Football and hurling previews

Galway SFC Final

Killererin v Annaghdown, Tuam, Sunday (3.0) - THE re-emergence of Annaghdown has been the great surprise of the Galway championship this year. Three-time winners of the title in 1980s, they fell off the pace in the last decade and soon became a forgotten force.

Now they're back, albeit with a youthful side, without a single county representative. But that didn't stop them upsetting a far more mature Killanin in the semi-final, a side that included the likes of Kevin Walsh and Gary and Richie Fahey.

Such is the class of Killererin, however, that Annaghdown are likely to come up a couple of yards short. The winners of two years ago boast Galway goalkeeper Alan Keane, as well as the Joyce brothers, Padraig and Tommy, and that sort of scoring fire-power should see them prevail.

MEATH SFC FINAL

Dunshaughlin v Skryne, Pβirc Tailteann, Sunday, 3.0 - THE rivalry of these Meath neighbours is very much a modern phenomenon. Dunshaughlin won their first senior title last year, having entered the grade just a few years previously, while Skryne, the winners the year before, have been the more traditional force in the county.

Though Skryne will start as favourites, there is unlikely to be much between the sides. Their strength hinges on Trevor Giles and John McDermott and much will depend on their mood tomorrow. A poor day and Dunshaughlin can prevail, especially if they can draw the best out of the Kealy brothers, Richie and Dermot.

National Football League

Division One A Play-Off

Donegal v Louth, Enniskillen, Sunday, 2.30

Neither county are exactly pleased with the timing of this play-off, yet another consequence of the cursed foot-and-mouth problem. Earlier this week it looked as if Donegal would struggle to field a team, but the presence now of Brendan Devenney, Jim McGuinness and John Gildea has at least given the line-up some familiarity.

New Louth manager Paddy Carr hasn't had much time to get to know his players, but they did beat Na Fianna in a challenge last weekend and have also named a reasonably strong team. Still, Donegal should edge it.

National Hurling League

Division One Play-Off

Dublin v Antrim, Parnell Park, Sunday, 2.30

First of all, Antrim lost the toss for home turf. Then they were told it was winner takes all, and no second chances against Division 2 runners-up. With top flight hurling so cherished by both sides then, this has the potential to be a hard game.

It seems like Kevin Fennelly has been checking the potential of anybody that can even hold a hurl in the county, and although Tomβs McGrane has been dropped, the team remains largely experienced. Shane Ryan also makes his return, and with 11 of the side that fell so narrowly to Laois this summer they have the cast to prevail.

MUNSTER CLUB SHC Semi-final:

Blackrock v Adare, Pβirc U∅ Chaoimh, Saturday, 2.0

Times have been hard for Cork clubs in the Munster hurling championship and it's now 10 years since they had a side in the final. Blackrock certainly have the pedigree to get there (they have three All-Ireland titles), but they didn't look particularly impressive in the quarter-final win over Kilmoyley.

Adare, in contrast, are on a definite roll. They beat the Limerick masters Patrickswell to win their first senior title, and with class men like Timmy Houlihan, Mark Foley and Conor Fitzgerald to look towards, they can forge another Limerick win on Cork soil.

ULSTER CLUB SFC SEMI-FINALS:

Ballinderry v Cavan Gaels, Clones, Sunday, 1.15

It took a replay for Ballinderry, the Derry champions, to get into the last four. St Gall's of Antrim almost upset their plans, but seasoned players like Enda Muldoon, Niall McCusker and Conleth Gilligan eventually saw them through.

Cavan Gaels will be without star forward Mickey Graham after he was red-carded in the close win over St Eunan's last weekend. His loss may well prove fatal, allowing Ballinderry to progress.

Castleblayney v Mayobridge, Clones, Sunday, 2.45 - THIS season has witnessed a definite return to form for Castleblaney, the Monaghan champions. dismissed Enniskillen Gaels in the quarter-final, the side that upset Crossmaglen Rangers.

Mickey Linden remains a key figure for Mayobridge, the Down champions, although they just sneaked past Carrickmore to get this far. Younger panel members Brendan Grant and Benny Coulter are also capable players but Castleblaney have the greater dose of experience.

Connacht Club Sfc Semi-Final

Charlestown v Roscommon Gaels, Charlestown, (Sunday), 2.0 - THE Mayo champions have nine sets of brothers on board, including Enda Casey and his brother John, best remembered for the summers of 1996 and 1997 and now the goalkeeper for Charlestown. But their Mayo campaign wasn't the smoothest, and it took a replay with Knockmore before they prevailed.

Roscommon Gaels haven't had any success in Ulster since 1975 but that looks set to change. Experience should prevail, and with the likes of Clifford McDonald, Fergal O'Donnell and Paul Noone, the Roscommon team easily win out there.

Leinster Club SHC

Craobh Chiarain v O'Loughlin Gaels, Parnell Park, Saturday. 2.30 - THE Dublin champions face the hardest challenge of the weekend. But with O'Loughlin Gaels fresh from their first county title, sensationally won out over Graigue-Ballycallan, it's hard to see any way through.

Trim v Knockbride, Trim, Saturday, 3.30

Knockbride's rise to fame has been rapid. After forming a hurling section only three years ago, they look capable of progressing further. The Meath champions have been warned.

Kiltegan v Castletown, Aughrim, Sunday, 2.30 - NO great reason here to suspect anything less than a win for Castletown, the Laois champions. Home advantage won't mean a whole lot to the Wicklow champions.

Naas v Birr, Naas, Sunday, 2.0

Another home side set to tumble. The Offaly champions are always capable of going all the way in the club championship, and Kildare sides don't have any tradition of stopping them.

O'BYRNE CUP SF

Offaly v Carlow, Tullamore, Sunday, 2.30

Home soil will be enough to inspire Offaly.

Kildare v Wexford, Newbridge, Sunday, 2.30 -

The Lilywhites may have to get a bit muddy but the win should be theirs.

Laois v Wicklow, Portarlington, Sunday, 2.30

Another home win against a Wicklow team still without a manager.