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Preview: Weekend's Club Football action

Mayo player Barry Moran is a key figure for Castlebar Mitchels.

Mayo player Barry Moran is a key figure for Castlebar Mitchels.

By Cian O'Connell

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Saturday October 29

Mayo SFC Final

Castlebar Mitchels v Knockmore, Elverys MacHale Park, 7pm

This will be Castlebar Mitchels sixth final appearance in seven years.

Knockmore, the standard bearers in the mid 90s, last contested a decider in 2009.

Mitchels, defeated by Ballyboden St Enda's in the All Ireland Club Final on St Patrick's Day, are a formidable outfit. Neil Douglas contributed eight points in a convincing 1-11 to 1-5 Semi-Final triumph over Ballintubber.

Paddy Durcan and Barry Moran are other influential figures for Mitchels. Knockmore surprised Breaffy to secure a 0-12 to 1-7 victory last Sunday.

Kevin McLoughlin nailed two important points, while Aidan Kilcoyne, Shane McHale, Colm Reape, and Peter Naughton were others to impress.

Sunday October 30

Leinster SFC First Round

Baltinglass (Wicklow) v Sean O'Mahony's (Louth), Aughrim, 2pm

A Joey Kelly inspired Baltinglass are hoping to embark on a Leinster Championship adventure, but Sean O'Mahony's will offer a stern test at Aughrim.

Kelly starred in the Wicklow Final clipping seven points in the win over St Patrick's.

Sean O'Mahony's celebrated a first ever Louth title last month following a dramatic late burst which defeated St Mary's.

Conor Crawley's goal was the decisive score for O'Mahony's, who also include Conor Finnegan in attack.

Rhode star Niall McNamee.

Rhode star Niall McNamee.

Gusserane (Wexford) v Rhode (Offaly), New Ross, 2pm

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Wexford champions for the first time in 41 years, Gusserane face a difficult assignment against the Niall McNamee led Rhode.

Cillian Kehoe's point earned Gusserane victory over Glynn-Barntown, but Rhode are a capable outfit.

A young Ferbane side carried high hopes into the Offaly showpiece, but they were blitzed by Rhode.

McNamee was accurate in attack, while Paul McPadden netted a crucial goal.

Mullinalaghta (Longford) v Stradbally (Laois), Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm

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Mullinalagtha narrowly defeated neighbours Abbeylara in a low scoring Longford SFC Final.

Aidan McElligott pounced for an oppotunistic second half goal which earned Mullinalaghta a 1-8 to 0-8 triumph.

Stradbally, though, earned a hugely exciting success of their own against Portlaoise, who were chasing a 10th title in a row in Laois.

Jody Dillon's goal in the last minute steered an improving Stradbally outfit to victory.

Munster SFC Quarter Finals

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Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) v Dr Crokes (Kerry), Quilty, 1pm

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Colm Cooper remains a key contributor for Dr Crokes, who were too strong for Kenmare District in the Kerry decider. Crokes registered 2-16 during that encounter with Cooper landing seven points.

Fionn Fitzgerald, Johnny Buckley, and the sharp Kieran O'Leary are other important players for Crokes. Kilmurry-Ibrickane enjoyed an encouraging Clare SFC Final replay win over Cratloe.

Goals from Martin McMahon and the promising Keelan Sexton decorated a solid Kilmurry-Ibrickane performance.

Carbery Rangers celebrated a first ever Cork SFC title.

Carbery Rangers celebrated a first ever Cork SFC title.

Monaleen (Limerick) v Carberry Rangers (Cork), Gaelic Grounds, 3pm

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Monaleen were impressive when overcoming the challenge of Dromcollogher-Broadford in the Gaelic Grounds.

Two first half goals from Shane Cusack and Colm Moran were vital for Monaleen, who claimed a first Limerick crown since 2011.

Ger Collins scored six points for Monaleen, who now face Carberry Rangers team that includes John O'Rourke and John Hayes.

Carberry Rangers beat Ballincollig in the Cork SFC Final by 1-15 to 1-12 with Chris O'Donovan netting a goal for the victors.

Ulster SFC Quarter Finals

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Killyclogher (Tyrone) v Cargin (Antrim), Healy Park, 2.30pm

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A dynamic display in the Tyrone SFC Final replay earned glory for Killyclogher at Healy Park.

Mark Bradley was immense for a rapidly developing Killyclogher side, who cruised to a surprisingly comfortable victory.

Cargin defeated St Gall's in Antrim with Tomas McCann's early goal setting them on their way.

Slaughtneil manager Mickey Moran.

Slaughtneil manager Mickey Moran.

Slaughtneil (Derry) v Derrygonnelly (Fermanagh), Celtic Park, 2.30pm

This is the year that keeps on giving for Slaughtneil. A third Derry SFC title in a row has been followed by County and provincial glory in hurling.

It is a real success story for Slaughtneil, who were too powerful for the Loup in the Derry decider.

Managed by Mickey Moran Slaughtneil will be keen to deliver in Ulster, but Derrygonnelly were worthy Fermanagh champions.

Fermanagh clubs have only won one Ulster Club game in 10 campaigns and Derrygonnelly lost to Slaughtneil by 4-13 to 1-4 in 2015.

Maghery (Armagh) v Ramor United (Cavan), Athletic Grounds, 2.30pm

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Maghery were thrilled to claim a first ever Armagh title beating St Patrick's, Cullyhana.

Aidan and Stefan Forker are Maghery's chief threats, but Ramor United will be buoyed up by their Cavan Final replay triumph over Castlerahan.

Adrian Cole was oustanding for Ramor, who will also be looking to Jack Brady for inspiration.

Kilcoo (Down) v Glenswilly (Donegal), Pairc Esler, 2.30pm

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An excellent win over Monaghan's Scotstown confirmed that Kilcoo are primed to make an impact in Ulster.

Glenswilly, though, feature Michael Murphy, who led by example in the Donegal decider. That triumph over Kilcar showed exactly what Glenswilly can achieve and another lively battle is imminent in Newry.

Meath SFC Final

Donaghmore-Ashbourne v Simonstown, Pairc Tailteann, 3pm

Two emerging teams clash at Navan with Donaghmore-Ashbourne confident following a Semi-Final win over Skyrne.

Andrew Tormey was effective for Donaghmore-Ashbourne landing important scores, while Paul Gilligan was another prominent performer.

Colm O'Rourke is in charge of Simonstown Gaels, who survived a difficult match against Gaeil Colmcille.

Simonstown Gaels manager Colm O Rourke.

Simonstown Gaels manager Colm O Rourke.

Tipperary SFC Final

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Loughmore-Castleiney v Moyle Rovers, Cashel, 2.30pm

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The McGrath inspired Loughmore-Castleiney are looking for a third title in four years.

Moyle Rovers have been showing signs of improvement recently as they are searching for a first Tipperary crown since 2009.

Considering the strides made by Tipperary under Liam Kearns this offers those involved a good stage on which to demonstrate their ability.

Westmeath SFC Final

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St Loman's v Tyrellspass, Cusack Park, 3.30pm

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Luke Dempsey is St Loman's manager as they seek to retain the Westmeath SFC at Cusack Park.

Paul Sharry and John Heslin are two of Loman's vital players, but Tyrellspass have enjoyed a productive campaign.

There was enough in Tyrellspass' gutsy Semi-Final win over Athlone to suggest they can make life awkward for favourites Loman's.