Preview: Weekend’s Senior Club Championship action:
AIB Leinster Club SFC Quarter-Finals
Saturday November 4
Éire Óg v Kilmacud Crokes, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7.45pm
Sunday November 5
Blessington v Ardee St Mary’s, Echelon Park, 2pm
Emmet Óg, Killoe v St Loman’s, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
Naas v Summerhill, Hawkfield, 2pm
Memorable clashes in 1998 ensure Éire Óg and Kilmacud Crokes share plenty of history.
During a remarkable spell in the 90s, Éire Óg won five provincial titles, underlining their class.
Crokes collected a sixth Leinster crown last year, but they will afford Éire Óg the utmost respect under the Saturday evening Netwatch Cullen Park lights.
Paul Mannion and Shane Walsh carry a potent attacking threat for Crokes, but Éire Óg will be hoping that Ross Dunphy can make an impact at the opposite end of the field.
Managed by Turlough O’Brien, Éire Óg have repeatedly demonstrated character during a lively 2023 adventure.
The following afternoon, Blessington, who sampled Wicklow glory last Sunday face Ardee St Mary’s in Aughrim.
Both clubs will firmly believe that a place in the penultimate round can be secured so it promises to be an interesting encounter.
It should be similarly hard fought at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park when Emmet Óg Killoe face St Loman’s Mullingar.
Luke Dempsey’s involvement as Killoe boss adds another layer of intrigue, considering his successful stint with Loman’s.
Naas, who recently claimed a third Kildare championship on the spin, meet Summerhill at Hawkfield.
Barry Dardis has impressed for Summerhill, who edged out Tullamore in the first round.
With plenty of Kildare stars, past and present, Naas’ panel is nicely stocked with talent.
AIB Ulster Club SFC First Round
Sunday November 5
Derrygonnelly Harps v Kilcoo, Brewster Park, 3.45pm
A repeat of the 2021 AIB Ulster Club SFC Final, Derrygonnelly Harps will be hoping to deliver a much improved display.
With seven Fermanagh titles won since 2015, Derrygonnelly have only briefly offered glimpses of their ability on the Ulster stage.
Kilcoo encountered difficulties themselves in Ulster, but two titles in 2019 and 2021 reflected a decade of work.
In the Down SFC Final. Miceal Rooney and Paul Devlin produced important scores at key stages to make it 11 county titles in 12 years.
That is a remarkable record, but Karl Lacey’s charges will be intent on gleaning further silverware in the coming weeks and months.
AIB Munster Club SHC Quarter-Finals
Sunday November 5
Ballygunner v Sarsfields, Walsh Park, 1.30pm
Encouraged following a stirring Cork SHC Final comeback win over Midleton, Sarsfields will be aware that a daunting test awaits against Ballygunner.
The 10-in-a-row Waterford champions remain one of the most respected and organised club teams in the land.
Goals from the excellent Pauric Mahony and Peter Hogan decorated another county final triumph over De La Salle.
Stephen O’Keeffe, Philip Mahony, Patrick Fitzgerald, and Dessie Hutchinson continue to impress for Ballygunner.
Aaron Myres was in terrific form, rifling over a dozen points as Sars overcame Midleton.
Cathal McCarthy and Jack O’Connor were others to deliver for Sars, who will need to be equally dynamic and defiant on Sunday.
Sunday November 5
Galway SFC Final
Corofin v Maigh Cuilinn, Pearse Stadium, 2pm
This is an eagerly anticipated encounter in Salthill.
Under Don Connellan’s shrewd guidance, Maigh Cuilinn have emerged as a serious force in Galway, winning county titles in 2020 and 2022.
With the Kelly brothers, David Wynne, Peter Cooke, Dessie Conneely, and Owen Gallagher instrumental, Maigh Cuilinn have set a high standard in recent years.
Kevin Johnson’s Corofin, though, have integrated a number of promising footballers to work alongside the established performers.
Liam Silke and Kieran Molloy’s availability has been crucial, while Gary Sice continues to craft opportunities.
Kerry SFC Final
Mid Kerry v East Kerry, Austin Stack Park, 3.30pm
With three championships won since 2019, East Kerry are enjoying a productive stint.
East Kerry’s progress throughout the current campaign has been smooth, resting the Clifford brothers initially ahead of the knockout rounds.
That policy has worked well, but Mid Kerry will also believe that silverware can be attained in Tralee.
Overcoming a highly regarded Dingle outfit showcased Mid Kerry’s considerable ability with Eanna O’Connor and Daire Cleary contributing vital scores.
Limerick SFC Final
Adare v Newcastle West, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 2pm
It has been a rewarding spell for Newcastle West, who have won three of the last four Limerick Football Championships.
Before that, though, Adare had a similarly productive burst winning titles in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
So these clubs have been the top two in Limerick recently and will contest the decider for the third year in a row.
Newcastle West won 1-11 to 2-5 last year and 1-8 to 0-5 the previous season, so Adare will be seeking revenge.