Weekend's Club Championship preview

In another bumper weekend of club championship action, four county finals stand out.

Rhode and Tullamore do battle in the Offaly SFC Final, Slaughtneil and Kevin Lynch’s meet in the Derry SHC Final, it’s Naas against Maynooth in the Kildare SHC Final, and Bray Emmets face Glenealy in the Wicklow SHC Final.

The meeting of Tullamore and Rhode in the Offaly SFC Final is the third year in a row these two have duelled for the Dowling Cup, with Rhode winning in 2020 and Tullamore reigning champions.

This is the 11th year in a row that Rhode have contested the county final, and they’ve won six of the last 10 they’ve played in.

Tullamore’s success last year, their first in eight years, seemed to signal a power shift such is the abundance of talented young players the town team is currently producing.

Rhode’s age-profile is considerably older, but veterans like Niall and Alan McNamee, Brian Darby, and Paraic Sullivan are still formidable performers and experience counts for a lot in county finals.

There’s an injury doubt over one of Rhode’s most important players, Anton Sullivan, who was stretchered off in the county semi-final win over Ferbane. If he’s not available or even not fully fit, that’ll be a big blow for the underdogs.

Tullamore have been boosted by the return to fitness of Cormac Egan after a long injury lay-off, and his run-out in the semi-final should have him primed for a big game on Sunday.

If Rhode are to cause an upset, then Niall McNamee will probably need to have one of those heroic days he is still more than capable of.

That means his battle with talented Tullamore defender, Declan Hogan, could well be the defining one of this match.

Naas are hotly fancied to make it four Kildare SHC titles in a row when they play Maynooth on Sunday.

The reigning All-Ireland Intermediate champions have been imperious throughout the Kildare SHC so far this year, culminating in a convincing one over Clane in the county semi-final.

Opposition teams just can’t cope with the firepower of a forward line that includes quality hurlers like James Burke, Jack Sheridan and Cathal Dowling who are backed up by an all-action midfield partnership of Rian Boran and Simon Leacy.

The task is certainly a tall one for a Maynooth team that sprung a surprise in their semi-final against Celbridge and are appearing in their first county final for 79 years.

A good chunk of their team has been farmed from the 2020 county minor winning side, and they certainly look like a club with a very bright future because they’ve already won U-14 and U-15 A titles this year and are in the U-16 A Final.

Maynooth’s day may yet come in the not too distant future, but a more seasoned and experienced Naas team are favourites with good reason.

In Derry, Slaughtneil are hoping to ink a special piece of history by winning an incredible tenth senior hurling championship in a row.

Up against them are a Kevin Lynch’s team they’ve beaten in the last three Finals.

Last year’s was the closest so far, with Slaughtneil eventually winning out by five points.

Kevin Lynch’s will surely take encouragement from the fact they outscored the winners by six points in the second-half of that match, and if they can reproduce a similar intensity for the entirety of Sunday’s Final they’ll be in with a fighting chance.

The possible absence of star Slaughtneil forward, Brendan Rogers because of a wrist injury could also level the playing field somewhat, but it would still be a major upset if Kevin Lynch’s could take down the reigning Ulster champions.

In Wicklow, Bray Emmets are gunning for a fourth county senior title in a row and seventh in ten years when they go up against Glenealy.

Bray’s status as the dominant force in hurling in Wicklow at the moment is underlined by the fact that they’ve also qualified for the Intermediate and Junior B Finals.

These two teams also met in last year’s Final when Bray won out by five points, but Glenealy impressed in their semi-final win over Carnew and will believe they can turn the tables on Bray this time around.

Gavin Weir has been outstanding in the Glenealy attack this year and is well supported by the likes of Alan Driver, Jonathan O’Neill Jnr, and Jamie Byrne, so the challengers don’t lack for firepower.

Bray defend very well in numbers though, and in centre-back John Henderson have an outstanding hurler who can dominate this sector of the field.

If Bray can even break even around the middle third of the field they’ll believe their own forward unit, where county star Christy Moorehouse is a consistent match-winner, has enough firepower to get them over the line.

Aside from the four county finals being contested this weekend, there’s plenty more compelling action across the counties that includes semi-finals in eight of them – senior football semi-finals in Donegal, Antrim, Carlow, Laois, Louth, and Westmeath; and hurling semi-finals in Cork and Meath.

A full list of this weekend’s fixtures can be viewed below.

