National GAA club previews: Clonlara can cope without Conlon

There are plenty of interesting fixtures taking place across the country on Saturday and Sunday.

INJURED: Clonlara's John Conlon will miss their game against Ballyea. Picture : Eamon Ward

SATURDAY

Clare SHC quarter-finals: 

Ballyea v Clonlara, Zimmer-Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, 3pm 

Even without injured John Conlon, Clonlara have been in mean form. Ballyea can never be discounted and this should be a tight affair. 

Verdict: Clonlara.

Kilmaley v Sixmilebridge, Zimmer-Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, 5pm

Sixmilebridge were unfancied at stages in last year’s championship and prevailed. They can upset the odds once more. 

Verdict: Sixmilebridge

Kerry Club SFC semi-final:

Na Gaeil v Rathmore, Dr Crokes GAA Grounds, 5.30pm

At this stage, Na Gaeil have generated such momentum in seeing off the likes of Dingle and Austin Stacks that Rathmore, although they are favourites, will be looking to contain them for the early part of this game. Rathmore too have Stacks’s scalp to their name but the Tralee men have more going in their favour right now. 

Verdict: Na Gaeil.

Kerry Club PJFC semi-final: St Senan’s v Keel, Connolly Park, 5pm.

Verdict: St Senan’s.

Kerry Club JFC quarter-finals: 

Knocknagoshel v Cordal, Willie Walsh Park, Knocknagoshel 

Verdict: Knocknagoshel.

Tarbert v Lispole, Tarbert, 5.30pm.

Verdict: Tarbert.

SUNDAY 

Waterford SHC final Ballygunner v Mount Sion, Walsh Park, 2.30pm 

Compounding a taxing couple of weekends for Mount Sion is the fact that Ballygunner’s shock to the system came against De La Salle last weekend. It served as a reminder and their performance levels are likely to rise for their city rivals who are battle-hardened but may not have enough quality to stay with the champions. Dessie Hutchinson has been in fine form with 2-4 from play in his last two games. Even if he is tied up, Ballygunner always seems to find a way. 

Verdict: Ballygunner.

Clare SHC quarter-finals: Clooney-Quin v Feakle, Zimmer-Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, 3pm 

The champions haven’t exactly inspired belief that they will retain their title but Clooney-Quin have to be wary. 

Verdict: Clooney-Quin.

Éire Óg, Ennis v Inagh-Kilnamona, Zimmer-Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, 5pm 

Gerry O’Connor’s Éire Óg outfit won’t be looking beyond this game even though they are ambitious.

Verdict: Éire Óg, Ennis.

Kerry Club SFC semi-final: 

Dr Crokes v Kenmare Shamrocks, Austin Stack Park, 3.30pm.

Another doozy of a last-four game in Kerry here and the champions won’t be relaxed even if it was a weakened Dingle team that Kenmare beat in topping their group. Crokes were tested in both their group wins over Rathmore and Spa but they will be able to ratchet it up a gear for Seán O’Shea and Stephen O’Brien. 

Verdict: Dr Crokes.

Kerry Club IFC semi-finals:

Kilcummin v Fossa, Austin Stack Park, 1.30pm.

The crowd will be in early for this one and Fossa will hardly be the pale version of themselves that lost to Kilcummin in the dead rubber group game. Paudie Clifford will start and as he showed with that spectacular late score to beat Beaufort his fine form continues. 

Verdict: Fossa.

An Ghaeltacht v Killarney Legion, Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown, 4pm.

Difficult to select a winner here seeing as how both teams are scoring for fun. James O’Donoghue continues to work some magic for Legion and the Ó Beaglaoichs are buttressing the West Kerry side’s efforts. 

Verdict: Killarney Legion.

Kerry Club PJFC semi-final: 

Listry v Ballymacelligott, Castleisland Desmonds, 1pm.

Verdict: Ballymacelligott.

Kerry Club JFC quarter-finals: 

Kilgarvan v Beale, Kilgarvan, 2pm.

Verdict: Kilgarvan.

Moyvane v St Michael’s-Foilmore, Moyvane, 3.30pm.

Verdict: Moyvane.