GAA Previews: Club championships and county finals

Connacht Club HC semi-final: James Stephens (Mayo) v Athleague (Roscommon), Ballina, 3.0 James Stephens of Ballina will have home advantage, but Athleague, who only last weekend defeated Pádraig Pearses to claim the Roscommon title, will still start as marginal favourites.

It should be close, and whoever does come through can look forward to the daunting task of playing Galway champions Portumna in the Connacht final.

Sunday

Leinster Club HC quarter-final

Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow) v Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny), Carlow, 3.0

Despite having just six days' recovery from the Kilkenny final this should prove a minor obstacle to Ballyhale Shamrocks as they continue the defence of their Leinster and All-Ireland club titles.

Last Sunday's 1-20 to 1-10 win over St Martin's was highly impressive, especially as it was achieved without the injured Henry Shefflin and James "Cha" Fitzpatrick.

Mount Leinster Rangers recently defended their Carlow title, and put up a good show against Dublin champions Craobh Ciaráin last year, but still it's hard to look past Ballyhale booking the semi-final date against Offaly champions Birr.

Ulster Club FC quarter-finals

Glenullin (Derry) v Newtownbutler (Fermanagh), Celtic Park, 2.30

This represents a major outing for both teams. Inspired by All-Star forward Paddy Bradley, Glenullin won the Derry title for the first time since 1985 this year, beating Bellaghy in a replay, and will now take on Fermanagh champions Newtownbutler who also find themselves back in the Ulster championship for the first time in 10 years.

Bradley clearly gives Glenullin a winning edge, and just last weekend featured in Ulster's interprovincial success at Croke Park. However, Newtownbutler will be no walkover, beating a fancied a fancied Teemore Shamrocks side in their county final which included former All-Star defender Barry Owens and Ciarán Reilly among others.

Clontibret (Monaghan) v Crossmaglen (Armagh), Clones, 2.30

It's over a month now since Crossmaglen claimed their record 12th successive Armagh county title, and while that six-point win over Pearse Óg wasn't particularly impressive, it was the least of their ambitions for the coming club season. Defending the Ulster and All-Ireland title is more like it.

This game actually marks a repeat of last year's Ulster semi-final, which Crossmaglen won by just one point (1-9 to 0-11). Clontibret retained their Monaghan title with a close win over Castleblaney two weeks ago, with centre forward Conor McManus scoring 1-5, but it's hard to see how they can contain Oisín McConville, Aaron Kernan and company, especially in Crossmaglen.

Dromore (Tyrone) v Mayobridge (Down), Omagh, 2.30

A first ever appearance for Dromore in the club championship, as they recently won their first Tyrone title in 74 years. Despite their lack of experience they have the goods to produce a winning debut, not least of all because of the presence of Ryan McMenamin.

It took two attempts before Mayobridge retained their Down title in a replay win over Longstone. Yet they have two star forwards in Benny Coulter and Michael Walsh, who hit 1-4 between them the last day.

Coulter is carrying an ankle injury that reportedly requires an operation, and only appeared as a substitute in the county final replay, but he still has the goods to secure an away win.

St Gall's (Antrim) v Cavan Gaels (Cavan), Casement Park, 2.30

Cavan Gaels have already beaten St Eunan's of Donegal in the preliminary round. This year marked their ninth football championship final in 10 years.

Still they'll have a tough job against St Gall's of Antrim, who won the Ulster title in 205 and reached the All-Ireland final where to they lost to Salthill-Knocknacarra of Galway. They're not the team of two years ago but with home advantage St Gall's could pull off the win.

Munster Club HC quarter-finals Loughmore-Castleiney (Tipperary) v Erin's Own (Cork), Semple Stadium, 2.0

They weren't fancied to beat Drom-Inch in the Tipperary final two weeks ago, and Loughmore-Castleiney will be even less fancied here. Erin's Own defended their Cork title, led by county stars Kieran Murphy and Cian O'Connor, with a comprehensive win over Newtownshandrum, and the last thing they'll want to do now is to lose out to the Tipperary champions.

Still, Loughmore-Castleiney didn't win their first county title in 19 years by accident. Their big problem now is an injury crisis, with five players - Martin Gleeson, Diarmuid Brennan, Paul Brennan, Tommy Ormond and Tommy Long - all ruled out of tomorrow's game. Up front, it's left to dual player Michael Webster and Noel McGrath, but it's unlikely they'll match the depth and experience of Erin's Own.

Lixnaw (Kerry) v Tulla (Clare), Lixnaw, 2.30

This may appear as an easy win for the Clare champions, but in fact it's a close call. Tulla recently won the Clare title for the first time in 74 years, beating Crusheen by a point, and therefore make their debut at provincial level, and they certainly won't take anything for granted against the Kerry champions.

Coached by Eamonn Cregan, Lixnaw had a memorable county final win over Kilmoyley, and will be keen to make an impact on the provincial stage. The worry is they're without star forward Michael Conway, who shattered his wrist in a freak domestic accident last weekend.

Waterford SH final

Ballygunner v Ballyduff Upper, Walsh Park, 2.30

It's hard to argue with the bare facts of this game. Ballygunner, appearing in their ninth consecutive final, against Ballyduff, who haven't won a county final in 20 years. Ballygunner have also disposed of Mount Sion and Lismore in the last two rounds.

Still, Waterford hurling finals are notoriously unpredictable, and with players like Tom Feeney, Stephen Molumphy, Séamus Hannon and John Twomey on board, Ballyduff can't be dismissed.

Wicklow SFC final

Baltinglass v Rathnew, Aughrim, 2.30

These two teams won't need any introduction, between them winning 17 of the last 20 county titles. It's an impossible game to call. The only thing certain is that the winners can't afford any celebration as they're out again on Tuesday night against Dublin champions St Vincent's.

Meath SFC final replay

Navan O'Mahony's v Seneschalstown, Páirc Tailteann, 2.30

Two weeks ago Seneschalstown had a glorious chance to win a first title since 1994 only for substitute Shane Clarke to miss a last-minute free. Navan O'Mahony's hadn't played well and the feeling is they won't be as ragged this time.

Limerick SFC final

Drom/Broadford v Ballylanders, Gaelic Grounds, 2.30

Having collected consecutive titles in 2003 and 2004, Drom/Broadford are back in the final and face Ballylanders. While the latter are the younger team, they won't fear their more experienced opponents.

Tipperary SFC final

Moyle Rovers v Fethard, Cashel, 3.0

This game finds former All Star Declan Browne and three of his Moyle Rovers club-mates - Liam Cronin, Robbie Boland and team captain James Williams - chasing their sixth county medal.

Rovers clearly present a formidable challenge but Fethard have 21 titles to their credit, and remain the benchmark of Tipperary club football.

Byron calls it a day

Laois goalkeeper Fergal Byron has announced his retirement from intercounty football.

The Courtwood clubman enjoyed a successful career with his county but has decided to retire "due to the growing professionalism within the GAA at this level".

He won a Leinster senior football championship medal with Laois in 2003 and an All Star award later that year.