Basketball: The men's Superleague doesn't even pause to draw breath over the holiday period. There is a full round of cross-conference games this weekend, followed by more fixtures three days after Christmas.
In their match against Star of the Sea this week, Killester came back from a 20-point deficit to win 79-72. But they face another tough challenge against Neptune tomorrow night. Keith Friel continues to struggle with a slight ankle injury, but is expected to play.
After two successive defeats, Star will be desperate to get a victory under their belt when they play host to the Killarney Lakers, but it is hard to see them putting a stop to the Kerry men's undefeated run, that now spans the last three matches.
In the all-university affair, the UCC Demons will also be looking to continue a rich vein of form when they take on UCD Marian in Cork.
They have a full squad, while Marian will be without Herman Heyl. A one-point defeat to Star last weekend was Marian's fourth successive loss. But Kenny McFarland's return to form - he finished with 31-points against Star - bodes well. Nevertheless, it is hard to see them escaping with the victory.
Since their change of name, things haven't been going to plan for Shamrock Rovers. Due to the demise of Tolka Rovers, they have become the bottom team in the North Conference, so Sunday's match at home to Limerick is a must-win tie.
Limerick have been boosted by the return of the influential Jamal Hunter from a leg injury.
Elsewhere, Waterford have a tricky task, at home to St Vincent's, on Saturday night.
In the only game in the women's Superleague this week, undefeated University of Limerick travel to Dublin to face Killester.
Saturday - Men's Superleague: Star of the Sea v Killarney Lakers, UUJ, 7.15; Waterford Crystal v St Vincent's, WIT, 7.30; Killester v Neptune, IWA, 8.0. Women's Superleague: Killester v University of Limerick, IWA, 3.30.
Sunday - Men's Superleague: Shamrock Rovers v Limerick, ESB Arena 3.0; UCC Demons v UCD Marian, Mardyke 3.15.
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