Weekend club previews

TODAY Fitzsimons Cup SF tournament final – Meath v Armagh, Páirc Tailteann, 7.0:The last chance for both these counties to take a look at players before the winter training ban, which actually makes it the last intercounty fixture of 2011.

Dublin SFC semi-finals – Lucan Sarsfields v St Oliver Plunkett's ER, Parnell Park, 3.0:A big test for Lucan against not just the Brogan brothers, but the team who last weekend defeated St Vincent's.

St Brigid's v Ballymun Kickhams, Parnell Park, 4.30:St Brigid's have been in excellent form, and after beating 2009 champions Ballyboden 1-17 to 1-7 last weekend, should set up another final place.

Galway SHC semi-final re-fixture – Clarinbridge v Craughwell, Ballinasloe, 2.30:Called off at half-time last Sunday due to heavy rain, and at which stage Clarinbridge were three points up, they still look better placed to secure a final spot.

Senior Hurling-Shinty International, Second Test – Scotland v Ireland, Inverness, 2.0:Ireland take a five-point lead into this second and final test after last weekend in Athy.

SUNDAY

Ulster Club SFC quarter-finals – Dromore (Tyrone) v Ballinderry (Derry), Omagh, 2.30:Ballinderry are Derry champions again for the first time since 2008, with the likes of Enda Muldoon, Conleth Gilligan and Kevin McGuckin still starring, and another tight battle beckons with Dromore, who have won three of the last five Tyrone titles.

St Gall's (Antrim) v Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh), Casement Park, 2.30:Having collected their 15th Armagh title in 16 years there's still no stopping Crossmaglen, although the reigning All-Ireland champions won't underestimate St Gall's, the All-Ireland champions of 2010, who recently collected their 10th Antrim title in 11 years – impressive dominance from both teams.

Munster Club SHC quarter-final – Drom Inch (Tipperary) v Ballygunner (Waterford), Thurles, 2.0:There'll be no denying the undertones of the Tipperary-Waterford rivalry here, yet it's a first provincial venture for Drom Inch, captained by Séamus Callanan. The experience of the Waterford champions (four club titles in the last decade) could be enough to help them prevail.

Dublin SHC final – Ballyboden St Enda's v O'Tooles, Parnell Park, 3.45:It's the classic drive-for-five for Ballyboden St Enda's as they look to maintain their grip on Dublin club hurling, and there's every reason to believe they will, although O'Tooles, who just about came through their semi-final against St Brigid's, certainly won't make it easy.

Galway SFC final – Corofin v Tuam Stars, Tuam, 3.0:Tuam Stars eventually got past Salthill/Knocknacarra in last Sunday's replay to set up tomorrow's showdown against Corofin, who last won the title, back-to-back in 2008 and 2009.

Kerry SFC final – Dr Crokes v Mid Kerry, Fitzgerald Stadium, 3.0:A high-scoring game beckons here, with the likes of Colm 'The Gooch' Cooper and Kieran O'Leary from Dr Crokes, the defending champions, against Darran O'Sullivan and Donnchadh Walsh of Mid Kerry. The Kerry football captaincy for 2012 is also up for grabs, although not necessarily a place in the Munster club championship, because if Mid Kerry win, that honour goes to county club champions Rathmore.

Kilkenny SHC final replay – Ballyhale Shamrocks v James Stephens, Nowlan Park, 2.30:Who else but Henry Shefflin to save the day for Ballyhale last Sunday, although there are lingering doubts about the legitimacy of his late equalising free. In the meantime Shefflin has brushed off injury fears and with that left the sense that Ballyhale won't leave it so late this time.

Louth SFC final replay – Newtown Blues v St Patrick's, Dowdallshill, 2.30:Paddy Keenan's late equaliser last Sunday earned St Patrick's a second bite, not that anyone was really complaining. It was a tough, even game throughout, and given Keenan hit 0-7 of his team's 0-10, they'll probably need a better spread of scorers this time if they're to beat Newtown Blues, who had five different scorers, including 1-2 from John Kermode.