GAA Previews

National Football League

(All matches at 3.0 except where stated)

Division One A

Galway v Donegal, Tuam - GALWAY show every sign of being one of those smooth-running All-Ireland champions who maintain momentum until at least the break. Corofin's efforts in retaining the county title mean a rest for goalkeeper Martin McNamara and Ray Silke. Donegal are very much a work in progress but the opening-day win over Armagh was impressive. Unless mental fatigue suddenly assails the champions, the points should stay in Galway.

Armagh v Dublin, Armagh, 2.30 - Whereas it's easy to say that Dublin's promise means nothing at this early stage, Galway's moves 12 months ago did lead to something. Tom Carr doesn't have such proven quality at his disposal but, while rebuilding, a good performance in November is better than a bad one. Martin McQuillan has joined Armagh's lengthening list for the retirement home and centreforward Barry O'Hagan is doubtful, but experienced forward Cathal O'Rourke comes into the frame. This is a tough fixture for Dublin but one which they can survive.

Cork v Leitrim, Pairc Ui Rinn, 1.30 - After Leitrim's mauling by Galway in Carrick, Peter McGinnity must be dreading the rest of the NFL programme. Not so long ago Leitrim had a number of competitive tussles with Cork in the League, but that was when Leitrim's cycle was at its height. Two weeks ago, they looked short on quality, experience and confidence. Cork don't suffer from the same lack of resources and are to give new boy Philip Clifford, their saviour in Tullamore, another start. Impossible to see anything other than a home win.

Tyrone v Offaly, Pomeroy, 2.30 - Tyrone's poor outing in Dublin was at least partially brought about by the late withdrawal of players. Peter Canavan and Brian Dooher are back, which will strengthen the attack. Holders Offaly started their campaign with characteristic thoroughness and were unlucky to be caught for a draw by Cork. Full forward Frank Weir proved himself a useful addition but will need to build on a good first impression. (Remember Shane Manley, who looked a great prospect last November but who wasn't mapped by the Championship?) Roy Malone stays in the half forwards while brother Barry continues at centre back with Finbar Cullen on the wing. Although Tyrone will improve, Offaly have the capacity to repeat last year's NFL win.

Division One B

Meath v Monaghan, Navan, 2.0 - Things are in a bit of a lull for Meath, with a number of first-team players out of consideration because of injury and club commitments. Nonetheless, they managed a handy opening win in Ennis courtesy of a late burst. Monaghan should pose more problems for the Leinster finalists and make two changes to the side which defeated Laois. Mark Daly moves to full forward, presumably to test Darren Fay in the air. The visitors have enjoyed revived fortunes in the League in recent years and have a bit of a chance in this one.

Laois v Mayo, Graiguecullen - Tom Cribben must be wondering what conjunction of the planets he has disturbed. Last week he was centrally involved in the dealings of two county boards. His appointment as Laois manager was achieved so controversially as to intensify the challenge ahead, whereas the nomination of his club Clane as Kildare representatives in the Leinster championship triggered a meeting of its own. A well-regarded club coach with Clane (he scored a cracking goal - late and unavailing - in last year's Leinster club final), he will have his work cut out to negotiate the byzantine ways of Laois football and, more immediately, to counter the grimly purposeful threat of Mayo, who arrive in war-torn Graiguecullen tomorrow after a fine win over Derry.

Down v Clare, Newry - Clare put up a lively performance against Meath but another loss may be their fate tomorrow as Down seek a first win, with James McCartan again available for selection. Shane Ward looks likely to miss out with injury. Both teams will be eyeing difficult final matches before the break and the worrying prospect of spending Christmas with no points.

Derry v Kildare, Ballinascreen, 2.0 - THIS was a sparky fixture five years ago but has a torpid look to it tomorrow. Derry's celebrity-laden injury list has grown and at least six likely first-teamers will miss out this weekend. Kildare responded well to their first post-All-Ireland outing but are at the mercy of club fixtures at the moment. The Leinster champions are still in pole position for this, though, as Eamonn Coleman and Adrian McGuckin sift through their resources.

Division Two A

Kilkenny v Antrim, Callan - Injury concerns notwithstanding, Antrim should open their account.

Kerry v Louth, Tralee - THE Munster champions have made life very difficult for themselves by losing in Roscommon. Louth are similarly tricky opposition and any further slip-ups will mean last year's All-Ireland winners whiling away another winter outside the top flight. The urgency of their situation should draw an adequate response.

Limerick v Roscommon, Newcastlewest - BUOYED by the good win over Kerry, Gay Sheerin's improving team shouldn't have too much difficulty securing the points from a Limerick team whose scheduled inaugural outing was post poned.

London v Wicklow, Ruislip, 2.30 - London have been strengthened by the arrival of Tyrone's All-Ireland centrefielder Jody Gormley. The vistors should, however, open their campaign with a win.

Division Two B

Fermanagh v Sligo, Irvinestown - BESET by injuries, the home team may find themselves in difficulties against Sligo, who are looking for their first points.

Cavan v Waterford, Breffni Park - A VIRTUAL certainty that Cavan will build on their good win in Sligo a fortnight ago.

Carlow v Tipperary, Dr Cullen Park - Understrength Tipperary were unlucky to be held to a draw by Fermanagh and should have too much for the home side going through the usual sluggish winter.

Wexford v Longford, New Ross - RERUN of the championship clash of last summer. Wexford are more firmly in the dol drums than for a while and that should be reflected in an away win.

Club Championships

Leinster SHC

Rathnure (Wexford) v Chraobh Chiarain (Dublin), Enniscorthy, 2.30 - TWO years ago, Rathnure were marginally unlucky not to go all the way in Leinster. They have enough going for them to overcome the Dubliners.

Coill Dubh (Kildare) v GraigueBally callan (Kilkenny), Athy, 2.30 - THE new Kilkenny champions will come through this without too many problems.

Ulster SHC final replay

Ballycastle (Antrim) v Ballygalget (Down), Corrigan Park, 1.30 - ONLY a herculean display by Paul McKillen saved Ballycastle the last day. The Antrim team shouldn't be as subdued tomorrow and they will hope that Graham Clarke isn't as inspired in the Ballygalget goal or Johnny McGrattan as devastating at the other end.

Connacht SHC final

Tooreen (Mayo) v Athenry (Galway), Augha more, 1.30 - THE odd shock in Connacht has tended to come from Roscommon rather than Mayo, and Athenry, All-Ireland champions the year before last, aren't likely to create a new precedent.

County Finals

Offaly SHC replay

Seir Kieran v St Rynagh's, Birr - Postponed.

Clare SHC final

St Joseph's, Doora-Barefield v Kilmaley, Ennis, 2.30 - IN LAST year's final, Doora-Barefield looked a coming team against Clarecastle. With that experience and some of the best inter-county talent in the country (three likely All Stars: Jamesie O'Connor, Sean McMahon and Ollie Baker), their time looks to have come against outsiders Kilmaley.