Mark Bergin, O’Loughlin Gaels, and Fintan Burke, St Thomas’, pictured ahead of the AIB All-Ireland Club SHC Final. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Sunday January 21
AIB All-Ireland Club SHC Final
O'Loughlin Gaels v St Thomas', Croke Park, 1.30pm, TG4
Following two gripping semi-final matches, this is an eagerly anticipated decider.
That both clubs are brimful of belief ensures a lively tussle beckons.
Since winning the 2013 All Ireland, St Thomas' have endured plenty of tough defeats on the national stage. The victory over Ballygunner, though, provided a significant injection of belief.
Conor Cooney's enduring excellence in the Thomas' journey, coupled with the return of David Burke means Thomas' bring significant talent and experience to the Jones Road venue.
O'Loughlin Gaels' panel is sprinkled with class too. Huw Lawlor, Paddy Deegan, and Mikey Butler are three accomplished Kilkenny players well versed in high stakes fixtures at GAA headquarters.
Mark Bergin's finishing and leadership in attack has been a key factor in O'Loughlin Gaels dramatic journey to the All-Ireland final.
Along the way O'Loughlin Gaels had to demonstrate real character, especially against Ballyhale Shamrocks, Na Fianna, and Cushendall. Those hard earned victories illustrated O'Loughlin Gaels' improvement under the shrewd gudiance of Brian Hogan.
Thomas' manager Kenneth Burke, who also takes charge of the Galway minors in 2024, is a hugely respected figure too.
There will be no shortage of interesting battles on Sunday afternoon. This could go the distance.
AIB All-Ireland Club SFC Final
Glen v St Brigid's, Croke Park, 3.30pm, TG4
These are encouraging times for Glen and St Brigid's, who head for Croke Park heartened.
A statement success over Corofin showcased Brigid's considerable potential out west.
Glen remain a serious outfit, emerging through a highly competitive Ulster championship before overcoming Kilmacud Crokes at the penultimate stage.
There was no shortage of drama at Páirc Esler, but Glen, with Conor Glass prominent, advanced to another All-Ireland final.
Brigid's have sampled glory before, winning a thriller back in 2013. In the intervening years a new crop of footballers has emerged in the Roscommon club.
Brian Derwin, Ben O'Carroll, and Bobby Nugent were effective against Castlehaven.
Eddie Nolan and the Stack brothers supply inter-county experience for a well organised Brigid's team.
Glen will be looking to Glass, Ciaran McFaul, and Ethan Doherty for inspiration, while Emmet Bradley is still an influential figure.
Inside Danny Tallon is a potent threat for Glen, who were defeated by Kilmacud Crokes at this stage in 2023. That loss was avenged a fortnight ago.
Momentum has been generated by Glen and Brigid's. Who will prevail?