Six county senior finals are taking place this weekend with the provincial club championships kicking up a gear.
The replays of the Fermanagh and Sligo football deciders are on the horizon after draws last week with the Westmeath hurling final also going for ‘take two,’ having been postponed due to the weather last week.
The Kildare hurling and Limerick football finals are also on the bill as is the Wexford hurling final, live on TG4 on Sunday.
It’s a quick turn-around for four clubs in the provincial series with Doon, Tinahely, Errigal Ciaran and Abbeylara in action just one week after winning their respective county crowns.
"It's bonus territory in a way, but you sit them lads down in a dressing room - they're there to win too, no matter what game they play,” Tinahely selector David Dillon said about the quick turn-around.
Here are the best games to watch.
Saturday:
Errigal Ciaran v St Eunan’s, Ulster SFC preliminary round, 7.15, RTÉ2
Errigal Ciaran gave Glen a brilliant game in their last foray into Ulster two years ago before ultimately coming up short.
They’ll be eyeing up a tilt at glory though the quick turn-around may be a factor, with Donegal champs Eunan’s well rested in comparison.
Castletown Geoghegan v Lough Lene Gaels, Westmeath SHC final, 2.00, Iarmhí TV
Both sides have recent experience of losing finals, with Castletown Geoghegan losing three-in-a-row between 2019 and 2021. Lough Lene Gaels lost year, meaning the hunger is there for both.
Sunday:
Coolera-Strandhill v St. Molaise Gaels, Sligo SFC final, 1.30, Sligo GAA TV
The drawn game ended in dramatics with the whistle blown just before St Molaise Gaels’ midfielder Joseph Keaney kicked what would have been a winning point.
It’s a repeat of last year’s decider, when Coolera-Strandhill were victorious.
Dunshaughlin v St Loman’s, Leinster SFC preliminary round, 1.30, Clubber
St Loman’s have lots of experience at Leinster club level, some of it bad, like the 2017 final they lost to Moorefield in heartbreaking circumstances. They're more of a seasoned outfit than Dunshaughlin, who are new to the grade but will be confident having won in Meath.
5 November 2023; Danny McCartan of St Loman's. Sportsfile.
Ardee St Mary’s v Abbeylara, Leinster SFC preliminary round, 1.45, Clubber
Abbeylara are another side who may face fatigue having won their county title in a replay last week. Ardee St Mary’s have won three Louth titles in a row, giving Kilmacud a run for their money in last year’s semi-final.
St Anne’s v St Martin’s, Wexford SHC final, 2.00, TG4
It’s been a drought for St Martin’s, failing to win since 2019 but they’ve been very convincing this year, beating reigning champs Gorey Naomh Eanna by 11 in the semi-final.
The Anne’s were relegated in the football but they were also impressive in beating Shelmaliers in the semi-final. They have lost their last three finals so will look to end that record.
Craobh Club ar @TG4TV an deireadh seachtaine seo 🤩@GAA_BEO returns this weekend with the Wexford Hurling Final & the Munster Quarter Final 🔥
📅 Dé Domhnaigh/Sunday
⏰ 13:30
🥎 @StAnnes_GAA v @StMartinsGAA⏰ 15:40
🥎 @DoonGaaClub v @ballygunnerHcpic.twitter.com/7EdwM3rdPZ— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 1, 2024
Portarlington v Tinahely, Leinster SFC preliminary round, 2.30, Clubber
Port have had three weeks rest with Tinahely having only had a week.
The Laois champs have plenty of experience at this grade, reaching successive Leinster semi-finals in ‘21 and ‘20, while Tinahely are relative greenhorns. The big question is whether Port will bring their Aussie trio Murphy, Pigott and O’Sullivan home for the Leinster campaign.
Doon v Ballygunner, Munster SHC quarter final, 4.00, TG4
Ballygunner have had nine weeks to prepare for this game, while Doon have only had one, after winning their first Limerick SHC just last Sunday. The Gunners are favourites to win a sixth Munster crown.
Adare v Fr Caseys, Limerick SFC final, 4.00, Limerick GAA TV
It’s a novel final of sorts in Limerick with three-in-a-row winners Newcastlewest having been taken out by Adare in the semi-final. Fr Caseys Abbeyfeale haven’t made a final since 2009, with their last win coming in 2006.
Enniskillen Gaels v Erne Gaels, Beleek, Fermanagh SFC final, Monaghan Bros Fermanagh GAA TV
There was nothing to separate them last week, bringing it back to square one. Erne Gaels are 43 years without a title and Ultan Kelm will be hoping to lead them to glory, having lost the last two finals.
