Weekend Hurling previews: Talented Screeney can help deliver four-in-a-row for Kilcormac-Killoughey

Elsewhere somebody's 0 has got to go as the last two unbeaten sides left in the Galway SHC clash

Adam Screeney watches on. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon.

SATURDAY 

Galway SHC semi-final

Clarinbridge v Tommy Larkins, Kenny Park Athenry, 3.30pm. Ref: Kerril Wade 

Somebody's 0 has got to go as the last two unbeaten sides left in the competition clash. Clarinbridge put 4-25 on the board in their quarter-final defeat of Gort while this is Tommy Larkins' first semi since their last county win in 1971. They did beat holders Loughrea in August though.

Verdict: Clarinbridge 

SUNDAY 

Offaly SHC final 

Kilcormac-Killoughey v Ballinamere, Glenisk O'Connor Park, 2.15pm. Ref: Matthew Farrell. Live on TG4 

Adam Screeney underlined his vast talent, and importance, to Kilcormac-Killoughey when he returned from injury to fire 0-16 in their semi-final win over St Rynagh's. That game went to extra time so, without him, their four-in-a-row bid would surely be over. They beat Ballinamere in the 2024 final, by five points. Like K-K, Ballinamere are stuffed with county stars and will look to the two Ravenhills, the mercurial Dan Bourke - man of the match in their gutsy semi-final win over Belmont - and Brian Duignan to help deliver a first ever Offaly SHC title.

Verdict: Kilcormac-Killoughey 

Sligo SHC final 

Easkey v Naomh Eoin, Markievicz Park, 2.15pm. Ref: Michael Larkin 

The eighth consecutive final between these two clubs. Easkey have won the last seven, and had 13 points to spare in last year's decider.

Verdict: Easkey Westmeath SHC final Lough Lene Gaels v Raharney, TEG Cusack Park, 3pm. Ref: Caymon Flynn After managing Meath in 2025, Johnny Greville returned to Raharney and has guided them to a first final in three years, beating holders Castletown Geoghegan at the semi-final stage. Lough Lene Gaels have lost the last three finals in a row.

Verdict: Raharney 

Galway SHC semi-final 

Loughrea v Craughwell, Kenny Park Athenry, 3pm. Ref: Paul Fahy 

After an early stumble against Tommy Larkins, holders Loughrea has a series of battling wins before opening up with a 2-19 to 0-14 quarter-final win over Athenry. Tom Monaghan is a key figure for Craughwell who were terrific in their group win over Loughrea in 2025.

Verdict: Loughrea 

Laois SHC final 

Camross v The Harps, Laois Hire O'Moore Park Portlaoise, 3.45pm. Ref: John Lalor 

Beaten in last year's final, Camross are an hour from completing a league and championship double in 2026. They're favourites too with Clough-Ballacolla out of the picture, though it was Ken Hogan's The Harps, chasing a first ever title, that knocked the holders out with a dramatic late semi-final goal. Joe McDonagh Cup winner Tomás Keyes leads the Camross attack. Zane Keenan and Dwane Palmer, and a host of Cuddys, are still going strong and all featured in the semi-final win over Rosenallis.

Verdict: Camross 

Down SHC final

Portaferry v Ballygalget, Páirc Esler Newry, 4pm. Ref: Peter Owens 

Portaferry, chasing a five-in-a-row of titles, beat Ballygalget by nine points in the 2024 decider and 11 last year. There was 15 between them in the round-robin last month as the Ardsmen won comfortably.

Verdict: Portaferry