Former Tipperary and Munster footballer Colm O'Flaherty has been named as manager of the county's football team. The Cahir-based schoolteacher was a selector last year and succeeds former Laois star Colm Browne, who stood down because of study commitments.
O'Flaherty's selectors are James Meagher (Loughmore), Michael Fitzgerald (Fethard) and Gerry Cahill (Knockavilla). The team will be trained by Tom McGlinchey of the Garda College, Templemore.
Meanwhile the focus is on the club scene this weekend, with provincial championship matches scheduled for all four provinces. There are football finals in Connacht and Ulster, while Munster and Leinster stage semi-finals.
Saturday's Munster semi-final in Pairc Ui Rinn pits Waterford representatives Rathgormack against Cork champions UCC. The Waterford champions have an overwhelming family influence while UCC is almost entirely composed of Kerry players.
The Power family dominates the Rathgormack line-out, with seven brothers and one cousin in the squad. Probably the most inspirational figure among the Power contingent is Martin, a garda in Kilkenny, who plays at centre forward, while cousin Richie at midfield is also a powerful figure. Elsewhere, Kevin plays at corner back, Declan at full back and Ger and Aidan in the attack. Tony and Sean Power are among the subs.
This is Rathgormack's fourth attempt in the 1990s to win the provincial title. Their best effort was when they drew with Laune Rangers from Kerry in the 1996-'97 campaign but were narrowly beaten in the replay in Killarney.
Cork intercounty player Michael Cronin will captain the UCC team which will include at least 10 Kerry players, all of whom have played in minor and under-21 Kerry teams in recent years.
In Ulster, Crossmaglen Rangers will be defending their Ulster and All-Ireland club titles against surprise packets Enniskillen Gaels, who scored an unlikely victory over Bellaghy in a controversial match in the semi-final to reach the final. Both sides are expected to be at full strength.
Crossmolina, who meet Roscommon Gaels in the Connacht final in Hyde Park on Sunday, will be without Mayo county man Kieran McDonald, who is under suspension after being sent off against Galway's representatives Killererin, in the semi-final.
There are doubts also about Liam Moffat and Michael Moyles, who are recovering from leg injuries. Gaels, who beat the Sligo champions Tourlestrane convincingly in their semi-final are expected to be at full strength.
In Leinster, Sarsfields from Kildare meet Kilanerin from Wexford at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, in one of two semi-finals on Sunday.
In the other semi-final, Na Fianna from Dublin will meet Portlaoise from Laois at Newbridge.
CONNACHT (SH v Munster, Galway unless stated): M Crimmins, L Hodgins, B Feeney, C Moore, P Walsh, N Larkin, P Hardiman, R Gantley, A Kerins, O Canning, J Rabbitte, K Broderick, O Fahy, M Kerins, E Cloonan. Subs: A Tully (Roscommon), M Healy, D O'Brien, E Linnane, F Healy, D Tierney, B Keogh, M Cunniffe (Roscommon), D Greally (Mayo), D Forde, J Culkin, R Reilly.
TIPPERARY (SH v Dublin, Nenagh, SouthEast League): K O'Brien; D Fahey, F Heaney, L Sheedy; P Maher, D Kennedy, P White; M Ryan, G Maguire; P Ormonde, J Carroll, M O'Leary; L Cahill, D O'Connor, K Tucker.
