Preview: Weekend's provincial football championship action
Sam Callinan, Mayo, and Colm Neary, Roscommon, in Allianz Football League action last month. Photo by Paul Phelan/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.
Munster SFC Semi-Finals
Saturday April 25
Tipperary v Cork, FBD Semple Stadium, 2pm
A first Munster SFC meeting between these counties since Tipperary won the Covid provincial decider in 2020.
A lot has happened since then, but the recent form has illustrated Cork's potential.
Earning promotion to Division One of the Allianz Football League was a significant boost for John Cleary's charges.
Ian Maguire and Colm O'Callaghan form a capable midfield partnership with Chris Óg Jones and Steven Sherlock efficient finishers inside.
Tipperary will be looking to Paudie Feehan and the splendid Seanie O'Connor for inspiration.
Clare v Kerry, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm, GAA+
Following a disappointing Allianz Football League Division One Final display, the All-Ireland champions will be striving to respond in Ennis.
Injuries have disturbed Kerry's campaign so far in 2026, but Jack O'Connor will be intent on generating momentum.
Sean O'Shea and David Clifford's class endures for Kerry, who haven't lost against Clare in the Championship since 1992.
Paul Madden carried out impressive work with Éire Óg and the Clare panel features accomplished performers such as Cillian Rouine and the accurate Mark McInerney.
Delivering a defiant display on home turf is precisely what Madden will want to achieve.
Ulster SFC Quarter-Finals
Saturday April 25
Fermanagh v Armagh, Brewster Park, 5.30pm, GAA+
It has been a demanding stint in Ulster for Fermanagh, who were also relegated from Division Three in the Allianz Football League.
Armagh delivered some fine displays in Division One, eventually maintaining their status in the top tier.
In the Ulster SFC preliminary round, Armagh had to deal with a passionate Tyrone challenge with Jarly Óg Burns and Ross McQuillian's dash evident.
Manager Kieran McGeeney was satisfied with the battling qualities his team demonstrated in a testing encounter.
Fermanagh will need to be spirited from the outset with Darragh McGurn and Jash Largo Ellis prominent figures for Declan Bonner's team.
Sunday April 26
Donegal v Down, O'Donnell Park, 3pm
So impressive when capturing the Allianz Football League Division One title, Donegal are a team in decent form.
Down gleaned silverware in Division Three, but they'll be fully aware of the considerable task that awaits in Letterkenny.
Nonetheless, Conor Laverty is a shrewd operator and the form shown in the All-Ireland series last year showcased Down's considerable potential.
Odhran Murdock, Pat Havern, and Daniel Guinness are talented players, who will want to excel on the Ulster stage.
The 2025 All-Ireland SFC Final loss hurt Donegal deeply, who have won the last two provincial titles under Jim McGuinness' stewardship.
Michael Langan and Conor O'Donnell were key figures in Donegal's league success.
Connacht SFC Semi-Finals
Saturday April 25
Leitrim v Galway, Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 3.30pm, GAA+
A stirring win over Sligo ensured Leitrim supporters celebrated a Connacht SFC triumph.
Now, though, a daunting task awaits for Steven Poacher's improving outfit against Galway - a county Leitrim hasn't beaten in Championship fare since 1994.
In the intervening years, Galway have reeled off 11 wins on the spin against Leitrim.
Encouraging moments were available for Galway during the Allianz Football League with several emerging players being afforded opportunities by Padraic Joyce.
Undoubtedly, Galway will be aware of the classy Barry McNulty's two point threat, while Ryan O'Rourke is a crafty forward too.
For Galway, Rob Finnerty continues to impress, while the return of captain and Salthill-Knocknacarra colleague, John Maher, was a significant boost in the spring.
Sunday April 26
Mayo v Roscommon, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, 4pm, RTE
This could be a cracking contest in Castlebar.
The Allianz Football League meeting between the counties culminated in a surprisingly emphatic Mayo win, but it should be a much tighter affair.
Roscommon, though, have enjoyed encouraging Championship victories over Mayo in 2019 and 2023 and will be eager to demonstrate their ability.
Mark Dowd's charges showed good bursts of form in the league with Enda Smith and Diarmuid Murtagh providing the leadership.
In Mayo, Andy Moran's arrival as manager has been greeted with positivity with a new look panel gelling well too.
Paddy Durcan and Sam Callinan will roam forward for Mayo, who want to advance to a third provincial decider in a row.
