Tomorrow
Leinster SFC Final Replay
Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) v Eire Og (Carlow), Tullamore 2.0
Strangely, given that their forwards displayed more obvious economy than their highly-rated opponents, it is the Eire Og attack which has been demolished and rebuilt with three changes from last week's draw. Kilmacud were quite unhappy at blowing the excellent opportunity presented by last week's drawn match. Having moved two points ahead going into the final quarter, the Dublin side dominated the next 10 minutes without adding to their score. If Kilmacud under-achieved in attack with a series of wides, it's also suspected that Eire Og played a bit above themselves in defence by pressurising their men, reading the play well and tussling for every ball. Should Mick O'Keeffe and Ray Cosgrove improve on their marksmanship, the Carlow team will have to produce more themselves up front and the changes made suggest that they are well aware of that. Moving Garvan Ware to the 40 will give them more options in attack but Jonathan McGee played well last week and needs marking as well as attacking. Calm and collected at the back where Conor Deegan gave an authoritative display on Leo Turley, Kilmacud look to have most of the answers in defence and Eire Og's capacity for improvement doesn't look as great as theirs.
Leinster SHC Final
Portlaoise (Laois) v Rathnure (Wexford), Nowlan Park, 2.0
Rathnure will be wary favourites. Only two years ago they got waylaid by Camross in the Leinster semi-final after seeming on their way to the title. Yet that caution and a tendency against complacency is only a further reason to support the Wexford champions.
Even allowing for the metal fatigue which afflicted Seir Kieran in the semi-final, Rathnure performed impressively and have good balance throughout the team, from the venerable John Conran at full back to Colm Byrne at full forward who took 1-4 off All Star Kevin Kinahan in the semi-final.
Portlaoise, on the other hand, came through a match which appeared genuinely to stun observers with the poverty of its hurling. Kilkenny champions Graigue Ballycallan managed 19 wides in the course of sliding down the drain on a 0-6 to 0-5 margin. Strong and composed in a defence built around Cyril Duggan and Niall Rigney and fiercely spirited, Portlaoise lack impact in attack where veteran Laois defender John Taylor tries to get things going. Rathnure should add to their already record haul of provincial titles.
Connacht Club SFC final
Ballina Stephenites (Mayo) v Roscommon Gaels (Roscommon), Ballina, 2.0
The exit of All-Ireland champions Corofin has taken some of the wider-spread interest out of the provincial final, but Ballina were worth their replay victory over the Galway club who were admittedly short their first-choice centrefield. The form of Liam McHale and David Brady in that sector has been the Mayomen's most obvious asset to date but it also tends to point up deficiencies up front where the forwards have struggled to convert good possession into scores. At the back they are well-organised and competent with Brian Heffernan the focal point.
Roscommon's prospects were being talked up on the grapevine even before the championship but their win over Melvin Gaels of Leitrim wasn't hugely impressive. Physically strong at a time of the year which particularly rewards muscularity, they also have a good selection of county personnel at their disposal, including the pivotal inter-county pair of Clifford McDonald and Fergal O'Donnell. Ballina get a narrow vote to land a first provincial title on the basis that a strong back nine should do enough to keep the opposition score within reasonable bounds.
Munster Club SFC Final
Doonbeg (Clare) v Moyle Rovers (Tipperary), Limerick Gaelic Grounds, 2.0
Doonbeg are strong and experienced at this level but the obvious quality of Derry Foley and Declan Browne and the character demonstrated by going to Dunmanway and defeating Cork champions Bantry have made Moyle obvious favourites. This is a time of the year which can upset the most obvious of certainties but the Tipperary team's strength as a unit as much as their star quality makes them likely winners. All-Ireland Club SFC Quarter-Final
Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) v Tir Chonaill Gaels (London), Ruislip, 2.0
In their day, Tir Chonaill Gaels were troublesome opponents for anyone and gave Lavey their scariest moments of the 1991 club championship which the Derry club ultimately won. With immigration slowed down, it's hard to see such a performance being repeated against the formidable Armagh champions who are at ease with virtually any conditions.
National Football League
Division Two A: Louth v Kilkenny, Drogheda, 2.0
Wicklow's defeat of Roscommon has opened up this division but more to Kerry's benefit than anyone else's. Louth will nonetheless be pleased at having something to aim for, not that they're likely to need such heady motivation tomorrow.
