Weekend previews

An overview of all the weekend’s major action.

TODAY

Christy Ring Cup.

Round 2A.

Antrim v Roscommon, Pearse Park, Dunloy 3.30pm (J Keane, Galway).

Antrim must keep it strictly business-like but there’s nothing to indicate they won’t.

Verdict:

Antrim.

Round 2B.

Derry v Down, Owenbeg 2pm (C Cunning, Antrim).

Derry’s form has been terrible and Down need to recover after slipping in Ruislip.

Verdict:

Down.

Wicklow v Kildare, Arklow 3.30pm (G McGrath, Wexford).

Another couple of teams with points to prove after opening weekend.

Verdict:

Kildare.

Nicky Rackard Cup.

Round 2A.

Mayo v Armagh, Ballina 1.30pm (P Murphy, Carlow).

Verdict:

Armagh.

Monaghan v Fingal, Castleblayney 2pm (J Clarke, Cavan).

Verdict:

Monaghan.

Round 2B.

Donegal v Fermanagh, Letterkenny 2pm (K McGeeney, Roscommon).

Verdict:

Donegal.

Longford v Tyrone, 3.30pm (Glennon Brothers Pearse Park (J Heffernan, Wexford) Verdict:

Longford.

Lory Meagher Cup Round 2.

Warwickshire v Louth, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham 11:45pm (R McGann, Clare).

Verdict:

Warwickshire.

Lancashire v Leitrim, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham 2pm (J Murphy, Limerick).

Verdict:

Leitrim.

Lidl Ladies NFL Division 3 final.

Tipperary v Waterford, Clane 3.45pm (G Corrigan, Down).

Just the minimum separated these sides in their first round game and the margin is expected to be tight again.

Verdict:

Waterford.

Lidl Ladies NFL Division 4 Final.

Antrim v Limerick, Clane 2pm (D McEnery, Westmeath).

Verdict:

Limerick.

TOMORROW

Leinster SHC Qualifier Group Round 1.

Kerry v Carlow, Austin Stack Park 1pm (C Lyons, Cork).

If Ciaran Carey’s words are to be heeded then Carlow face a difficult task to come away with anything from Tralee. Kerry are making great advances but they must deliver on the big stage. The likes of John Griffin and Shane Nolan can be the steady hands on what is an historic day for hurling.

Verdict:

Kerry.

Westmeath v Offaly, TEG Cusack Park 3pm (S Cleere, Kilkenny).

Westmeath’s stretch of clean sheets will be given its toughest test yet by Eamonn Kelly’s side. There may be a part of the Offaly psyche that believes they shouldn’t be where they now find themselves but they can only prove that on the field.

Verdict:

Offaly.

Christy Ring Cup.

Round 2A.

London v Meath, Irish TV Grounds 12:30pm (D Hughes, Carlow).

Quite a game in store here if league and opening day results are anything to go by.

Verdict:

London.

Connacht SFC

Preliminary Round.

New York v Roscommon, Gaelic Park 9pm (4pm Irish time) (M Deegan, Laois) Live TG4

The lack of meaningful games wasn’t an issue for New York and yet they went down heavily to Galway last year. Without much in the way of competitive action in the build-up to Roscommon’s visit, the chances are they will be found wanting. Roscommon were disappointing when losing to Kerry in the league semi but were without some key players. They should vault this early hurdle with ease.

Verdict:

Roscommon