Your weekend of sports viewing starts here

By Kevin Murphy and Grainne McGuinness

Woo-hoo, it’s the weekend! And even better, the sun is shining. But remember folks, us pale Celtic types aren’t cut out for long days spent under its unforgiving glare.

So if you feel you’ve had enough sun and need to retire indoors for a spell, there is plenty of sporting action on the box to keep you interested.

Unexpected success of the weekend

Irish golfers look set for a nail biting weekend with Shane Lowry putting himself in the mix with an opening round of 69 at the US Open in Chambers Bay.

Shane Lowry watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open.

Naturally Rory McIlroy is the main focus for Irish fans, but the big man from Offaly looks right at home in this links-type course, and another strong round on Friday could give Lowry the most high-profile showing in his golf career so far.

US Open - all weekend on Sky Sports 4

Centurion of the weekend Sat

Lionel Messi will play his 100th match for Argentina against Jamaica in the Copa America on Saturday. The little magician has failed to enjoy tournament success with his homeland so far, but will be keen to change that on this milestone appearance.

The Barcelona striker has been in scintillating form for both club and country in recent months.

Argentina v Jamaica kick-off 10.30pm on Setanta Sports 1

Strongest Irish contender of the weekend

Ireland’s golden girl Katie Taylor will chase another title in Baku, Azerbaijan on Sunday morning. The Bray native will be in action in the round of 16 of the women's light division.

Her opponent Denista Eliseeva was the last person to beat Taylor (four years ago), but the current Olympic and world champion continues to set the pace in women’s boxing, and should make short work of the start to her European Games campaign.

Katie Taylor v Denista Eliseeva in the Baku European Games at 8.30am on Setanta Ireland

Sunday afternoon is set to be a cracking afternoon of hurling, with not one but two mouth-watering clashes of the ash.

New era launch of the weekend

Defending All Ireland Champions Kilkenny get their season underway against an improving Wexford side at Nowlan Park on Sunday.

The Cats have dominated the hurling landscape in recent years, but the retirements of Henry Shefflin and JJ Delaney mean they must now prove their mettle without those legends. A must see for hurling fans.

Kilkenny v Wexford throw-in 2pm on The Sunday Game Live on RTE 2

Rematch of the weekend

The Munster hurling Championship rises in temperature with the clash of neighbours Limerick and Tipperary at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday. The Premier side are the bookmaker’s favourites for the game, but Limerick have the benefit of a thrilling victory over Clare under their belts.

Limerick have vanquished Tipperary in their last two encounters, and TJ Ryan’s men would dearly love to make it three in a row.

Limerick v Tipperary throw-in 4pm on The Sunday Game Live on RTE 2