Gaelic Games Previews

Having claimed their fourth Carlow title in five years - thanks to the win over Old Leighlin in last Sunday's replay - O'Hanrahans should have little trouble getting past James Stephens. Centre forward Mark Carpenter should again lead the way.

Saturday

LEINSTER SF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

FIRST ROUND

James Stephens (Kilkenny) v O'Hanrahans (Carlow)

Callan, 4.0, F Barrett (Kildare)

CONNACHT SH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

SECOND ROUND

St Mary's (Leitrim) v Athleague (Roscommon)

Carrick-on-Shannon, 3.0, P McGuire (Sligo)

Tradition alone suggests that Athleague will have more than enough in reserve to handle the Leitrim champions, who've been handed the slightly more daunting task in Connacht because of the new open draw in the province. But St Mary's, the five-time Laois champions, won't go down without a fight, with manager Kevin Glancy set to line out in defence alongside his son James.

CLARE SF COUNTY FINAL REPLAY

St Senan's, Kilkee v Kilrush Shamrocks

Ennis, 3.0

An injury-time free converted by St Senan's midfielder Denis Russell a fortnight ago sent this game to a replay, and an equally close affair again lies in store.

Sunday

Munster SH club championship quarter-finals

Clarecastle (Clare) v Patrickswell (Limerick)

Ennis, 3.0, J McDonnell (Tipperary)

Live on TG4

The first real big hitter of the provincial club championship and a repeat of the 1997 Munster final, which Clarecastle won to start a sequence of five successive titles for Clare clubs. Still inspired by former Clare captain and now manager Anthony Daly, Clarecastle carry the greater momentum into this game - not least of all their wing forward Ken Ralph, who collected 1-9 in a one-sided Clare final over neighbours Ballyhea.

Patrickswell caused a bit of a stir of their own in dethroning Adare in Limerick, but have struggled in recent years to make any impact at provincial level. Gary Kirby, Ciaran Carey and Anthony Carmody have the experience but perhaps not the legs to lead them past the Clare side, who also enjoy home advantage.

Toomevara (Tipperary) v Kilmoyley (Kerry)

Thurles, 3.0, D Richardson (Limerick)

After retaining the Kerry title for the third successive year, Kilmoyley will relish a crack at the Tipperary champions. But Toomevara are thinking more about Munster honours, having held off the challenge of Thurles Sarsfields to win their fifth Tipperary title in six years. With the likes of Tommy and Benny Dunne in key positions Toomevara can look forward to the semi-final, where they'll meet Cork champions Newtownshandrum.

LEINSTER SF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND

Rathnew (Wicklow) v Clara (Offaly)

Aughrim, 2.30, M Monahan (Kildare)

The latest round of the battle of Aughrim. Having retained the Wicklow title for an eighth successive year - defeating Bray Emmets in a replay - Rathnew are well poised for another provincial campaign, but they will find Clara - who have won their first Offaly title since 1993 - far from an easy obstacle. Tommy Gill is still central to the Rathnew team, and could tip the balance in their favour.

The Downs (Westmeath) v St Patrick's (Louth)

Mullingar, 2.30, S McCormack (Meath)

This game throws up the first test of allegiance for new Westmeath manager Páidí Ó Sé. Should he support his newly adopted county, or watch his nephews play for An Ghaeltacht in the Kerry county final replay? This promises to be a closer fight. The Downs are making their first appearance in the Leinster campaign in 23 years, and St Patrick's their first ever. It promises to be a tight battle, with a crack at Dublin champions St Brigid's awaiting the winners.

ULSTER SH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Dunloy (Antrim) v Ballygalget (Down)

Casement Park, 1.30, G Devlin (Armagh)

As runners-up to Birr in last year's All-Ireland final, Dunloy might be expected to win this at a canter. But they only sneaked past Loughgiel in the Antrim final, and Ballygalget have an outstanding scoring forward in Johnny McGrattan. Even still Dunloy should book their place in the final.

ULSTER SF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Enniskillen Gaels (Fermanagh)

v St Gall's (Antrim)

Casement Park, 3.0, C Broderick (Down)

Hard to see how St Gall's can find a way past Enniskillen, who head into their seventh successive Ulster campaign. Darren O'Hare has been in fine form in helping St Gall's complete a hat trick of Antrim titles but the Fermanagh depth runs way deeper.

Loup (Derry) v Bryansford (Down)

Maghera, 3.0, S McGonagle (Donegal)

Loup caused one of the biggest shocks of any county championship this season when beating Ballinderry, the 2003 All-Ireland champions, in the Derry final - thus ending a 67-year famine. Backboned by county players Paul McFlynn, Ronan Rocks and Johnny McBride, they will present a strong challenge to Bryansford, who narrowly beat Mayobridge in the Down final.

ULSTER SF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

FIRST ROUND REPLAY

Four Masters (Donegal)

v Castleblaney (Monaghan)

Clones, 3.0, M Kolbohm (Tyrone)

Having let a four-point lead slip in the closing minutes last Sunday, Four Masters can expect to come through this time against Castleblaney to set up a meeting with Cavan Gaels in the next round.

COUNTY FINALS

KILKENNY SH FINAL

Young Irelands v O'Loughlin Gaels

Nowlan Park, 3.0, D O'Sullivan

As always one of the most cherished titles in hurling. Though Young Irelands, led by DJ Carey, are the champions, they are going for only their third title ever. O'Loughlin Gaels won their sole title in 2001, and with the Comerford brothers Martin and Andy leading the way they can now win their second.

KERRY SF COUNTY FINAL REPLAY

An Ghaeltacht v Laune Rangers

3.0 Tralee

After proving impossible to separate a fortnight ago, the two top teams in Kerry return to Tralee for the bragging rights of 2003. On paper An Ghaeltacht still look like the most likely champions, possibly paving the way for Darragh Ó Sé to return as Kerry captain.

GALWAY SH FINAL

Loughrea v Portumna

Pearse Stadium 3.30.

Two teams without a great history of senior success will fight to be crowned Galway champions. Loughrea's sole title was back in 1941, and Portumna have never won. Boasting players like Ollie Canning and the Hayes brothers Niall and Damien Portumna should prevail.

ARMAGH SF FINAL

Crossmaglen v Dromintee

Crossmaglen, 3.0

So can Dromintee, bidding for their first title, stop Crossmaglen from winning an eighth Armagh title in succession? Probably not. A huge crowd is expected nonetheless, with a host of county players on display. Oisin McConville, Francie Bellew and the McEntee twins should ensure Armagh prevail.

Monday

LEINSTER SF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND

Clonguish (Longford) v Kilanerin (Wexford)

Longford, 2.30, P Finnegan (Louth)

After a 22-year absence from the Longford role of honour Clonguish are back in the provincial frame, beating Ballymahon in their county, but they won't relish the meeting of the Wexford champions. County star Mattie Forde collected 0-13 for Kilanerin against Horeswood in their county final, but with home advantage and the likes of Paul Barden in their mix, Clonguish could still raise themselves to the win.

LEINSTER SH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

FIRST ROUND REPLAY

Naomh Eoin (Carlow) v Knockbridge (Louth)

Carlow, 2.00, B Gavin (Offaly)

extra time if necessary

A ticket to meet All-Ireland champions Birr awaits the winners of this replay. It took a late free from Anthony Curry of Naomh Eoin last Sunday to force the replay, and the home advantage of the Carlow champions this time is likely to give them the winning edge.