Sunday
Semi-Finals: Galway v Waterford (2 p.m.) - Given that these two teams set the pace in their respective divisions until the last round of matches, when Waterford stumbled for the first time, it seems somewhat surprising to seen them paired together now. Hanging about to pick up some early summer silverware would be of immense benefit to both teams, but for different reasons.
Waterford, having engineered an irresistible run of form after stealing a late win against Wexford on a mucky day last February, now need to ensure that they maintain that momentum until their crunch championship meeting with Tipperary on May 28th, a fortnight after the league final. Galway need to squeeze in as many competitive games as possible before their ludicrous enforced siesta takes them to the All-Ireland quarter-finals on July 23rd.
The trailblazing manner of Waterford's progression has restored something of the fever of 1998. They had a stirring comeback against Kilkenny and overcame Cork next time out.
Obdurate in defence, the half-back line has been strengthened by the relocation of Peter Queally, and Tony Browne's return is a big boost.
Galway, meantime, have had an easier passage through the more uneven Division One A. Adopting an indifferent attitude towards the league is simply not an option for the isolated Connacht standard bearers and from their early, well-grafted win over Offaly, there has been little surprising about their ascent.
But manager Mattie Murphy used the league wisely, experimenting with craft during the absence of the Athenry players and re-integrating them smoothly after they claimed the All-Ireland. Finbarr Gantley has been reborn at corner back, the half-back line has a granite look to it and the imaginative midfield pairing of Alan Kerins and Rory Gantley has flourished thus far. Their battle with Browne and Johnny Brenner will be eye-catching, while the duel between Joe Rabbitte and Peter Queally could be a highlight.
It is notable that Brian Flannery, excellent for Waterford throughout the league, has retreated to corner back, mindful of the speed merchants that form Galway's first line. Even without the suspended Eugene Cloonan, Galway have a dazzling range of artillery and won't be scared of an old-fashioned shoot-out. With a bit of luck, there might be a few fireworks at this one and while Galway don't have the happiest of track records against Waterford of late, they are well capable of returning to the league final.
Verdict: Galway.
Limerick v Tipperary (3.45p.m.) - BOTH these counties reacted well to traumatic exits from last summer's provincial championship, with Limerick, in particular, reshaping themselves.
Tipperary's forwards have begun to sing of late - it is significant that in sustaining their one loss of the current campaign, the league holders failed to score against Kilkenny over the final quarter, an aberration which they are unlikely to repeat. The question is how much more can Tipperary learn about themselves right now?
Last year they found themselves involved in a strange semi-final waltz with Clare shortly before the two teams met in the first round of the championship. It is unlikely that they would favour a repeat of that, with Waterford, their first-round opponents this year, contesting the other league semi-final.
Limerick might not have been fancied for a play-off spot at the outset of this league campaign but with Clare doing their best sickman routine and Offaly as reluctant as ever to commit to league fare, there has been little to halt them in their stride. A notable test lies ahead of T J Ryan, thus far a revelation at full back, in the redoubtable frame of Paul Shelly. Philip Maher, keeping time with Brian Begley at the other end is another juicy prospect. Mark Foley will also have a busy afternoon tracing Tipperary's Mark O'Leary.
Given that Limerick are essentially rebuilding, there is a temptation to assume that the foundation of this fine run of form is nonetheless fragile and liable to implode if firmly pressurised. Time will tell but while they lost in their recent significant outing against Galway, they also caused their opponents plenty of problems.
Quite a bit of time has passed since these two neighbours have crossed paths and, in a sense, the last couple of summers have by-passed both. While both sides have undergone key personnel changes, Tipperary are at a more advanced stage in their development and when the Munster championship comes around they are probably more likely to make a run. It is tempting to predict that Limerick's fresh-faced fearlessness will carry them through another Sunday against a team that are probably harbouring a little ambivalence towards the prospect of another league Sunday. That might prove to be the case but Nicholas English could use another strenuous afternoon to test his defence and with John Leahy showing signs of stirring, another league final could be of invaluable use.
Verdict: Tipperary.
Saturday
All-Ireland U-21 FC Semi-Final: Galway v Tyrone (Carrick-onShannon, 3.30 p.m) - Whatever the strengths of the current Tyrone senior team, the under-age set-up in the county bodes well for the future. Having dispensed with Donegal in a one-sided Ulster final, Tyrone now look like a good outside bet to claim a title which has thrown up a few surprises. Galway's late comeback against Mayo was spearheaded by Joe Bergin and although they finished strongly, there was a sense Mayo under-performed.
Tyrone's team is built around the bones of the minor side that took the All-Ireland two seasons ago, but they too progressed through the provincial jungle without any serious confrontation. Donegal managed just one point against their opponents in that second half. The tussle between Bergin and Cormac McAnallen at midfield could be crucial and Galway have enough forwards to test their opponents. But this Tyrone side have grown accustomed to success and won't be easily dissuaded.
Division One NHL Relegation Play-Off: Derry v Kerry (Parnell Park, 1.45 p.m.) - Without a win and uninspiring throughout the league, it is of little surprise that these two counties should be pitted against one another in a grim survival struggle. Both have accrued similar scores while Derry have a slightly better defensive record, conceding a total of 16-106 to Kerry's 16-117. There must be a question over the wisdom of wanting to survive in a division where it is difficult to compete, but doubtless both will be gunning for this. Derry can shade it.
Division One A: Dublin v Offaly (Parnell Park, 3.30 p.m.) - This postponed league fixture is now utterly academic and merely provides both teams with a last run out before the championship. Both teams are lower mid-table and a win for Dublin would see them swapping places.
Offaly, though, ought to be getting a little lively around now and may show more hunger for this than they did in earlier rounds. With places up for grabs on this evolving Offaly team, no-one can afford complacency. Offaly to win.
NHL Division Three: Fermanagh v Leitrim (Kinawley, 7 p.m.) - Leitrim can conclude a fairly worthwhile season with a win over woebegone Fermanagh.
Sunday
NHL Division Two: Carlow v London (Dr Cullen Park, 3.30 p.m.) - Carlow ought to win this but need to put up a considerable score to redress the difference between themselves and table-toppers Meath.
Tyrone v Roscommon (Omagh) - The final nail in the coffin for Tyrone who have yet to win.
Down v Westmeath (Ballygalget) - DOWN stumbled against Carlow after a good season while Westmeath are coming off a stroll against Tyrone. The northern side might have more incentive going into this.
Meath v Wicklow (Trim) - Meath ought to clinch promotion in front of the home supporters.
Armagh v Kildare (Keady) - Hard to see Armagh picking up their first points of the season at this late stage.
NHL Division Three (3.30): Longford v Mayo (Longford) - The midlanders are chasing promotion and could clinch it against Mayo.
Monaghan v Cavan (Clones) - Monaghan can improve their end-of-season placing with a win over struggling Cavan.
Sligo v Donegal (Markevicz Park) - Sligo to ensure Donegal's season ends on a blue note.
