Weekend GAA Club Previews: Can Sarsfields cause an upset against Ballygunner?

Coming through an intense provincial campaign, both teams are riding on the crest of momentum but the schedule may catch up on a couple of players here. Each side has been tested and Cuala sure haven’t had it all their own way. Tom Jackson will require minding. On the other side, you can see how Cuala’s forwards have flourished with the extra attention committed to Con O’Callaghan. 

Verdict: Cuala.

Leinster Club SHC final: Na Fianna (Dublin) v Kilcormac-Killoughey (Offaly), Croke Park 7.40pm (P. Dunne, Laois) Live RTÉ2.

Coming off the Cusack Park field last Sunday, Cillian Kiely looked to have aggravated his hand injury and he could make not be able to make an appearance from the bench as he has been doing. Still, Kilcormac-Killoughey have great experience to call on from their substitutes. They can deliver a performance but the spine of the Na Fianna team looks incredibly formidable. 

Verdict: Na Fianna.

Munster Club IHC final: Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) v Watergrasshill (Cork), TUS Gaelic Grounds 6pm (N. Malone, Clare).

This is a big Cashel King Cormacs side and wintry conditions would appear to be right up their street. Watergrasshill captain Seán Desmond is a match-winner and could be again here but the Tipperary men have excellent finishers on the team (Devon Ryan and Seán O’Donoghue to name two) and the bench (Ger Browne). 

Verdict: Cashel King Cormacs.

Munster Club JHC final: Russell Rovers (Cork) v Kilrossanty (Waterford), Páirc Uí Rinn 1pm (A. Tierney, Tipperary).

Goals have been the calling cards of Russell Rovers this season and if they continue that streak they’re going to be adding provincial silverware to county. Former Cork footballer Ciaran Sheehan is leading by example, Brian Hartnett is scoring for fun and Dónal Óg Cusack’s coaching has served them well. 

Verdict: Russell Rovers.

Connacht Club JFC final: An Cheathru Rua (Galway) v Ballymoate Round Towers (Sligo), Tuam Stadium 1.30pm (S. Corcoran, Mayo).

The Galway winners look primed to be the toast of the province. 

Verdict: An Cheathru Rua.

Ulster Club IHC final: Carey Faughs (Antrim) v Swatragh (Derry), Fr Healy Park 1pm (P. Owens, Down).

Swatragh seem to be too strong to be taken down here. 

Verdict: Swatragh.

All-Ireland Ladies Club SFC semi-final: Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) v Castleisland Desmonds (Kerry), Páirc de Burca, Stillorgan 2pm.

Blessed with a host of inter-county talent from three counties, Kilmacud have been steamrolling teams in Leinster but should be given a contest by a seasoned Castleisland outfit. 

Verdict: Kilmacud Crokes.

SUNDAY.

Munster Club SHC final: Ballygunner (Waterford) v Sarsfields (Cork), FBD Semple Stadium 3.15pm (J. Murphy, Limerick) Live TG4.

Sarsfields won’t need to look far for much inspiration this week. They are being dismissed in almost every quarter after what happened last year when Ballygunner were 17 points better than them. They tackle Ballygunner now off the back of a good win over Feakle and giving a better account of themselves will be the least Johnny Crowley will expect of them. Perhaps they can play with more freedom than in Walsh Park 12 months ago but the result should be the same. Ballygunner are starting to open their shoulders. 

Verdict: Ballygunner.

Connacht Club SFC final: Coolera-Strandhill (Sligo) v Pádraig Pearses (Roscommon), Markievicz Park 1.15pm Live TG4.

Coolera-Strandhill may be coming off the back of a second successive county title but they are a surprise package in this final having seen off Ballina. Pádraig Pearses will be compelled to sit up and take notice of a side that may be led by Niall Murphy but will have to keep an eye on Mark McDaniel too. Coolera-Strandhill’s defence has been excellent and it can give them a fighting chance but Pádraig Pearses’ Dalys will be able to withstand what’s thrown at them. 

Verdict: Pádraig Pearses.

Ulster Club SHC final: Portaferry (Down) v Slaughtneil (Derry), Athletic Grounds 5pm (C. Cunning, Antrim) Live TG4.

It would be disrespectful to Portaferry to suggest Slaughtneil won the real final in beating Cushendall and if Slaughtneil think that they have the province in the bag they could be in for a shock. There are too many good hurlers for Slaughtneil to be caught. 

Verdict: Slaughtneil.

Leinster Club IHC final: Rathnure St Anne’s (Wexford) v Lisdowney (Kilkenny), Chadwicks Wexford Park 1.30pm (M. Redmond, Kildare).

The Rathnure name still carries a lot of weight as much as they have been down in recent years. A win isn’t beyond them but Lisdowney’s battling win over Borris-in-Ossory exemplified their character. 

Verdict: Lisdowney.

Leinster Club IFC final: Naomh Mearnóg (Dublin) v Caragh (Kildare), Parnell Park 1.30pm (K. Williamson, Offaly).

On the back of an exciting win over Fethard St Mogue’s, Caragh can capture the title. 

Verdict: Caragh.

Leinster Club JFC final: Dunsany (Meath) v Ballinagar (Offaly), Páirc Tailteann 1.30pm (E. Kelly, Westmeath).

Home advantage may just be a factor in a game expected to come down to small margins. 

Verdict: Dunsany.

All-Ireland Ladies Club SFC semi-final: Clann Éireann (Armagh) v Kilkerrin-Clonberne (Galway); Clann Éireann 2.30pm.

The reigning champions don’t look like they’re going to let up. This could be awkward at times but a win for them is likelier. 

Verdict: Kilkerrin-Clonberne.