Weekend Previews

Sean Moranlooks ahead to the weekend's GAA action.

SATURDAY

ALL-IRELAND U21 FC SEMI-FINALS

(extra-time if necessary)

Kerry v Mayo, Nenagh, 3.30 (Live TG4):Mayo won when the counties met at minor level three years ago but have lost a couple of players since, principally Pearse Hanley to the AFL. Kerry have a couple of big names, most notably captain and current young player of the year Killian Young at full back. The win over Tipp brought Kerry a first title in the grade in six years. They can edge this.

Down v Kildare, Páirc Tailteann, 5.0 (Live TG4):Kildare are the joker in this year's pack as the only county remaining not to have reached the last four of the 2005 minor All-Ireland. Down won that championship and, like Mayo, have sustained a massive loss with Martin Clarke's departure Down Under. Kildare are physically strong but the proven Ulster champions can progress.

NFL DIVISION FOUR

Carlow v Kilkenny, Dr Cullen Park, 3.30:Great lift for Kilkenny in winning the points last week against London. Traditionally Carlow have been vulnerable to their neighbours but despite a haywire season Paul Bealin's team should win.

SUNDAY

(2.30 unless stated]

NHL DIVISION TWO FINAL

(extra-time if necessary)

Carlow v Westmeath, Gaelic Grounds:The curtain-raiser to tomorrow's big match brings together the division's best teams. Carlow are unbeaten but Westmeath had to survive a shock defeat by Mayo. Late goals took the emphatic look off Carlow's semi-final defeat of Kerry but Westmeath were comfortable in beating Down and have also had more experience at the top level in recent years.

NFL DIVISION TWO

Armagh v Cork, Crossmaglen:With the spectre of relegation lifted neither side has much to play for here so there's some last-minute looking at players before the summer and further rehab for Francie Bellew and Brian Mallon on the Armagh team. If Armagh can get the sort of service into their forwards that swept away Dublin, it's hard to see Cork coping.

Dublin v Meath, Parnell Park (all ticket):Last week wasn't good news for Dublin, who have tested a good few players in the current campaign and risen to the verge of Division One without giving any particularly formidable displays. The damage in Crossmaglen came late in the match but was nonetheless a cause for concern. A win will copper-fasten promotion. Paul Caffrey continues to experiment although not entirely from choice with injury and suspension playing a part. Paddy Andrews gets a trot at corner back and his match-up with Stephen Bray will be an interesting pointer - as will Eamonn Fennell's after a largely encouraging campaign. Meath haven't had a great run but a win here would give them a chance of going up. There will be interest in the Graham Geraghty-Bryan Cullen clash on the 40 and also how Cian Ward gets on in an understrength attack. These games have their own logic but within those parameters it looks like Dublin.

Roscommon v Cavan, Dr Hyde Park:Both have been relegated but it's been a nightmare year for Roscommon. Cavan have at least been competitive and should add the points from this.

Monaghan v Westmeath, Clones:Westmeath have done very well to be still in with a chance of promotion. Monaghan boss Séamus McEnaney will have been disappointed with the defeat in Cork, as it disrupts their momentum. Better news, given how his centrefield struggled against Nicholas Murphy, is that Martin Flanagan misses out for Westmeath. Expect Monaghan to respond well to the setback and do enough to secure promotion.

NFL DIVISION THREE

Down v Fermanagh, Newry:Part two of Down's escape bid is a trickier task than last week's match in Limerick. They have to beat the top team in the division and hope Louth beat Wexford. A win here isn't out of the question either but the need to bridge the scoring difference gap makes a happy ending for Down unlikely.

Limerick v Leitrim, Kilmallock:Limerick need to win to ensure survival. A draw would do the visitors who, after their fine victory over Down, are entitled to be confident of taking something out of this.

Longford v Sligo, Pearse Park:For two teams with impressive recent championship credentials squabbling over a Division Four residency is pretty depressing. The Connacht champions have to win by three and hope there's a winner in Kilmallock. Their form has been so dismal this campaign that Longford have to be favourites.

Wexford v Louth, Wexford Park:A good opportunity for Wexford to maintain their decent NFL profile of recent years by winning promotion. Louth have picked up steam after a poor start but with close to a full-strength team (John Hudson is injured) Jason Ryan's team can settle the matter by winning this.

NFL DIVISION FOUR

Tipperary v Wicklow, Ardfinnan:Tipp are hovering with an outside chance of going up and can maintain the pressure on Antrim by winning tomorrow.

Antrim v Waterford, Casement Park:This has been a great season for both counties with Waterford challenging at the top but it will be a disappointment and a shock if the home side can't avail of home advantage to nail down promotion. Of course the last time Waterford headed north on the last day of the season they wrecked Cavan's promotion party.

London v Clare, Ruislip:Clare to ensure a pointless campaign for the exiles.

Bye: Offaly.

ALL-IRELAND COLLEGES SH A FINAL (Replay)

De La Salle Waterford v Thurles CBS, Nowlan Park, 2.30:De La Salle will be concerned the Tipperary school is getting closer to them after three meetings in two seasons. If Noel Connors can re-enact his epic duel with John O'Neill and if the champions can stop James Barry dominating to the same extent they can pull through but it's not as clear-cut as it looked seven days ago.