SATURDAY
Leinster Club SFC quarter-finals (replay): Coralstown/Kinnegad (Westmeath) v O'Hanrahans (Carlow), St Loman's, 2.0
Rotten conditions didn't prevent this pair producing a good match last week. O'Hanrahans had their chances to nick it at the end, and may regret it this evening.
Dunshaughlin (Meath) v Moorefield (Kildare), Navan, 2.30
After three hard matches against Rathnew, the Meath champions' youthful outfit has developed very well and were at their best the last day. They have the bit between their teeth and it should tell today. Leinster Club SHC semi-final: Castletown (Laois) v Graigue/Ballycallan (Kilkenny), Kilkenny, 2.30
Great and long-awaited satisfaction for Castletown in the defeat of Birr, their conquerors in recent years. Graigue, however, have a formidable attack and if the weather improves a bit can reach their first provincial final. Railway Cup SHC (2.30): Leinster v Ulster, Dicksboro; Connacht v Munster, Freshford
Given the state of pitches, this weekend should test the theory that the players are the ones who want the continuation of the competition. In the spring the Railway Cup had the advantage of Galway using the Connacht team to get motoring at the start of the year. At this stage of the year it's hard to imagine what benefit anyone can derive from participation, apart from the honour of representing the province.
Sunday
Connacht club SFC semi-final: Aughavas (Leitrim) v Corofin (Galway), Carrick-on-Shannon, 2.0
Having hacked through the thickets of a championship organised with less than military precision and survived a collateral onslaught from the frustrated Connacht Council, Corofin travel to Leitrim. Any advantage Auhavas might take from Corofin's travails should be counterbalanced by the Galway champions' quality and the resolve they doubtless acquired playing underwater in the county final.
Leinster club SHC semi-final: St Anne's v UCD, Gorey, 2.0
The younger, more nimble students come up against Wexford's double champions. Although conditions haven't done UCD many favours so far, their rapier attack has coped adequately. Physique, dauntless spirit - pulling back an eight-point deficit against Oulart in the county final - and the ability to score under pressure have got St Anne's to this stage. UCD have every chance if conditions remain reasonable.
Munster club SHC (replay): Patrickswell (Limerick) v Toomevara (Tipperary), Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 2.0
Toomevara will be glad of the week's breathing space provided by the weather-enforced postponement. Tommy Dunne's suspension has been served and a few injuries have cleared up although Paddy O'Brien is definitely out. The Limerick champions nearly capitalised on Toom's understrength circumstances the last day, but the chance may have passed.
Mount Sion (Waterford) v Ballyduff (Kerry), Walsh Park, 2.30
Having firmly ousted Cork's Newtownshandrum, the Waterford champions are unlikely to be detained for long by their Kerry equivalents.
National Football League
(2.30 except where stated)
DIVISION ONE A
Galway v Donegal, Tuam
Donegal seem to be responding well to Mickey Moran and will provide the home side with a stiffer test than Roscommon, who fell to a fit, second-string Galway team. Given that Galway's main ambition is to get to Christmas without drowning, they may be less keyed up for this.
Offaly v Dublin, Tullamore
Dublin are well under strength and whereas Offaly will be anxious for their first points in the top flight, they should be able to gather them without generating excessive passions.
Louth v Roscommon, Drogheda - EXCELLENT result for a combative and enthusiastic Louth team in Killarney in their first match in Division One for 30 years. Ring-rusty Roscommon, whom new manager John Tobin has only started to knock into shape, may also fall to Paddy Clarke's men.
Tyrone v Kerry, Dungannon
With Kerry's eyes understandably glazing over, this represents a good opportunity for the promising young Tyrone side to add to their points haul.
Division One B
Meath v Sligo, Navan
A fraction of a point separated these two on the scoring average table last season. Both had good wins last time out, Meath coping with the sending-off of John McDermott to defeat Clare comfortably and Sligo blitzing off a big, early Fermanagh lead. Sligo should have the greater desire and it may be satisfied.
Fermanagh v Mayo, Enniskillen
John Maughan takes on his native county competitively for the first time since heading north. His record when in Clare against Mayo was very good and he can renew that trend. Cavan v Clare, Breffni Park, 2.0
Cavan played very well against Laois in their first fixture back in Division One. Clare are still suffering from difficulties in converting chances into scores and may pay for it.
Derry v Laois, Celtic Park
Eamonn Coleman's "ambition in the National League is zero", according to reports, but with some of the Bellaghy contingent back and Laois in uninspiring form, the home side mightn't be able to help themselves.
DIVISION TWO A
Antrim v Cork, Casement Park, 2.0
First competitive meeting in nearly 50 years for these counties. Cork get the nod over under-strength opponents.
Armagh v Wicklow, Crossmaglen
Armagh are hardly far behind Kerry and Galway in the ennui stakes but they should have enough in hand here.
Limerick v Leitrim, Kilmallock
Limerick's holidaymakers have returned in body but whether they're mentally tuned-in is another question. Leitrim to win.
London v Westmeath, Ruislip
In the first round Westmeath won big (18 points) whereas London lost big (14 points). More of the same.
DIVISION TWO B
Kildare v Monaghan, Newbridge
Kildare's experimental sides are too strong for many of their opponents. Monaghan aren't the worst but the points should stay put.
Down v Waterford, Newry
DOWN'S rebuilding process should be blessed with a second win.
Carlow v Tipperary, Dr Cullen Park
Tipperary never go well before Christmas. Eire Og were in their pomp. Good chance of a home win.
Wexford v Longford, New Ross
RE-RUN of the first championship upset last season. Both teams had good wins two weeks ago. Wexford were assisted by a two-man advantage and Longford may get a measure of revenge.
Railway Cup SHC final - Nowlan Park, 2.30.
