Gaelic games previews

Leinster club SHC semi-finals – O'Loughlin Gaels(Kilkenny) v Ballyboden St Enda's(Dublin), Nowlan Park, 2.30pm.Ballyboden have to viewed as serious candidates here. This is their fourth successive Leinster campaign and although their form in the province has oscillated in that period, they have plenty of experience. O'Loughlin Gaels haven't been out of Kilkenny for a while but any club winning that championship must be contenders.

The Dublin side also have the disadvantage of having to travel to Nowlan Park. O’Loughlin’s will be missing Maurice Nolan whose displays at centrefield in the county championship were a revelation but they have a great work ethic and a fine set of forwards. Ballyboden’s full forwards are dangerous with Conal Keaney’s hurling rhythms restored and Paul Ryan a threat beside him. Andy Kearns however took no prisoners marking Richie Power in the county final and will again be a formidable barrier. The cumulative effect of hard work, in-form Brian Hogan anchoring the defence and a good scoring spread in attack makes O’Loughlin’s favourites.

Raharney(Westmeath) v Oulart-the-Ballagh(Wexford), Mullingar, 2.30pm.

Oulart came closest of all teams last year to eliminating Ballyhale during their All-Ireland campaign and in the absence of the champions have high hopes of winning a first Leinster. They’re up against surprise opponents tomorrow in Raharney, who shocked Offaly’s Coolderry in the last round. Oulart are however warned in advance and will be expected to reach the final.

Munster club SHC semi-finals – Sarsfields(Cork) v De La Salle(Waterford) Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2.00pm.

A case of déjà vu, as two years ago De La Salle announced themselves in Munster with the first unexpected win of a campaign that took them all the way to St Patrick’s Day. In the meantime the balance between the teams has tilted in the Waterford champions’ direction after a more assured and confident county championship and the experience picked up two seasons ago. John Mullane was a major factor in the win two years ago and his form this season has been excellent, now with support from teenager Jake Dillon. The half-back line of Bryan Phelan, Kevin Moran and Stephen Daniels has been a solid platform for De La Salle but they will need to be on form against a resilient Sarsfields whose nerveless finish to the county final shut out Glen Rovers. Conor McCarthy will probably pick up Mullane and Kieran Murphy and Michael Cussen pose a challenge for any club defence but De La Salle can progress.

Kilmallock(Limerick) v Thurles Sarsfields, Kilmallock, 2.00pm.

Despite a poor record in the province recently, Thurles are now odds-on favourites for the Munster title. A comprehensive victory in the county final sends them to Kilmallock, who weren’t immensely impressive in beating Crusheen, apart from the flash flood of scores just after half-time. Home advantage will be a help but Sars have too much quality.

Ulster club SFC semi-finals – Coalisland(Tyrone) v Naomh Conaill(Donegal), Enniskillen, 2.30pm.

The Glenties side played well to overcome an experienced Clontibret in the last round, having earlier accounted for Kingscourt. A Donegal club hasn’t reached the Ulster final for 19 years and if the gap is to be bridged it will be hard work against Damien O’Hagan’s side who were surprise winners in Tyrone and chiselled out victory over Roslea the last day. Naomh Conaill’s more reliable scoring options can get them there.

Burren(Down) v Crossmaglen Rangers(Armagh), Casement Park, 2.30pm.

A very significant match as the winners will be favourites to take the province and stake a serious claim for the All-Ireland.

Crossmaglen’s durability was demonstrated again two weeks ago in the defeat of the reigning champions. Oisín McConville’s enduring ability to get scores at this level plus their blend of older and younger players makes them formidable.

Burren were easy winners over first-time Derry champions Coleraine. Their defence was impressive with Players’ All Star Kevin McKernan and fellow county man Dan McCartan in good form. Up front Seán Murdock was devastating with 1-2 from play plus a couple of frees. Cross are carrying suspensions to Jamie Clarke and Johnny Hanratty but the south Armagh side are so practised at edging the toughest of challenges that they can move on from this battle of the top clubs on the Ulster roll of honour.

Galway SHC final replay – Clarinbridge v Loughrea, Pearse Stadium, 2.30pm.

Loughrea showed the familiar battling qualities in turning around the drawn encounter in the second half but they struggled for periods against their opponents’ slicker play. Clarinbridge look capable of securing the title.