Gort a tough test for St Kieran's

With All-Ireland champions St Flannan's, Ennis benefiting this year from a bye into next month's senior hurling final, this weekend the focus is on the meeting between St Kieran's, Kilkenny and Gort CS.

St Kieran's, beaten by St Flannan's in last year's final, proved far too strong for Dublin Colleges when winning yet another Leinster title last Sunday week. And they travel to Nenagh on Sunday eager to get another shot at the Clare-men.

Gort CS defended their Connacht title with a powerful 17-point win over St Raphael's, Loughrea. They have 11 of last year's team in their starting line-up and won't be an easy obstacle for St Kieran's.

In the football, St Jarlath's completely destroyed St Colman's in the Connacht decider but will face a far greater challenge in Longford when they meet St Patrick's of Navan. The Meath side eventually dismissed the current All-Ireland champions Good Counsel after an epic battle in the semi-final and St Mel's, Longford in the final and they're now just two wins away from their first senior title.

The new Ulster champions, St Patrick's of Armagh, also upset the ambitions of holders St Michael's, Enniskillen to win their first title in 47 years but they face the more daunting task of Tralee CBS in Sunday's other semi-final at Tullamore.