Weekend club previews

A look at this weekend's matches

TODAY

Down SFC Final

Burren v Clonduff, Páirc Esler, 7pm – Holders Burren will have been forewarned by Clonduffs surprise elimination of 2009 champions Kilcoo in the semi-finals and should have enough in hand to see off opponents who haven’t been in a final for 11 years. Burren’s Ireland panellist Kevin McKernan will be hoping primarily to win a second medal but almost as fervently that it doesn’t end in a draw, ahead of next week’s scheduled departure to Australia.

TOMORROW

Connacht Club SFC

Glencar/Manorhamilton (Leitrim) v Tourlestrane (Sligo), Páirc Seán Mac Diarmuida, 2pm – Fresh from their fourth successive county title, the Leitrim club can build on some good performances in the province and reach a semi-final with champions St Brigids.

Ulster Club SFC

Cavan Gaels (Cavan) v Glenswilly (Donegal), Kingspan Breffni Park, 3.30pm – Usually first time county champions aren’t a good bet in the provincial championship but inspired by Michael Murphy, Glenswilly can prove an exception against the experienced Cavan town side.

Armagh SFC Final

Crossmaglen Rangers v Ballymacnab, Athletic Grounds, 4pm – The fabulously decorated Crossmaglen against opponents in their first senior final. The All-Ireland champions will have too much experience – Paul Hearty saved a penalty in the semi-final against Pearse Óg and Oisín McConville converted six frees – and firepower to get caught out.

Carlow SFC Final

Old Leighlin v Tinryland, Dr Cullen Park, 3.45pm – Old Leighlin are marginally favoured to repeat their earlier win in the championship against tomorrow’s opponents but it could well be as close, as Tinryland, in the final for the first time in 19 years, were impressive when beating Rathvilly in the semi-finals.

Clare SFC Final

Kilmurry-Ibrickane v St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield, Cusack Park, 3.30pm – St Josephs attempt to emulate the hurlers, who added provincial and All-Ireland honours over a decade ago, by winning the big-ball championship.

After a year, which featured the trauma of losing a team member, the late Niall White, the outsiders – featuring former Kerry and Ireland goalkeeper Declan O’Keeffe – have put together some impressive displays but may fall short against the recent All-Ireland finalists.

Cork SFC Final

Castlehaven v UCC, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3.45 – UCC are outsiders going into this final. The ‘UCK’ jibes are also out with a number of Kerry footballers lining up for the college, including Killorglin’s Peter Crowley who played a major part in UCC’s Sigerson Cup win last March.

Another of the Sigerson winners, Mark Collins, lines out for Castlehaven and is one of their most important forwards. Damien Cahalane, another UCC student and son of Niall, and David Limerick drive a formidable defence and it’s hard to see UCC recording a first Sigerson-and-county double in over 40 years,

Derry SFC Final

Ballinderry v Kilrea, Celtic Park, 3.45pm – Ballinderry will be on their guard after losing to first-time finalists Coleraine in last year’s decider. Kilrea’s progress is based on impressive development work which has produced county titles at minor and under-21 in recent years but, fuelled by last year’s disappointment, the experience of the favourites will drive them on.

Kerry SHC Final

Ballyduff v Crotta ONeills, Austin Stack Park, 3.30pm – Some great development work by Crotta will have to wait for senior fulfilment, as Ballyduff are unbeaten in the championship to date.

Laois SFC Final

Graiguecullen v Portlaoise, OConnor Park, 3.45pm – Former Wexford manager and Dublin All-Ireland winner Paul Bealin takes Graiguecullen in search of a first county title since 1965 but they will be distant outsiders against a powerful Portlaoise side who are going for a record fifth county title in a row.

Limerick SFC Final

Monaleen v Newcastlewest, Páirc na nGael, 3.30pm – An interesting face-off between holders and hot favourites Monaleen and Newcastlewest, who haven’t won a title in 19 years. Tomorrow’s final sees the underdogs coming in with the momentum of an unbeaten season whereas Monaleen really struggled through the group phases.

There’ll be plenty of attacking talent on display with Stephen Kelly, Ger Collins and former Limerick captain Muiris Gavin all lining out. Could be an upset.

Louth SFC Final

St Patrick’s v Newtown Blues, GAA Grounds, 3.30pm – St Pat’s are back four years after their last title and deserve to be favourites after defeating champions Mattock Rangers after a replay. Postponed from two weeks ago, the final promises to be competitive. Blues capable of winning ball in the middle but St Pat’s can prevail.

Meath SFC Final (replay)

Dunshaughlin v Summerhill, Páirc Tailteann, 3pm – A third replay in five seasons in Meath sees Summerhill needing to finish the job they were favoured to complete the first day. Dunshaughlin will have grown in confidence but Summerhill have plenty of room for improvement and if they hold their nerve, can finally deliver.

Offaly SHC Final

Coolderry v Birr, O’Connor Park, 3.30pm – After three years’ absence Birr are back in the county final and face the holders Coolderry. Former Tipp star Ken Hogan is in charge of Coolderry and comes up against one of his former clubs tomorrow. To date the champions have been making impressive starts to their matches and should do enough to see off the challenge of Birr, who stuttered in the semi-final win over St Rynagh’s.

Roscommon SHC Final

Athleague v Four Roads, Athleague, 4pm – Champions Four Roads survived a fright and replay in the semi-finals and may be vulnerable against Athleague, who seek revenge after their 2005 final defeat.

Tipperary SHC Final

Clonoulty Rossmore v Drom and Inch, Semple Stadium, 3.30pm – Surprises in the semi-finals saw Clonoulty remove champions Thurles and Drom, courtesy of Séamus Callinan’s spectacularly relocated form, which yielded 1-5 in the first half, beating Mullinahone.

Clonoulty are physically formidable and underwritten by the dead-ball striking of former Fitzgibbon top gun Timmy Hammersley whereas their opponents are a more polished outfit. Both teams have known a fair share of disappointment in recent finals and someone’s luck will have to change. Probably Drom and Inch’s.

Waterford SHC Final

Ballygunner v Tallow, Walsh Park, 3.30pm – Ballygunner are back in the final after avenging last year’s defeat by Munster champions De La Salle but Tallow have advanced to a first final in over 25 years. Possessing a lively attack, Tallow feature up-and-coming county panellist Thomas Ryan and former county corner forward Paul O’Brien. Ballygunner have their own dangerous front men in Brian OSullivan and Paul Flynn’s dead-ball heir Pauric Mahony and their modern record is phenomenal – tomorrow they’re chasing a ninth title in 20 years. They might just have the optimal blend of youth and experience.

Westmeath SHC Final

Clonkill v Castletown Geoghan, Cusack Park, 3.30pm – The young and emerging Castletown Geoghegan team defeated champions Raharney in the semi-finals. With Andrew Mitchell and Brendan Murtagh on board and the team in form, Clonkill look more likely winners.