Colleges Previews: Sunday (3.30)

All-Ireland SF `A' Final

St Patrick's, Navan v St Patrick's, Armagh, Breffni Park

There is a little more in common here than just the name. Both schools dismissed fancied rivals to reach the final and for both their quest for the title is an attempt to end a barren period without a Hogan Cup.

For Navan - yet to claim the title - the route has included a Leinster semi-final win over the holders, Good Counsel, and a provincial final win over St Mel's, Longford. Their three-point semi-final win over St Jarlath's a fortnight ago was once again underlined by the fiery displays of midfielders Christy Blake and Stephen McGabhain, Shane McKeigue at centre forward, and the potent scoring of full forwards Philip Treacy and Ivan McCormack. And all this under the watchful eye of coach Colm O'Rourke.

Armagh manager Mattie McGleenan has made a number of switches from the side that survived the late pressure of Tralee CBS in the semi-final. Crucial goalscorer Sean Cavanagh - equally pivotal in the MacRory Cup victory over St Michael's, Enniskillen - is one of only three forwards to retain his position while the equally impressive Ronan Clarke, who scored four points from midfield the last day, starts at full forward.

With Armagh's lone All-Ireland title won back in 1946, so much in this match will hinge on hunger. Navan certainly won't fall short there and as the season has unfolded they seem to have gained an unstoppable momentum.

All-Ireland SH `A' Final

St Flannan's, Ennis v St Kieran's, Kilkenny, Nenagh

Both sides will remember well what happened in Croke Park last year. An extraordinary final quarter saw St Flannan's turn a seven-point deficit into a five-point victory and leave the black-and-white-clad St Kieran's players throwing themselves on the ground in exasperation at the final whistle.

So St Flannan's are chasing a third successive All-Ireland crown and in truth they haven't been tested yet. The nine-point win over Templemore in the Dr Harty Cup was memorable only for the lethal scoring display of full forwards Brendan Gantley, Brian Culbert and Andrew Quinn.

St Kieran's, who last won the title in 1996, had similarly convincing wins over Dublin Colleges in the Leinster decider and then Gort CS a fortnight ago. And the Kilkenny school have dangerous forwards in Eoin Kelly and Brian Carroll. But the Leinster side do concede that crucial mental edge to St Flannan's - enough to spell the difference.

Also of interest is that both schools hold a joint record of 13 All-Ireland senior hurling titles each. Just another ingredient in what is bound to be a taut and extremely hard-fought affair.