Preview: Weekend's senior club championship action

GAELIC FOOTBALL

Saturday November 8

AIB Ulster Club SFC Quarter-Finals

Kingscourt Stars v Erne Gaels, Kingspan Breffni, 5.30pm

Buoyed up by a brilliant Cavan SFC Final triumph, Kingscourt Stars will be especially eager to make an impact in Ulster.

Classy Meath forward Jordan Morris clipped nine points as Kingscourt overcame a fancied Gowna outfit in the decider, while Padraig Faulkner is another key performer.

Erne Gaels retained the Fermanagh SFC, following an impressive replay triumph over Derrygonnelly Harps.

Leading 1-9 to 0-4 at the interval, Erne Gaels subsequently dealt with a spirited Derrygonnelly comeback.

Ultan and Oisín Kelm were influential figures for Erne Gaels in that hard earned success.

Loughmacrory v Kilcoo, O'Neill's Healy Park, 7.15pm

This promises to be a really exciting encounter in Omagh.

Having won an ever competitive Tyrone SFC for the first time, Loughmacrory know that a daunting task awaits against a seasoned and stylish Kilcoo team.

A stirring win over Trillick illustrated Loughmacrory's ability with midfielder Cathal Donaghy immense.

Attackers Ruairi McCullagh and Eoin McElholm were others who made vital contributions for Loughmacrory.

Kilcoo made it seven Down SFC wins in a row when defeating Carryduff. Aaron and Daryl Branagan starred in that triumph with the Johnstons and Paul Devlin carrying a potent threat in attack.

AIB Connacht Club SFC Quarter-Final

Ballina Stephenites v North London Shamrocks, Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, 6.30pm

Ballina finished with a flourish to defeat Westport in a keenly contested Mayo SFC Final replay.

Evan Regan's excellence was a key feature in that encounter as the former Mayo forward mined 1-8 for the winners.

Dylan Thornton and Frank Irwin continue to impress for Ballina, who also feature David Clarke, Padraig O'Hora, and Sam Callinan.

Michael O'Reilly pounced to score two important goals for North London Shamrocks in a hard fought London SFC Final win over Tír Chonaill Gaels.

Daniel Clarke and Joe McGill were other key contributors for North London Shamrocks, who have progressed nicely in recent years.

Sunday November 9

AIB Ulster Club SFC Quarter-Finals

Scotstown v Naomh Conaill, St Tiernach's Park, 1.30pm

Two competent and experienced teams clash in Clones.

Scotstown, who last triumphed in Ulster back in 1989, have subsequently lost finals in 2015, 2018, and 2023.

There is a talented cast of players still available including Rory Beggan, Conor McCarthy, the Hughes', and Jack McCarron.

Naomh Conaill have also lost a couple of provincial deciders, but feature plenty of accomplished footballers such as Finbarr Roarty, Anthony Thompson, Max Campbell, and Charles McGuinness.

The grit and determination Naomh Conaill demonstrated in a gripping Donegal SFC decider victory over Gaoth Dobhair bodes well.

Madden v Newbridge, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 3.30pm

Having secured a first ever Armagh SFC title, Madden now face a tricky test against Newbridge.

The Grimleys, Darragh McMullen, and Ciaran Rafferty were influential as Madden beat Cullyhana in last month's Armagh showpiece.

Newbridge have shown real consistency in Derry during the past couple of campaigns to reclaim the title.

Dunloy posed awkward questions last weekend, but Newbridge found the answers with Oisín Doherty, Seán Young, and Conor Doherty landing crucial scores when required.

AIB Connacht Club SFC Quarter-Final

Shamrock Gaels v Maigh Cuilinn, Kilcoyne Park, 1.30pm

Sligo champions for the first time since 1992, Shamrock Gaels make a welcome return to Connacht action.

Maigh Cuilinn, though, will be formidable opponents following an impressive Galway SFC Final win over Salthill-Knocknacarra.

