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Hurling

hurling

Preview: Sunday's County Hurling Final action

Ballygunner star Pauric Mahony.

Ballygunner star Pauric Mahony.

By Cian O'Connell

Sunday October 23

Ulster SHC Final

Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) v Slaughtneil (Derry), Athletic Grounds, 2.30pm

Four Ulster Championships in a row between 2011 and 2014 showed what Loughgiel Shamrocks can achieve.

Slaughtneil's schedule has been dominated with vital Gaelic Football and hurling matches in recent weeks, but they are an emerging force.

Ruairi Og Cushendall reached an All Ireland Final last March so whoever prevails at the Athletic Grounds will be fully aware of the possibilities that exist.

Loughgiel Shamrocks produced a gritty display to dethrone Cushendall as Antrim and Ulster champions last month.

It was a statement win with Liam Watson and Shay Casey combined to score 1-5 which proved crucial.

Slaughtneil, though, have earned four Derry titles on the spin so they won't be short on confidence.

Waterford SHC Final

Ballygunner v Passage, Walsh Park, 3pm

Ballygunner are hoping to register a third Waterford title in a row against Passage, who won their only crown in 2013.

That year Passage beat Ballygunner by 3-16 to 3-13 in a dramatic thriller. Last weekend Passage shaded a Semi-Final battle with Dungarvan emerging 1-13 to 1-12 victors.

Owen Connors' last gasp free proved to the decisive blow as Peter Queally's charges advanced. Conor Carey and Eoin Kelly are other scoring threats for Passage, who face a demanding test.

Pauric Mahony contributed nine points for Ballygunner, who cruised to a convincing win over Mount Sion at the penultimate stage. Another to impress for Ballygunner was Brian O'Sullivan, who notched 1-5.

Limerick SHC Final

Ballybrown v Patrickswell, Gaelic Grounds, 3.30pm

Despite netting four goals Patrickswell still lost a gripping game to eventual All Ireland champions Na Piarsaigh in the 2015 Limerick SHC Final.

That was a harrowing loss for Patrickswell, who have returned to the decider again.

Patrickswell haven't won a County title since 2003, while rivals Ballybrown's last success occurred in 1991.

Ballybrown overcame Adare at the Semi-Final stage with Lee Doolin and Bryan Griffin hitting important goals.

Gary Kirby's Patrickswell beat Kilmallock by 1-19 to 1-15 with Kevin O'Brien and the experienced Barry Foley key figures.

Former Offaly player Rory Hanniffy is still involved with Birr.

Former Offaly player Rory Hanniffy is still involved with Birr.

Offaly SHC Final

Birr v St Rynagh's, O'Connor Park, 3pm

Having suffered three Offaly SHC Final defeats since 2012 St Rynagh's have been serious contenders in recent years.

With Galway selector Francis Forde in charge they've remained a consistent team. The Semi-Final win over Kilcormac/Killoughey featured a solid opening period performance.

Kilcormac/Killoughey posed difficult questions after the restart, but Rynagh's, boosted by a Stephen Quirke goal, finished strongly.

Birr haven't been Offaly champions since 2008, but they produced a fine display to outwit Kinnity. Eoghan Cahill contributed 1-11 for Birr, who were All Ireland champions in 1995, 1998, 2002 and 2003.

Laois SHC Final replay

Borris-Kilcotton v Rathdowney-Errill, O'Moore Park, 4pm

An epic encounter eventually finished level at 2-26 each a fortnight ago. High scoring and dramatic throughout Ken Hogan has stitched a promising Borris-Kilcotton outfit together.

Ross King was splendid for Rathdowney-Errill scoring 14 points during a memorable game.

Borris-Kilcotton's Neil Foyle pounced for 2-2 in the drawn fixture and this should be similarly hard fought.

Westmeath SHC Final

Clonkill v Raharney, Cusack Park, 2.30pm

Holders Clonkill, who have won five titles in nine years, beat Raharney in the 2015 final. Castletowngeoghegan are the only other club aside from Clonkill and Raharney to have claimed a Westmeath crown since 2006.

Meath SHC Final

Killyon v Kiltale, Pairc Tailteann, 3.30pm

Kiltale are seeking to win a third Meath SHC title in a row against Killyon, who were champions last in 2005.

Mayo SHC Final

Tooreen v Ballyhaunis, Tooreen, 3pm

A huge rivalry has developed in recent years with Ballyhaunis, who have won 11 Mayo titles since 2002, hoping to complete a three in a row.

Wicklow SHC Final replay

Bray Emmets v Carnew Emmets, Aughrim, 2pm

Carnew Emmets struck three points in the closing stages of the drawn match to force a replay.

Leitrim SHC Final

Carrick v Cluanin Iomaint, Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, 3pm

Cluanin Iomaint won two titles in 2012 and 2013 and are eager to reclaim the Leitrim crown at Pairc Sean MacDiarmada on Sunday.