Preview: Weekend's inter-county action
Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
HURLING
Co-op Superstores Munster Hurling League
Sunday January 14
Cork v Clare, Páirc Uí Rinn, 2pm
Tipperary v Kerry, MacDonagh Park, Nenagh, 2pm
Dioralyte Walsh Cup
Dublin v Antrim, Parnell Park, 1.30pm
Galway v Laois, Duggan Park, 1.30pm
Dioralyte Kehoe Cup
Meath v Down, Longwood, 1.30pm
Wicklow v Kildare, Bray, 1.30pm
Saturday January 13
Conor McGurk Cup Final
Down v Donegal, The Dub, 4pm
Getting ready for the upcoming Allianz Hurling Leagues remains the objective with the audition process continuing this weekend.
Clare, who despite losing had a useful workout against Limerick on Wednesday, travel to Mallow on Sunday.
Both counties have sampled underage success recently ensuring there is significant hope.
This encounter provides Pat Ryan and Brian Lohan with a chance to monitor the development of some emerging players.
In Nenagh on Sunday Tipperary welcome Kerry, who were defiant in their opening clash against Waterford.
Liam Cahill's charges also lost to Waterford, but Seán Ryan's 1-12 haul in that match was significant.
Cian O'Sullivan contributed 0-15 for Dublin in the victory over Westmeath.
Micheál Donoghue's charges host Antrim at Parnell Park on Sunday.
Darren Gleeson is carrying out impressive work with the Saffrons, who will be eager to develop further in 2024.
Duggan Park provides the backdrop for Galway versus Laois on Sunday afternoon.
Combining emerging and established stars is Galway's approach in the competition, but a determined Laois outfit will be hoping to produce a defiant display in Ballinasloe.
On Saturday afternoon Donegal and Down meet in the Conor McGurk Cup Final.
The two counties have enjoyed encouraging wins in the competition so far.
GAELIC FOOTBALL
Connacht FBD Semi-Finals
Friday January 12
Galway v Leitrim, University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome, 7pm
Saturday January 13
Roscommon v London, University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome, 7pm
Dioralyte O'Byrne Cup Semi-Finals
Friday January 12
Meath v Longford, Ashbourne, 7.30pm
Saturday January 13
Dublin v Wexford, Parnell Park, 1.30pm
Dioralyte O'Byrne Shield Semi-Finals
Saturday January 13
Wicklow v Laois, Rathnew, 12pm
Westmeath v Louth, Kinnegad, 1pm
Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup Semi-Finals
Saturday January 13
Armagh v Derry, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 4pm
Sunday January 14
Monaghan v Donegal, Castleblayney, 1pm
McGrath Cup
Sunday January 14
Cork v Waterford, Mallow, 2pm
Tipperary v Limerick, Templetuohy, 2pm
Another busy weekend of inter-county football action commences on Friday evening.
At the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome, an experimental Galway selection meet Leitrim.
Pádraic Joyce is affording opportunities to several players, who performed impressively in the Galway SFC.
Leitrim manager Andy Moran has added the highly regarded Mickey Graham to his backroom team for the 2024 campaign.
The other Connacht FBD Semi-Final takes place on Saturday evening.
London, prompted by Shay Rafter, stunned Mayo at the Dome last weekend, but they face Roscommon, who enjoyed an emphatic win over Sligo.
Davy Burke named a strong team for that opener and will be striving to build on the solid foundation established in his first campaign in charge.
The first O'Byrne Cup Semi-Final is on Friday evening with Meath hosting holders Longford in Ashbourne.
Colm O'Rourke's outfit had some encouraging moments against Louth.
Darren Gallagher's four points were key in Longford's Quarter-Final triumph over neighbours Westmeath.
Wexford have enjoyed a couple of victories in the competition already with John Hegarty's team travelling to the capital to face Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Brosnan is still going strong for Wexford, but an inexperienced Dublin selection did enough to secure a victory against Offaly.
The Dr McKenna Cup Semi-Finals features two attractive matches.
On Saturday Armagh's encounter with Derry will be watched by a decent crowd at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.
Oisín O'Neill was excellent in Armagh's midweek victory over Tyrone, with goalkeeper Shea Magill making some fine saves too.
Derry, under the guidance of Mickey Harte, have made an effective start to the year with Shane McGuigan and Paul Cassidy prominent.
On Sunday afternoon in Castleblayney Monaghan's tussle with Donegal promises to be interesting.
Jim McGuinness' Donegal panel have been motoring smoothly in the early weeks of the year.
Monaghan, though, should provide a stern test.
In the McGrath Cup, Cork, who summoned a good display in tough conditions against Clare, face Waterford.
Tipperary and Limerick were both soundly beaten by Kerry, but will want to generate some belief and momentum ahead of the upcoming Allianz Football League.