Gaelic Games previews

Saturday

Munster SFC Limerick v Tipperary Gaelic Grounds, 7pm

Given their triumphs at various underage grades, it seems almost far-fetched to note that Tipperary haven't won a game in the Munster Championship since beating Waterford in 2003. Although this obviously has most to do with being drawn against Kerry year after year, they've lost to Limerick three times in that period as well. A victory is long overdue. Having finally escaped Division Four, this looks as decent as chance as they'll have in a while against a Limerick side that has named five debutants. Verdict: Tipperary

Sunday

Leinster SHC Antrim v Wexford Portlaoise, 2pm

Antrim timed their run pretty well in the round-robin competition, looking more assured with each passing game. Considering they ended their league having to find a performance against Offaly, there’s much to recommend in their vein of form. If there’s to be a turn-up for the books this weekend, Antrim are it. Even just a year ago, you’d quietly fancy them here. But all signs are that Liam Dunne’s Wexford team are getting their act together. Liam McGovern is back and Lee Chin (pictured) has put his football ambitions to one side for now. Wexford’s graph is pointing in the right direction. So is Antrim’s, but not on the same scale. Verdict: Wexford

Leinster SHC Galway v Laois Portlaoise, 4pm

Look hard enough and you can find arguments for Laois to make something if this. They’re battle-hardened, they scared the life out of both Clare in the league quarter-final and Galway in this fixture last year. Also, Galway are without Niall Healy and Andy Smith, with Iarla Tannian touch and-go due to a hamstring injury. But really, you’re forcing it. Laois have been badly treated by having to play again this weekend, especially since nine of their panel played for the under-21s against Dublin on Wednesday. The heavy schedule will surely cost them here, whatever about Galway’s greater array of weapons. Verdict: Galway

Ulster SFC Fermanagh v Antrim Brewster Park, 3.30pm

Possibly not one to stir the blood too vigorously, this is a clash between two sides who haven’t won a game between them in Ulster since 2010. That said, it isn’t all that long since both made the final – Antrim in 2009 and Fermanagh the previous year. It’s been thin enough gruel ever since though. Fermanagh did finish third in Division Three this year, however, and that as much as anything is what has them favourites here. Pete McGrath was appointed late, took a while to get going but they found something of their mojo near the end of the league. Antrim’s league was a bit of a shambles, especially considering the promise it held at the outset. Liam “Baker” Bradley’s second stint hasn’t worked out so far and it would be a surprise if Antrim turned their fortunes around here. Verdict: Fermanagh