL - Division Two Final

Carlow v Offaly, Portlaoise, 7pm

Offaly are very happy to be still in with a shout of promotion after the teams' first meeting a couple of weeks back.

Carlow's performance that day was impressive in that they had to gain and regain the initiative. It was a sobering experience for John McIntyre's team in that the main disadvantage of a season in Division Two is the lack of competitiveness; so losing the first tough match was a blow to morale given the championship challenge that lies ahead. But the response was furious and Offaly will be driven by the necessity of returning to Division One.

Tomorrow

Leinster SFC - First Round

Louth v Offaly, Navan, 3.30pm

It will be dispiriting for whichever of these teams loses to be out of the Leinster championship and to have to cool their heels for over a month before the qualifiers get under way. Offaly are performing at a higher level than Louth and will be favourites going into this.

Val Andrews acknowledged during the week that whereas his team have been marooned in Division Two, Offaly have cemented their place in the top flight. Kevin Kilmurray's first season in charge saw some competent displays. And aside from that exposure to better quality football, Offaly also look to have the advantages on the field.

For all their inconsistency, the Offaly centrefield of Ciarán McManus and Alan McNamee looks to have the edge on David Devaney and John Kermath. Andrews has been engaged in reconstruction since taking over in Louth, but injuries haven't helped him and the team is much changed from last year's championship.

Debutant David Macken is given the task of keeping Niall McNamee in check and that's a daunting task given the Offaly man's talent and form this year.

Louth have proven forwards in Mark Stanfield and JP Rooney, but the infrastructure around is unlikely to provide the necessary support.