Preview: Weekend's Joe McDonagh Cup action
Laois manager Tommy Fitzgerald speaks to his players ahead of the 2025 Joe McDonagh Cup Final at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
* The match day panels for all of this weekend's inter-county championship matches can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of this article.
Joe McDonagh Cup
Sunday May 24
Antrim v Carlow, Corrigan Park, 1pm
Carlow have enjoyed a hugely rewarding Joe McDonagh Cup with the recent win over London earning a place in next month's decider.
Marty Kavanagh starred in that convincing win, finishing with a 2-11 haul, while Conor Kehoe and Chris Nolan were others to impress.
Following a disappointing start, Antrim have responded in determined fashion with Josephn McLaughlin, Seaán Eliott, and Ryan McCambridge scoring heavily in the victory over Westmeath.
Down v Westmeath, McKenna Park, 1pm
It has been another year sprinkled with encouraging moments for Down, who will be hoping to finish the campaign with a flourish against Westmeath.
Cahal Coleman, Pearse Óg McCrickard, Donal Hughes, and Tom McGrattan have all demonstrated their ability for Ronan Sheahan's developing team.
After losing to Antrim by nine, Westmeath will be looking to the prolific David Williams and Darragh McCormack for inspiration.
London v Laois, McGovern Park, 1pm
Having earned promotion to this level, London will return to the Christy Ring Cup in 2027.
Nonetheless, London will still be hoping to cause a shock when a high scoring Laois outfit visits Ruislip.
Aaron Dunphy struck 3-5 in Laois win over Down, while Stephen Maher supplied eight points for Tommy Fitzgerald's team, who want to advance to a third final on the spin.
Ronan McGrady, Paul Kennedy, and Seán Glynn remain key performers for London.
