Weekend Previews

Leitrim v Mayo, Carrick-on-Shannon, 3.30 - Leitrim have the confidence of being minor winners and are expected to mount a robust challenge but Mayo, with a win over Roscommon under their belt, can progress.

Sligo v Galway, Markievicz Park, 3.30 - Galway are favoured to take another step towards retaining their Connacht title.

Leinster U21 FC: Semi-finals

Kildare v Dublin, Mullingar, 1.45 - Backboned by the successful minors of two years ago, Dublin will still have their work cut out against a Kildare team with good wins - over Westmeath and Offaly - behind them.

Wicklow v Meath, Carlow, 3.00 - Despite an eye-catching win over Laois, Meath mightn't win this too easily but they should win it.

Munster U21 FC: Semi-finals

Cork v Kerry, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 3.30 - Kerry look to have the edge in this with Cork looking for a first title at the grade for a record seven years.

Limerick v Tipperary, Mitchelstown, 3.30 - Holders of the title for the first time, Limerick can call on nine of last year's successful team. They should proceed against a Tipp outfit which has shown a propensity to squander chances.

Ulster U21 FC: Quarter-finals

Antrim v Monaghan, Casement Park, 3.30 - The home team have a better underage pedigree and it should be enough.

Armagh v Cavan, Crossmaglen, 3.30 - The home team will be fancied against an out-of-sorts looking Cavan.

Tyrone v Down, Omagh, 3.30 - This is an eagerly awaited clash between the All-Ireland champions and the county which succeeded them as All-Ireland minor winners two years ago. The champions still have the edge but it should be close.

Derry v Fermanagh, Ballinascreen, 3.30 - Having beaten Donegal in the preliminary round, Fermanagh face a daunting task here even allowing for the Derry management's stand-off with senior forward Paddy Bradley.

National Hurling League

(3.30 unless stated)

Division 1A

Dublin v Clare, Parnell Park - Dublin manager Kevin Fennelly will have been glad of the extra month to get to grips with his lot but it's unlikely to yield dividends just yet.

Meath v Offaly, Navan - Offaly famously lost this fixture six years ago when in the second division. Despite Meath's encouraging start to life at the top and Brian Whelahan's pioneering attempt at a corner back role, history should not repeat itself.

Galway v Limerick, Ballinasloe - There were indications before the break that Galway weren't taking the League with their usual seriousness. Limerick however are and probably covet the title more than any of the other teams. Tomorrow will be a good test for Eamonn Cregan's youthful charges given that Galway will be a fitter side than they were a month ago. Last year Limerick came off second best amidst an avalanche of goals in the Gaelic Grounds but can make amends this time around.

Division 1B

Tipperary v Waterford, Nenagh, 3.00 - The North Tipperary board's centenary is acknowledged in the choice of venue. Tipp have a full pick apart from the still injured Paddy O'Brien and will give run-outs to most of the panel in the month ahead. Waterford's first matches veered between the disastrous outing against Kilkenny and a more assured performance in dismissing Wexford. This promises to be a lively occasion but Waterford have yet to convince that they have recovered even the form of last season's regulation matches.

Wexford v Cork, Enniscorthy - There's an element of desperation about Tony Dempsey's shuffling of the deck. The team was progressing well until the wheels came off against Waterford. Even the defeat by Tipperary wasn't without its redeeming features. Rod Guiney returns again at full back but there are so many other unsettled positions that Dempsey would surely settle for some encouraging displays whatever about the result. Cork had started well and should resume where they left off.

Derry v Laois, Dungiven - This fixture last year decided who propped up the table and Laois were a little fortunate to win by a point. Derry will look forward to this opportunity to settle the score but the visitors are in better array this time around.

Division Two

Kerry v Roscommon, Killarney, 1.45 - Great start by Kerry - which together with FMD has wrapped up this division - and every likelihood that they'll pick up where they left off against a Roscommon side having an awful campaign.

Division Three

Sligo v Tyrone, Markievicz Park - Close call but Sligo get it.

Monaghan v Donegal, Gavan Duffy Park - Top meets (near) bottom with the visitors likely to keep it that way unless they've lost their magic formula over the break.

Longford v Cavan, M Fay Park - Longford to keep track of Donegal.

Fermanagh v Mayo, Enniskillen -

The last of the top-meets-bottom matches. Same trend.

National Football League

Division 1A

Kerry v Dublin, Killarney - Maybe Paid i O Se's faith in the month-long layoff will be rewarded. This fixture was originally supposed to take place in November and has been passed from month to month since. Kerry's lack of interest in the NFL after winning an AllIreland was seen to similar effect three years ago but it has no bearing on the county's summer prospects. Dublin can't dismiss things quite as airily as was shown in their grittily frantic desire to win in Donegal. This is the sort of match in which a win would buoy their spirits but they may not get it as Kerry begin to rub the sleep out of their eyes and, unfortunately for the visitors, Maurice Fitzgerald may feel under vague pressure to perform.