Predicting the 12 blockbuster provincial championship games this weekend

There are 12 big senior provincial games across the country this weekend.

The Leinster hurling and Ulster football quarter finals take centre stage with some heavyweight clashes across both provinces.

The Leinster hurling championship was blown wide open a fortnight ago when the five-in-a-row-seeking Ballyhale Shamrocks were beaten in the Kilkenny county final.

O’Loughlin Gaels will be hoping to keep the bragging rights in Kilkenny and their bid to do so begins this Sunday against Mount Leinster Rangers in Netwatch Cullen Park.

Meanwhile, Naomh Éanna v Kilcormac-Killoughey could also produce fireworks while despite shading favouritism, Naas will also face a tough test in Laois champions Camross.

Kilcoo’s clash with Scotstown is arguably the tie of the round in Ulster although Crossmaglen Rangers’ meeting with Trillick is also one to look forward to, live on RTÉ Two under the Saturday night lights.

In Connacht, Fulham Irish are flying over to Castlebar to take on Ballina Stephenites, while St Brigid’s face Sligo champs Coolera-Strandhill.

Fixtures and predictions:

Saturday

Ulster Club SFC quarter-final

• Trillick (Tyrone) v Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh), Healy Park, 7.15 – RTE2

Verdict: Trillick

Connacht Club SFC quarter-final

• Ballina Stephenites (Mayo) v Fulham Irish (London), MacHale Park, 6.00

Verdict: Ballina Stephenites

Sunday

• Kilcoo (Down v Scotstown (Monaghan), Pairc Esler, 3.15 – TG4

Verdict: Kilcoo

• Glen (Derry) v Cargin (Antrim), Celtic Park, 3.00

Verdict: Glen

• Gowna (Cavan) v Naomh Conaill (Donegal), Kingspan Breffni, 4.30

Verdict: Naomh Conaill

Leinster Club SHC quarter-finals

• Naomh Éanna (Wexford) v Kilcormac-Killoughey (Offaly, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 1.30 – TG4

Verdict: Kilcormac-Killoughey

• Raharney (Westmeath) v Na Fianna (Dublin), TEG Cusack Park, 2.00

Verdict: Na Fianna

• Camross (Laois) v Naas (Kildare), Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 3.00

Verdict: Naas

• Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow) v O`Loughlin Gaels (Kilkenny), Netwatch Cullen Park, 3.30

Verdict: Mount Leinster Rangers

Connacht Club SFC quarter-final

• St Brigid’s (Roscommon) v Coolera Strandhill (Sligo), Dr Hyde Park, 2.00

Verdict: St Brigid’s

Munster Club SFC quarter-finals

• Clonmel Commercials (Tipperary) v Newcastle West (Limerick), FBD Semple Stadium, 1.30

Verdict: Clonmel Commericals

• Castlehaven (Cork) v Cratloe (Clare), Castlehaven, 1.30

Verdict: Cratloe

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