Preview: Weekend's Club Championship action

HURLING

Saturday October 31

Connacht Gold Leitrim SHC Final

Carrick Hurling v Cluainín Iomáint, Avant Money Páirc Seán MacDiarmada, 3.30pm

The last seven Leitrim SHC deciders have been decided by one score margins so another hard fought match is anticipated.

Cluainín Iomáint edged the 2025 showpiece, but Carrick Hurling had won three on the spin before that.

It should be similarly tight and tense at Páirc Seán on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday November 1

AIB Munster Club SHC

Glen Rovers v Inagh-Kilnamona, Páirc Uí Rinn, 1.15pm

Having enjoyed stirring county final triumphs, Glen Rovers and Inagh-Kilnamona now want to generate momentum in Munster.

Both panels are nicely stocked with accomplished past and present inter-county players so this should be a lively affair down by the Lee.

Inevitably, the Glen's challenge will be powered by the Downey brothers and Patrick Horgan, who remains a prolific forward.

Eoin O'Leary blasted a couple of goals in the Cork final, while Micheál Mullins and Rhys Dunne also shone.

Aidan McCarthy's accuracy is vital for Inagh-Kilnamona, who overcame Kilmaley in the Clare decider.

Fred Hegarty and McCarthy combined to pilfer 2-10 between them, while David Fitzgerald, an All-Ireland winner with Clare, rifled over five points from play.

Seán Rynne is another splendid performer for Inagh-Kilnamona, who will relish this battle in Cork.

Forvis Mazars Galway SHC Final

Loughrea v Tommy Larkins, Pearse Stadium, 3pm

These are glorious times for Loughrea, who're chasing a third Galway SHC in a row at Pearse Stadium.

Tommy Kelly's well organised team, though, will be fully aware of the threat posed by an emerging Tommy Larkins outfit.

It has been a remarkable campaign in the west for Larkins, who are preparing for a first Galway SHC final since 1971.

Back then, Larkins struck five goals to overcome Carnmore.

Former Galway forward Jason Flynn is Tommy Larkins star turn in attack, while Loughrea will once again look to the Killeen brothers for inspiration.

FOOTBALL

Saturday October 31

AIB Ulster Club SFC Round One

Clonduff v Edendork, Páirc Esler, 6.15pm

Eamon Brown's brilliant long range free taking ensured Clonduff gleaned a first Down SFC title in 27 years.

That 1-14 to 1-10 win over Burren illustrated Clondff's drive and desire with Charlie Carr also prominent.

Once more, there was no shortage of drama in Tyrone as Niall Morgan's heroic, last gasp distance free ensured Edendork prevailed against Errigal Ciarán.

Darren McCurry and All-Star Conn Kilpatrick are other hugely effective performers for first time Tyrone champions, Edendork.

Sunday November 1

AIB Leinster Club SFC Round One

The Downs v Clonguish, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm

Retaining the Westmeath SFC title confirms that this is a particularly rewarding time for The Downs.

Significant work has been carried out on and off the pitch, but The Downs will treat the Clonguish challenge with the utmost respect.

Clonguish battled to secure a first Longford Championship in 17 years with Michael Flynn and James Hagan scoring heavily.

Niall Mitchell and Luke Loughlin carry a potent attacking threat for The Downs.

Kilanerin v Newtown Blues, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 3pm

It's been a busy stint for Newtown Blues, who won a dramatic Louth SFC final replay.

Ciarán Downey's brilliance was an important factor in that success with Jamie Kelly and Ross Nally also relevant.

Kilanerin recently won their first Wexford SFC title since 2008 with Páraic Hughes an influential figure.

Vincent Higgins also supplied a crucial goal in the decider against St Martin's.

Cuala v Tullamore, Parnell Park, 3.30pm

This should be a lively contest at the Donnycarney venue.

Tullamore have set a good standard in Offaly recently, winning five of the last six county titles.

Delivering on the Leinster stage, though, is important for the proud Offaly club, who include the talented Cormac Egan, Harry Plunkett, and John Furlong.

Cuala cruised to victory against Castleknock in the Dublin SFC Final with Con O'Callaghan supplying 2-5.

Michael Fitzsimons, Charlie McMorrow, and Eoin Kennedy are other important members of the Cuala panel.

Joe Mallon Motors Kildare SFC Final

Maynooth v Sarsfields, Cedral St Conleth's Park, 3pm

A first Kildare SFC final appearance in 110 years beckons for Maynooth, who stunned Naas in the penultimate round.

Cathal McCabe and Paddy Mahoney landed vital scores in that triumph for Maynooth.

Luke Mahon and Karl Hartley impressed in Sarsfields' impressive semi-final victory over Celbridge.

The most prolific winners of the competition, Sarsfields remain eager to claim a first title since 2019.

Irish Wire Products Ltd Limerick SFC Final

Fr Casey's v Kildimo Pallaskenry, Mick Neville Park, 3.30pm

A novel Limerick SFC Final looms at Rathkeale.

Fr Casey's, winners on eight occasions and runners up 17 times, face first time finalists Kildimo Pallaskenry.

It has been a hugely encouraging campaign for Kildimo Pallaskenry, who feature the decorated Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes.