ENDING a barren 29-year spell in the Wexford SFC and dislodging local rivals Kilanerin in the final generated plenty of joy for the footballers of Castletown last month. But it is the prospect of competing on the provincial and national stages that provided the greatest incentive for the club.

Portlaoise, Garrycastle and Skryne claimed victories on the opening day of the 2010 AIB Leinster Club Senior Football Championship.

ST Gall’s and Portlaoise are the only two clubs in contention to retain their provincial titles as the action in this year’s AIB All-Ireland Club Championships gets cranked up a few notches in the coming weeks.

CORK defender Michael Shields could face a fixture dilemma if St Finbarr’s qualify for Sunday’s week county SFC final against Nemo Rangers.

There was plenty of county final action in Gaelic football and hurling yesterday, with nine finals down for decision - including six football deciders.

Meath 2-15 Mayo 1-15

DERRY will again be able to call on Dubai-based schoolteacher Una Harkin for tomorrow’s TG4 All-Ireland Ladies JFC final against London.

Meath veteran forward Ollie Murphy is struggling with injury ahead of the Leinster football quarter-final showdown against Dublin on June 5 after damaging his groin during a club tie at the weekend.

Mount Sion (Waterford) 4-13 Kilmaley (Clare) 0-9