Preview: Weekend’s AIB All-Ireland Club action:
Due to the current weather forecast, the GAA will monitor the pitches over the weekend, any changes will be notified as soon as possible. Updates will be available on the GAA’s social media channels.
AIB All-Ireland Club SFC Semi-Finals
Sunday 5th January
Coolera-Strandhill v Cuala in Kingspan Breffni at 1.30pm, TG4
Having flourished on the provincial stages in Connacht and Ulster, Coolera-Strandhill’s clash with Cuala promises to be intriguing.
Well organised and diligent, Coolera-Strandhill, prompted by the splendid Sligo forward Niall Murphy, eventually overcame Padraig Pearses in a gripping western decider.
That victory confirmed Coolera-Strandhill’s ability, but another daunting task awaits against the Con O’Callaghan inspired Cuala.
Luke Keating remains a potent threat for the Dublin standard bearers, while Michael Fitzsimons and Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne are other key contributors for Austin O’Malley’s outfit.
John McPartland has enjoyed a productive spell in charge of Coolera-Strandhill, who feature Ross O’Carroll.
Dr Crokes v Errigal Ciarán in Laois Hire O’Moore Park at 3.30pm, TG4
Another lively encounter beckons in Portlaoise involving two clubs sprinkled with quality footballers.
Enda McGinley has forged a good connection with a talented crop of Errigal Ciarán players.
The classy Canavan brothers continue to supply moments of inspiration, while Peter Harte’s relevance to the Errigal cause will never be underestimated.
When the Ulster final was delicately poised against Kilcoo, Peter Óg McCartan landed the sweetest of points to earn silverware.
With the shrewd Pat O’Shea involved, Crokes, who have contested four All-Ireland finals, winning two, bring accomplished performers into this battle.
Micheál Burns and Tony Brosnan starred in the Munster final, while Gavin White will thunder forward at every available opportunity.
AIB All-Ireland Club IFC Semi-Finals
Saturday 4th January
Austin Stacks v Ballinderry in Glenisk O’Connor Park at 1pm, Sport TG4
Two former AIB All-Ireland Club senior champions collide in Tullamore.
During a glittering history, Austin Stacks have collected 13 Kerry senior titles, including one in 2021, but they have responded impressively when dropping down to the intermediate ranks.
Cian Purcell netted a hat-trick in the Munster final win over Aherlow with Joe O’Connor an influential figure for Stacks.
In a thrilling Ulster decider, Ballinderry edged out a highly regarded Arva, 1-12 to 2-8.
Ben McKinless, Gareth McKinless, and Ryan Bell are important players for a promising Ballinderry team.
Crossmolina Deel Rovers v Caragh in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park at 1pm, Sport TG4
Crossmolina Deel Rovers sampled AIB All-Ireland senior glory in 2001, but they will be fully aware of the dangers Caragh will pose on Saturday.
An impressive Leinster final display at Parnell Park against Naomh Mearnóg illustrated Caragh’s potential.
Goalkeeper Michael Behan made a fine penalty save in that game, while Ryan Burke and Jake Corrigan were others to impress.
Mayo players Jordan Flynn and Conor Loftus continue to make an impact for Crossmolina, who have worked hard at underage level in recent years.
AIB All-Ireland Club JFC Semi-Final
Sunday 5th January
An Cheathrú Rua v Ballinagar in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 1pm, Sport TG4
Galway SFC winners in 1996, An Cheathrú Rua suffered two relegations in a row, but they have subsequently triumphed at junior level in the county and Connacht.
Fergal Ó Sé, Dara Ó Sé, and Éanna MacCormaic have been prominent for An Cheathrú Rua.
Captain Geordi O’Meara has led by example for Ballinagar, who defeated Dunsany in the Leinster decider.
Morgan Tynan, an All-Ireland winner at U20 level for Offaly, is a leading figure for Ballinagar.
AIB Ulster Club JFC Twinning Final
Tara v Naomh Padraig at 12pm in McGovern Park
Tara won the London Junior and All-Britain Championship in 2024.
Now, the London club face Naomh Padraig in Ruislip on Saturday.
Drew McKinney, Caolan McColgan, and Kevin Lynch scored Naomh Padraig’s goals in a 3-7 to 1-12 victory over Derry’s Craigbane at Celtic Park.