Friday September 23

Kiernan’s Service Stations Cavan Senior Football Championship Relegation Play Off Final:

· Ballinagh v Butlersbridge, St. Aidan’s Park Templeport, 8:15pm

Co-Op Superstores Cork Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final:

· Fermoy v Courcey Rovers, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7:30pm

LLC Tyrone Senior Football Championship:

· Greencastle v Donaghmore, Omagh, 6:45pm

· Dromore v Killyclogher, Omagh, 8:15pm

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Football Championship:

· Gaultier v Portlaw, St Mollerans, 7:30pm

Saturday September 24

Armagh Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals:

· Granemore v CLG Chú Chulainn An Mullach Bán, Crossmaglen, 1:30pm

· Ballymacnab v Maghery Seán MacDiarmada, Athletic Grounds, 6:00pm

Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Clann na hÉireann Carraigín v Kickhams GAC Creggan, Dunsilly Pitch 1, 5:00pm

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Carlow Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Rathvilly v Palatine, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7:30pm

Kiernan’s Service Stations Cavan Senior Football Championship Quarter Final Replay:

· Cavan Gaels v Gowna, Kingspan Breffni, 8:15pm

Clare Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals:

· Sixmilebridge v Wolfe Tones, Cusack Park, Ennis, 3:00pm

· Cratloe v Newmarket, Cusack Park, Ennis, 5:00pm

Clare Senior Hurling Championship Relegation Play Off:

· Clarecastle v Whitegate, Tulla, 5:00pm

Co-Op Superstores Cork Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final:

· Fr.O’Neills v Bride Rovers, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7:30pm

Michael Murphy Sports Donegal Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Kilcar v St Eunans, Páirc Sheáin Mhic Cumhaill, 8:00pm

Mannok Fermanagh Senior Football Championship Round 3:

· Teemore Shamrocks v Belnaleck Art McMurroughs, Emmett Park, Lisneskea, 5:30pm

· Erne Gaels, Belleek v Derrygonnelly Harps, St.Mary’s Park, Garrison, 5:30pm

· Roslea Shamrocks v Ederney, St Joesph’s, Louis Leonard Memorial Park, Donagh, 5:30pm

· Enniskillen Gaels v Kinawley Brian Borus, St.Patrick’s Park, Tempo, 5:30pm

Bon Secours Hospital Galway Senior Football Championship Round 5:

· Mountbellew/Moylough v St. James' GAA, Kenny Park, 3:15pm

· Milltown v Claregalway, Kenny Park, 5:00pm

· St.Michael’s v Monivea-Abbey, Tuam Stadium, 5:00pm

· Killannin v Caherlistrane, Pearse Stadium, 5:00pm

Garvey’s Supervalu Kerry Senior Football Championship Round 3:

· Kenmare Shamrocks v Dr.Crokes, Kenmare, 5:30pm

· Spa Killarney v Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Spa, 5:30pm

· West Kerry v Na Gaeil, Gallarus, 5:30pm

UPMC Kildare Senior B Hurling Championship Final:

· Éire Óg Corra Choill v Naas, Newbridge, 2:00pm

Joe Mallon Motors Kildare Senior Football Championship Dermot Bourke Cup Semi Final:

· Athy v Clane, Newbridge, 4:00pm

St. Canice's Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals:

· Tullaroan v Erin’s Own, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2:30pm

· Bennettsbridge v James Stephens, UPMC Nowlan Park, 4:15pm

Irish Wire Products Ltd Limerick County Senior Football Championship Round 5:

· Ballylanders v Galtee Gaels, Kilfinane, 4:00pm

· Kildimo Pallaskenry v Ballysteen, The Bog Garden, 4:00pm

· St Kieran's v Adare, Croagh 4:00pm

Peter Hanley Motors Longford Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Mullinalaghta St. Columba’s V Dromard, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 5:45pm

Connacht Gold Mayo Senior Football Championship Round 3:

· Westport St Patrick's V Mayo Gaels, Pairc Naomh Muire, CLG Thuar Mhic Eadaigh, 5:00pm

· Ballintubber V Neale, Garrymore, 5:00pm

· Breaffy V Belmullet, Crossmolina GAA Club, 5:00pm

· Balla V Claremorris, Hollymount, 5:00pm

Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear, Trim Meath Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final:

· Trim v Kildalkey, Páirc Tailteann, 5:30pm

Greenfield Foods Monaghan Senior Football Championship Relegation Round 2:

· Castleblayney Faughs v Donaghmoyne, St.Mary’s Park, 5:00pm

· Carrickmacross V Aughnamullen, Carrickmacross Emmetts, 5:00pm

Tullamore Court Hotel Offaly Senior B Football Championship Final:

· Bracknagh v Clonbullogue, O'Connor Park, 3:00pm

Homeland Sligo Senior Football Championship Relegation Semi Finals:

· Coolaney/Mullinabreena v Tubbercurry GAA Club. TBC

· St Farnan’s v Curry. Cloonacool Community Park, 5:00pm

FBD Insurance Tipperary County Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals:

· *Druim agus Inse v Loughmore-Castleiney*, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 4:00pm *LIVE ON RTÉ*

· Kilruane MacDonaghs v Toomevara, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 5:45pm

FBD Insurance Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship Relegation Semi Finals:

· Moycarkey-Borris v Éire Óg Annacarty/Donohill, Clonoulty, 2:00pm

· Templederry Kenyons v Cathail S Ciocam, Templemore, 4:30pm

LLC Tyrone Senior Football Championship:

· Ardboe v Omagh, Pomeroy, 1:30pm

· Moy v Errigal Ciaran, Galbally, 4:00pm

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Football Championship:

· Rathgotmack v St Saviour’s, Walsh Park, 3:00pm

Shay Murtagh Precast Westmeath Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· St.Loman’s v Killucan, TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, 4:00pm

Sunday September 25

Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Roger Casements Portglenone v St. Mary’s Aghagallon, Dunsilly Pitch 1, 5:00pm

Armagh Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals:

· Killeavy St Moninna v Clan na Gael, Pearse Óg Park, 1:30pm

· Naomh Pádraig Droim an Tí v Crossmaglen Rangers, Athletic Grounds, 6:00pm

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Carlow Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Mount Leinster Rangers v Tinryland, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7:45pm

Kiernan’s Service Stations Cavan Senior Football Championship Quarter Final Replay:

· Mullahoran v Ramor United, Kingspan Breffni, 12:30pm

Clare Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals:

· Ballyea v Clooney-Quin, Cusack Park, Ennis, 12:00pm

· Éire Óg v Inagh-Kilnamona, Cusack Park, Ennis, 2:30pm *LIVE ON GAA BEO, TG4*

Clare Senior Hurling Championship Relegation Play Off:

· Smith O’Briens v Scariff, Tulla, 1:00pm

Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier Senior County Hurling Championship Semi Finals:

· Erin’s Own v Blackrock, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2:00pm

· St Finbarrs v Newtownshandrum, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4:00pm

Leadon Timber Frame Derry Senior Hurling Championship Final:

· Slaughtneil v Kevin Lynch Hurling Club, Owenbeg, 3:00pm

Michael Murphy Sports Donegal Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Gaoth Dobhair v Naomh Conaill, Páirc Sheáin Mhic Cumhaill, 4:00pm

Michael Murphy Sports Donegal Senior Football Championship Relegation Semi Finals:

· Ard an Ratha v Naomh Naille, Eamonn Byrne Memorial Park, 1:00pm

· Realt na Mara v Milford, Páirc Aodh Rua, 1:30pm

Morgan Fuels Down GAA Senior Football Championship:

· Longstone v An Riocht, Atticall, 1:00pm

Morgan Fuels Down GAA Senior Hurling Championship:

· St. Patrick’s GAC Portaferry v Ballygalget GAC, Portaferry, 3:00pm

· Ballycran v Bredagh, Ballycran, 5:00pm

Go Ahead Dublin Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals:

· Ballyboden St Endas v Lucan Sarsfields, Parnell Park, 2:15pm

· St Vincents v Na Fianna, Parnell Park, 4:00pm

Go Ahead Dublin Senior Hurling Championship Relegation Play Offs:

· St Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh v Craobh Chiarain, O’Toole Park, 2:15pm

· St Brigids v St Judes, O’Toole Park, 4:00pm

Bon Secours Hospital Galway Senior Football Championship Round 5:

· Oughterard v An Spidéal, Pearse Stadium, 3:00pm

· Maigh Cuilinn v Cumann Peile Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir, Ros Muc, 3:00pm

· Annaghdown v CLG Bhearna, Pearse Stadium, 4:45pm

· Salthill-Knocknacarra v An Cheathrú Rua, Indreabhán, 4:45pm

· Corofin v Tuam Stars, Tuam Stadium, 4:45pm

Garvey’s Supervalu Kerry Senior Football Championship Round 3:

