Tipperary v Galway, LIT Gaelic Grounds, 1.15pm

Nostradamus would take this week off in trying to call the Liam MacCarthy results I think.

Galway to me look better than Tipperary but, let’s face it, they looked better than Kilkenny too.

Of all the blue-blood counties, Tipperary are the ones that Galway have the fondest memories of beating.

When they have been good this season they have been very good.

When Tipperary have been good, they have been less than the sum of their parts.

Galway to win this, but don’t put the house on it.

Clare v Waterford, Pairc Uí Chaoimh, 3.45pm

Two managers that seem to be getting more out of their sides than was expected.

Clare will be buoyed by the return of captain David McInerney from suspension.

The word is that Aron Shanagher may not recover from a hamstring injury in time for this weekend.

In the absence of so many marquee forwards, Brian Lohan has depended on Tony Kelly putting together a run of outstanding performances.

It’s fair to assume Liam Cahill has noticed, and will take measures to escort the Ballyea man into lesser levels this weekend.

Easier said than done, but if Waterford can do that, make sure while hunting Kelly that they don’t lose sight of Shane O’Donnell’s ability to be match-winner, and squeeze a full shift from some of their own attackers, they will be the ones preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final.

SUNDAY

NICKY RACKARD CUP FINAL

Donegal v Mayo, Croke Park, 1.30pm

Both Donegal and Mayo come into this final after big wins at semi-final stage.

Donegal are going for a third title in this competition but I expect Mayo, through the likes of top-scorer Shane Boland and Cathal Freeman, to push them over the line.

CHRISTY RING CUP FINAL 

Down v Kildare, Croke Park, 4pm

This title has added significance, in being the 100th anniversary of the great one’s birth.

Down were the story of last weekend when they knocked out Offaly after the first ever inter-county hurling championship penalty shootout.

They were full value for their victory though, with Offaly having to scramble two late points in extra-time.

This is a very tight call, with Kildare looking to add to their titles of 2014 and ’18 but I expect Ronan Sheehan’s Down to have learned from their defeat in last year’s decider and I am giving them the nod.

Dónal Óg Cusack was speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland