This weekend's games previewed

TOMORROW

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship |Semi-Final

Kilkenny v Galway (Tullamore 7.00)

They have barely broken sweat in the Leinster championship and now Galway find themselves tasked with trying to halt Kilkenny’s supremacy in a competition that they have owned of late. While the westerners made a low-key debut by overcoming Laois by a handsome margin, confronting Brian Cody’s well-oiled machine will be a different proposition altogether.

Galway manager John McIntyre rightly felt that his team are capable of a lot better after that win over Laois and they will certainly need to engage at least two higher gears if they are to have any chance of succeeding tomorrow.

Verdict: Kilkenny to win by eight points.

Connacht Senior Football Championship |Semi-final

Mayo v Roscommon (Castlebar 5.00)

Mayo have been lumbered with their unwanted ‘nearly men’ tag in the All Ireland Championship because of their close brushes with success in the past. They invariably promise much but have significantly failed to deliver. The county boasts a raft of talented players but merging their disparate skills into an All-Ireland winning formation has eluded recent managers — including present incumbent John O’Mahoney — so far. Roscommon, now under the baton of former All Ireland Minor winning manager Fergal O’Donnell, have in the recent past relied on brawn as much as on brain in Connacht but this has certainly not got them too far.

Verdict: Mayo to win by four points.

Munster Senior Hurling Championship |Semi-Final Replay

Limerick v Waterford (Thurles 5.00)

Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald was less than impressed with proceedings in last Sunday’s drawn game and will certainly look for more from his side this time round. Limerick’s power play saw them burst back into the game when they looked to have surrendered the initiative but this time round Waterford’s experience and pride may just get them through.

Verdict: Waterford to win by two points.

Nicky Rackard Cup Quarter-Final

Armagh v Roscommon (Athletic Grounds 3.30)

Armagh had a surprisingly facile victory over Sligo last weekend and with Declan Coulter on song in their attack, they should be able to make the most of their home advantage against a Roscommon side who tend to blow hot and cold.

Verdict: Armagh to win by four points.

Nicky Rackard Cup Relegation Play-Off

Sligo v Monaghan (Ballinamore 3.30)

Monaghan have been living dangerously in the competition but Sligo’s setback against Armagh may have impacted on their morale to such an extent that Monaghan could come out on top here.

Verdict: Monaghan to win by four points.

Lory Meagher Cup Quarter-Final

Fermanagh v Donegal (Enniskillen 3.30)

Fermanagh certainly enjoyed a boost at Cavan’s expense last Saturday and although Donegal have been showing a tenacious trait, the Ernesiders might just come through.

Verdict: Fermanagh to win by two points.

SUNDAY

Ulster Senior Football Championship |Semi-Final

Tyrone v Derry (Casement Park 2.00)

All-Ireland champions Tyrone have been making no secret of their desire to retain the Sam Maguire Cup and today they can go some distance towards realising this goal by overcoming a weakened Derry side in what is regarded as the Ulster final in all but name. The Red Hands may have been at less than full throttle in overcoming Armagh but their resilient defence, combative midfield and marquee forwards may form a potent blend that Damian Cassidy’s side are likely to experience difficulty in countering.

Verdict: Tyrone to win by three points.

Ulster Minor Hurling Championship |Semi-Final

Down v Derry (Casement Park 12.15)

There is rather more emphasis on under-age hurling in the province at the moment and that’s certainly encouraging. Down are making waves at senior level just now after an indifferent spell and their Minors might just take a leaf from their seniors book and get the better of their Oak Leaf rivals.

Verdict: Down to win by four points.

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship |Semi-Final

Dublin v Wexford (Nowlan Park, Kilkenny 3.30)

Dublin have been laying down a marker lately that they could be a force in Leinster — their 10-point defeat of Antrim did their image no harm — but they may find Wexford, a mix of flair and fire, an awkward hurdle. The Slaneysiders believe they can lift their game considerably and if they do, they will win.

Verdict: Wexford to win by two points.

Munster Senior Hurling Championship |Semi-Final

Clare v Tipperary (Limerick 4.00)

Tipperary have looked impressive of late and given their recent record of success over Clare, it will be a surprise if they do not come out on top again and book their place in the provincial final. Their all-round teamwork and physical strength should carry them through.

Verdict: Tipperary to win by six points.