Seán Moranpreviews the 2008 Club Championship
Tomorrow
Cork SFC Final
Nemo Rangers v Douglas
Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4pm
Back after the disappointment of St Patrick's Day, Nemo are going for an unprecedented fourth successive title in an all-city final.
The old invulnerable image has taken a bit of a knock this decade with three defeats in All-Ireland finals, having previously lost just one, but at county level they have never been as dominant. In the club tradition they are bringing through new talent with Cork minor Barry O'Driscoll hitting 2-2 in the defeat of Duhallow.
Douglas, managed by former Cork defender Ronan McCarthy, are regarded as a coming team and have a strong defensive record. They responded well to blowing a good lead against last year's beaten finalists Ilen Rovers in the semi-final and won the replay to reach their first senior final. Still, Nemo look too strong.
Derry SFC Final
Ballinderry v Slaughtneil
Celtic Park, 3.30pm
Two recent winners, 2006 and 2004 respectively, meet, with the favourites Ballinderry able to call on several county players. Enda Muldoon has been bothered by injuries and there are concerns about whether he will be fully fit.
Slaughtneil have fewer stars, but a great, driven team ethic. Former Armagh player John Rafferty instilled similar qualities in Belfast club St Gall's and took them to an All-Ireland final. An upset could well be on the cards.
Donegal SFC Final
St Eunan's v Termon
Ballybofey, 3.30pm
St Eunan's are hot favourites to retain the title against outsiders Termon. Boasting a potent attack with Brendan Devenney, Conall Dunne and Rory Kavanagh on board, the champions are expected locally to have a good crack at this year's Ulster title.
First, though, they must win tomorrow and, despite this being a ninth final since 1998, the return is a relatively poor three. Termon are seeking their first title, but lost the final five years ago to Four Masters so have some experience. It's impossible to look beyond Eunan's.
Galway SFC Final
Cortoon Shamrocks v Corofin
Pearse Stadium, 3.30pm
Corofin are back looking for a second title in three years. By contrast Cortoon, the rural half-parish of Tuam, have yet to win their first.
Galway All-Ireland winner Derek Savage has been playing well in the Cortoon attack which also includes Michael Martin, one of the county's minor All-Ireland winners from last year. They have already defeated last year's champions Killererin and the 2006 All-Ireland winners Salthill-Knocknacarra.
Corofin were put to the pin of their collars to get by Caherlistrane in a replay, but equally could well have put up a cricket score were it not for a man-of-the-match performance by their opponents' goalkeeper Philip Skelly.
They should shade this.
Fermanagh SFC Final
St Patrick's v Derrygonnelly
Enniskillen, 3.30pm
Another close contest sees St Patrick's Donagh in search of a first title against Derrygonnelly, who last won it four years ago.
St Patrick's have had an impressive run to the final, defeating Lisnaskea, Enniskillen and Teemore, and, driven by an in-form centrefield where Paul Cosgrove has been outstanding, they can achieve the breakthrough tomorrow.
Offaly SFC Final
Tullamore v Rhode
Tullamore, 3pm
Both of these clubs have won three championships this decade, but Rhode look better equipped to keep a grip on the game and provide enough ammunition for Niall McNamee up front.
Shamrocks were, however, similarly tipped before last year's final and the experience of Tullamore undid them.
If Tullamore's defence, marshalled by the veteran Cahal Daly, can avoid being pulled out of shape by McNamee the champions have a good chance of retaining their title, but Rhode get the vote.
Wicklow SFC Final
St Patrick's v Kiltegan
Aughrim, 3.30pm
When the clubs met in the final two years ago Kiltegan were favourites, but they lost out to the Wicklow town side, who were inspired by Paul Earls's hitting 1-7.
This time around St Pat's are expected to repeat the win over opponents better known for hurling until recent years. Close, but Kiltegan can spring a surprise.
Down SHC Final
Ballygalget v Portaferry
Ballycran, 3.30pm
Despite losing recently in the league to the same opponents Portaferry have the initiative after Gareth 'Magic' Johnson picked up ligament injury playing for Loughinisland in their county football final defeat by Mayobridge and is out of the Ballygalget team.
Carlow SHC Final
Mt Leinster Rgrs v Naomh Bríd
Dr Cullen Park, 3.30pm
Former county manager Eoin Garvey helped to engineer a surprise in the semi-finals as Naomh Bríd beat St Mullins.
Nonetheless, the champions, MLR, look too strong.
Other GAA Fixtures
Today
Carlow SFC Semi-final - Palatine v Rathvilly, Dr Cullen Park, 5pm.
Kildare SFC Semi-final - Celbridge v St Laurence's, Newbridge, 4.30pm.
Laois SFC Semi-final - Portlaoise v Mountmellick, O'Moore Park, 7pm.
Westmeath SFC Semi-final - Tyrrellspass v Castledaly, Athlone, 3pm.
Dublin SFC Quarter-finals - Ballyboden St Enda's v Ballymun Kickhams, Parnell Park, 4pm; St Oliver Plunkett's v St Mary's, Parnell Park, 5.30pm.
Tomorrow
Armagh SFC Semi-finals - Crossmaglen Rangers v Armagh Harps, Athletic Grounds, 3.45pm; Pearse Óg v Killeavy, Athletic Grounds, 2pm.
Kildare SFC Semi-final - Sarsfields v Moorefield, Newbridge, 4.30pm.
Laois SFC Semi-final - Timahoe v O'Dempsey's, O'Moore Park, 3.30pm.
Sligo SFC Final - Eastern Harps v Tubbercurry, Markievicz Park, 4pm.
Tipperary SHC Semi-finals - Thurles Sarsfields v Clonoulty-Rossmore, Thurles, 2pm; Loughmore-Castleiney v Toomevara, Thurles, 3.30pm.
Dublin SFC Quarter-finals - Thomas Davis v St Vincent's, Parnell Park, 2.30pm; Kilmacud Crokes v UCD, Parnell Park, 4pm.
