Preview: Weekend's senior club championship action
Thurles Sarsfields and Tipperary star Ronan Maher. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
GAELIC FOOTBALL
A hectic weekend beckons with eight county senior football finals taking place.
Silverware will be on offer in Down, Longford, Leitrim, Laois, Offaly, Sligo, Westmeath, and Wicklow.
With Kilcoo defeated, the Down decider opens up all sorts of possibilities for Burren and Clonduff, who will both enter Páirc Esler heartened.
Clonguish's clash with holders Killoe Young Emmets promises to be interesting.
Ballinamore Seán O'Heslins, beaten in last year's final, and Fenagh St Cailins meet in Leitrim.
It's Fenagh's first final since 2003 against Ballinamore, who top the roll of honour with 21 titles.
Portarlington are hoping to make it three Laois championships in a row against Courtwood, who are hoping to land a first senior crown.
For the fourth year in a row, Tullamore and Ferbane collide in the Offaly SFC. Tullamore have won the previous three, but Ferbane remain a capable outfit.
Holders Shamrock Gaels face St Mary's, who are seeking to end an 11 year wait for a Sligo SFC at Markievicz Park.
St Loman's and The Downs have been involved in thrilling encounters in Westmeath in recent years and another could be added to the list in Mullingar.
In Wicklow An Tochar, last victorious in 1995, face Blessington, who are intent on claiming a third championship in six years.
HURLING
Several intriguing matches are on the agenda this weekend.
The Clare SHC has been as competitive as ever with Inagh-Kilnamona and Kilmayley the last two clubs standing. Sunday's Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg decider will be lively.
Kilmayley haven't triumphed since 2004, while Inagh-Kilnamona only joined forces in 2008. Kilnamona's last win was in 1908.
Aidan McCarthy's scoring ability continues to inspire Inagh-Kilnamona, with Tom O'Rourke a sharp finisher for Kilmayley.
The aristocrats of Tipperary hurling, Thurles Sarsfields face Moycarkey-Borris at FBD Semple Stadium.
It should be a hard fought decider with Moycarkey-Borris eager to claim a first title since 1984.
Sarsfields, who won their last crown in 2017, welcomed the totemic Ronan Maher back from injury at the semi-final stage.
In Mayo, Tooreen and Ballyhaunis' long standing rivalry continues with another decider imminent.
Four Roads and St Dominic's tussle in the Roscommon SHC Final, while the Meath showpiece involving neighbours Kiltale and Kilmessan could go the distance.
Attractive semi-final double headers are also on the agenda in Dublin, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Wexford.