Seán Kelly, Johnny Moloney, Peter Cooke, and Dessie Connelly were prominent in Maigh Cuilinn's victory at Pearse Stadium.

Shamrock Gaels, though, were splendid when beating Coolera-Strandhill in a replay as Shane Deignan pounced to score 2-3.

David Quinn was effective too for Shamrock Gaels, while Karl McKenna and Ciaran Kenny also ventured forward to supply neat scores.

AIB Munster Club SFC Quarter-Final

Éire Óg v Rathgormack, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 1.30pm

These are good times for Clare dual champions Éire Óg.

Mark McInerney was sharp in attack in the Clare SFC Final, while Gavin Cooney and Ikem Ugweru enjoyed productive moments against St Joseph's-Doora Barefield.

Rathgormack claimed a third Waterford SFC title in a row last weekend, overcoming The Nire.

Jason Curry is a very capable finisher, while Glen Power and James Power also contributed handsomely for Rathgormack in that success.

Limerick SFC Final

Newcastle West v Mungret St Paul's, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3.30pm

It has been an encouraging campaign for Mungret St Paul's, who contest a second Limerick senior decider in their history.

Back in 2001 Dromcollogher-Broadford were too strong for Mungret, who impressed against Adare in the semi-final stage.

Newcastle West are an experienced outfit that triumphed at this level in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Shane Barry starred for Mungret in the Adare win while Eoin Hurley and Emmett Rigter were key figures when Newcastle West edged out Fr Casey's.

HURLING

Sunday November 9

AIB Leinster Club SHC Quarter-Finals

Mount Leinster Rangers v Naas, Netwatch Cullen Park, 1.30pm

Back in August Mount Leinster Rangers were crowned Carlow champions so it has been a significant wait for a return to competitive action.

The win over St Mullins was achieved chiefly due to the brilliance of Chris Nolan, Ted Joyce, and Donagh Murphy, who all scored heavily.

Naas, though, will be hoping to make an impact in Leinster too following a seventh Kildare triumph on the spin.

Jack Sheridan, the Borans, and Brian Byrne provide plenty of guile and experience in a crafty Naas panel.

Clough-Ballcolla v Castletown Geoghegan, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 1.30pm

With five Laois SHC titles collected in the last six years, Clough-Ballacolla know how to deal with these types of fixtures.

Stephen Bergin was outstanding in the county final, scoring 1-13, while Jordan Walshe and Willie Dunphy were effective against a Zane Keenan inspired Camross.

Castletown Geoghegan edged out Lough Lene Gaels in a Westmeath SHC Final replay with Niall O'Brien sharp from frees.

Liam Varley, David O'Reilly, and Shane Clavin were Castletown Geoghegan's goalscorers and will need to be similarly industrious in Portlaoise.

Shamrocks Ballyhale v Kilcormac-Killoughey, UPMC Nowlan Park, 1.45pm

A fascinating match looms between two proud clubs at UPMC Nowlan Park.

Ballyhale, managed by Henry Shefflin, will be completely aware of Kilcormac-Killoughey's class and potential.

Charlie Mitchell and Adam Screeney starred in Kilcormac-Killoughey's Offaly SHC Final win over Shinrone, while Damien Kilmartin drilled over three points from distance.

TJ Reid is still going strong for Shamrocks alongside brother Richie, Eoin Cody, and Adrian Mullen.

St Martin's v Na Fianna, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 3pm

The AIB Leinster and All-Ireland Club champions face a tricky test in Wexford.

St Martin's defeated Rathnure in the Wexford SHC Final with Barry O'Connor and Mikey Coleman netting critical goals.

Jack O'Connor was also prominent for the Martin's, who will be primed for a battle against Na Fianna.

So impressive in recent years, the Glasnevin team have won three Dublin SHCs in a row.

Brian Ryan struck five points from play against Lucan Sarsfields in the Dubln decider, while AJ Murphy, Colin and Seán Curie also provided valuable scores in a 1-20 to 0-22 victory.