TODAY
MUNSTER CLUB SFC SEMI-FINAL
Nemo Rangers (Cork) v An Gaeltacht (Kerry) Pairc U∅ Chaoimh, 2.30
This looks like the most intriguing summit between the counties' representatives since Nemo and Laune Rangers took two matches at this stage of the championship eight years ago to sort themselves out. That was the Cork club's last All-Ireland winning season and suspicions that the current side were a little off that pace were confirmed by last March's final defeat. Now, with the unusual distinction of back-to-back county titles under their belt and an emphatic win over recent champions Doonbeg routinely completed, Nemo have added experience for this year's campaign.
An Gaeltacht were clearly superior to Stacks a fortnight ago in Kerry, but first-time champions have a poor track record in the club championship and, despite the Kerry club's individual talent, the holders look to have the balance of advantage.
RAILWAY CUP SEMI-FINALS
SF: Connacht v Ulster, Killarney, 2.00; Munster v Leinster, Tralee, 4.30.
SH: Connacht v Ulster, Templemore, 2.00; Munster v Leinster, Nenagh, 2.30.
The perennial debate on the interprovincials contains elements of truth on both sides. Advocates of the competition argue that good ideas for its regeneration have been overlooked and that Jarlath Burns's Players Committee poll returned over 90 per cent in favour of keeping the Railway Cups.
It is true that players are generally interested if they've nothing better to do, but the problem is that the definition of 'something better' gets looser all the time. This weekend's football was brought forward because of the special congress next weekend, but now runs into a pile of counter-attractions from club fixtures to the GPA a.g.m. in Portlaoise.
TOMORROW
LEINSTER CLUB SFC QUARTER-FINALS O'Hanrahan's (Carlow) v Sarsfields (Kildare)
Dr Cullen Park, 2.00
History suggests caution here for holders O'Hanrahan's. Two years ago they lost to Sarsfields and their Carlow predecessors Eire ╙g went down to one of their very rare defeats in Leinster over the last decade after a replay with the same club seven years ago.
The champions won't have learned too much from hammering Muckalee but have injury problems at the back. Last season's captain and corner back Niall English is only returning from a lengthy ankle injury and wing back Breffni Hannon won't be fit until the New Year. Their opponents also have concerns with Niall Buckley's hamstring wreaking its usual havoc. The champions get the vote.
Portarlington (Laois) v Na Fianna (Dublin)
Portarlington, 2.30
NA FIANNA manager Mick Galvin is cautious about this. "They'll have a big crowd behind them and will be exceptionally difficult. It's not a nice place to have to go to," he says. He and others in the club identify a renewed appetite as central to regaining the title.
"The key thing is to find the hunger and the passion to match our ability, the hunger we lacked last year. Is it there? I'll tell you on Monday." Portarlington were solid in defeating Fr Manning Gaels and pose a formidable challenge but it may not be enough.
Rathnew (Wicklow) v Dunshaughlin (Meath) Aughrim, 2.30
This pair renew acquaintance after last year's protracted meeting. The Wicklow club has the more recognisable individuals but Dunshaughlin's teamwork and unitary strength is impressive. Their commitment against Skryne was impressive and their tactical versatility even more so. Martin Reilly was the scoring hero in the county final but it was a team effort. Despite the intimidating venue, Dunshaughlin can win this if they're fully focused.
St Anne's (Wexford) v Edenderry (Offaly)
Enniscorthy, 12.00
Former Laois manager Tom Cribbin takes Edenderry to Enniscorthy for an early start. After last year's dual exploits, St Anne's did better in the hurling championship than in the football despite being regarded primarily as a big ball club. Their high-scoring defeat of Westmeath's Garrycastle looked impressive with Francis Simpson getting two goals but the preference here is for the Offaly men.
CONNACHT CLUB SFC SEMI-FINAL Annaghdown (Galway) v St Mary's (Sligo)
Tuam Stadium, 2.00
After a glittering summer for the county it was surprising that Galway produced relatively anonymous champions. But Annaghdown have the great club advantage of being a strong unit rather than dependant on individuals. The usual reservation about clubs lining out so quickly after a notable success aside, they should reach the provincial final.
RAILWAY CUP FINALS
SF: Munster/Leinster v Connacht/Ulster, Killarney, 2.30.
SH: Munster/Leinster v Connacht/Ulster, Nenagh, 12.00.
