Weekend previews

Compiled by IAN O'RIORDAN

TODAY

McKENNA CUP SF

Round 2

Armagh v Cavan, Athletic Grounds, 7pm

The first competitive test for new Armagh manager Paul Grimley, and with Cavan a little unlucky to lose out to Down last weekend, it should be exactly that.

Derry v UUJ, Celtic Park, 7pm

Derry played well against Tyrone last weekend, scoring 0-15 and only losing out to a late goal, and Brian McIvor’s team should be good enough to beat UUJ, who lost out themselves to Antrim in the first round.

TOMORROW

O’BYRNE CUP SF

Round 3 (all games 2pm)

Meath v UCD, Navan

After their exciting midweek draw with zrivals Louth, Meath still need to win this to be sure of a semi-final berth. Manager Mick O’Dowd will fancy his chances.

Louth v Longford, Drogheda

It’s been a positive start to Aidan O’Rourke’s tenure as Louth manager, and with one win and one draw, they have one foot in the semi-finals, but still need to see off the challenge of Longford to be sure of getting both feet in there, with Longford themselves still in the hunt from Group A.

Dublin v Wicklow, Parnell Park

With back-to-back wins over Carlow and DCU, Dublin have now wrapped up the semi-final spot from Group B, so Jim Gavin can afford to use this game to rotate yet again. Wicklow will relish the challenge nonetheless.

Carlow v DCU, Carlow

It’s been a disappointing campaign for DCU, the reigning O’Byrne Cup champions, and with nothing to play for here, and the Sigerson looming, it’s likely Carlow will have more interest in showing form here.

Westmeath v Offaly, Mullingar

Offaly top Group C with two wins from two, but still need to beat Westmeath to be sure of making the semi-finals, which makes this potentially the game of the afternoon.

Laois v AIT, Portarlington

Only Laois have any incentive here, and having beaten Westmeath on Wednesday are suddenly coming into form, and will definitely handle Athlone, who have to win.

Kildare v Wexford, Newbridge

Another deal signed already, with Kildare poised to top Group D and thus walk on to the semi-finals, while for Wexford, the chance is there for new manager Aidan O’Brien to secure a first win, having lost his first two games.

Carlow IT v DIT, Carlow IT

DIT got the better of Wexford last Sunday but couldn’t quite build on that, and so the only thing to play for here is for some student honours.

McKENNA CUP SF

Round 2 (all games 2pm):

Fermanagh v St Mary’s, Brewster Park