· Shannon Rangers v St.Kieran’s, Ballylongford, 2:30pm

· Daingean Uí Chúis v East Kerry, Dingle, 2:30pm

· Mid Kerry v Austin Stacks, Beaufort, 2:30pm

· Templenoe v Feale Rangers, Templenoe, 2:30pm

· South Kerry v St.Brendan’s, Caherciveen, 2:30pm

UPMC Kildare Senior Hurling Championship Final:

· Maynooth v Naas, Newbridge, 3:30pm

St. Canice's Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals:

· Dicksboro v Mullinavat, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2:00pm

· Clara v Shamrocks Ballyhale, UPMC Nowlan Park, 3:45pm

Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football Championship Semi Finals:

· Courtwood v O’Dempsey’s, MW Hire O’Moore Park, 2:00pm

· Portarlington v Portlaoise, MW Hire O’Moore Park, 3:45pm

Irish Wire Products Ltd Limerick County Senior Football Championship Round 5:

· Oola v Galbally, Cappamore, 4:00pm

· Claughaun v Monaleen, Mungret, 4:00pm

· Fr Caseys v Newcastle West, Dromcollogher, 4:00pm

Peter Hanley Motors Longford Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· Colmcille v Longford Slashers, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 5:30pm

Anchor Tours Louth Senior Football Championship Semi Finals:

· Naomh Mairtin v Ardee St.Marys, Darver Pitch 1, 2:00pm

· Newtown Blues v Geraldines, Clan na Gael, Dundalk, 5:00pm

Connacht Gold Mayo Senior Football Championship Round 3:

· Davitts v Charlestown Sarsfields, Ballyhaunis GAA, 1:30pm

· Castlebar Mitchels Football V Garrymore, Cong, 1:30pm

· Ballina Stephenites V Aghamore, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, 4:00pm

· Knockmore v Ballaghderreen, Fr. O’Hara Park, 4:00pm

Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear, Trim Meath Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final:

· Kiltale v Rathoath, Páirc Tailteann, 3:30pm

Greenfield Foods Monaghan Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals:

· Truagh v Ballybay, Scotstown, 1:30pm

· Scotstown v Latton, Clontibret, 4:30pm

Tullamore Court Hotel Offaly Senior Football Championship Final:

· Tullamore v Rhode, O'Connor Park, 4:15pm*LIVE ON GAA BEO, TG4*

Tullamore Court Hotel Offaly Intermediate Football Championship Final:

· Ballycommon v Raheen, O'Connor Park, 2:15pm

Roscommon Senior Football Championship Play Off:

· St. Faithleachs v Michael Glaveys, Enfield, 1:00pm

Roscommon Senior Football Championship Relegation Play Off:

· Western-Gaels v Elphin, Abbey Park, 1:00pm

Sligo Senior Hurling Championship Round 5:

· Coolera Strandhill v Calry St Josephs, Ransboro Park, 1:00pm

· Tourlestrane v Naomh Eoin, Tourlestrane, 1:00pm

· Western Gaels v Easkey, Enniscrone/Kilglass GAA club, 1:00pm

FBD Insurance Tipperary County Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals:

· JK Brackens v Upperchurch-Drombane, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 2:00pm

· Kiladangan v Clonoulty/Rossmore, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 3:45pm

LLC Tyrone Senior Football Championship:

· Moortown v Clonoe, Edendork, 1:30pm

· Loughmacrory v Derrylaughan, Edendork, 3:30pm

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Football Championship:

· Ballinacourty v Brickey Rangers, Fraher Field, 1:45pm

· The Nire v An Rinn, Fraher Field, 3:30pm

Shay Murtagh Precast Westmeath Senior Football Championship Semi Final:

· The Downs v Tyrrellspass, TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, 4:00pm

Dominic Smith Expert Electrical Wexford Senior Football Championship:

· Kilanerin v St. Martin’s, Farmleigh, 3:45pm

· Crossabeg/Ballymurn v St. Anne’s Rathangan, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 3:45pm

· Gusserane O’Rahilly’s v Starlights, O’Kennedy Park, 3:45pm

· Sarsfields v HWH Bunclody, St. Patrick’s Park, 3:45pm

· St. James’ v Castletown, Oylegate, 3:45pm

· Shelmaliers v Glynn-Barntown, Bellefield, 3:45pm

Lightning Protection Ireland Wicklow Senior Hurling Championship Final:

· Bray Emmets v Glenealy, Aughrim, 3:30pm

Lightning Protection Ireland Wicklow Intermediate Hurling Championship Final:

· Bray Emmets v Kilcoole, Aughrim, 1:30pm

Monday September 26

LLC Tyrone Senior Football Championship:

· Carrickmore v Coalisland, Omagh, 7:30pm