Ahead of a remarkably packed weekend schedule - the word 'busy' doesn't quite do it justice - Colm O'Rourke offers his verdicts on all four provincial finals, as well as the seven Tailteann Cup games fixed for Saturday and Sunday.
SATURDAY
Munster final
Kerry v Limerick, Fitzgerald Stadium, 3pm
They seem to have a highly ruthless streak about them this year. They struggled against Cork for about 50 minutes but then scored about 12 points in the last 20 minutes.
Limerick face a big test. They've had great wins over Clare and Tipperary and they've been promoted as well. So, it's a good year for Limerick, who can always look forward to a qualifier match.
They were brilliant in the penalties against Clare, maybe a few of them could head for Paris tomorrow evening. They might be needed.
But it looks like an easy win for Kerry.
Leinster final
Dublin v Kildare, Croke Park, 5pm
Kildare put up a big score, 1-21, against Westmeath in the semi-final but they conceded 2-15.
Dublin were beaten by Kildare in the league but they really sliced Meath asunder in about 15 minutes in the semi-final. They look back to nearly their best.
Kildare would need big performances from the likes of Kevin Feely and a couple of goals from Daniel Flynn and Jimmy Hyland.
But Con O'Callaghan is back and Brian Fenton, Ciaran Kilkenny, James McCarthy all seem to be at their best again. So I think it's a Dublin win.
SUNDAY
Connacht final
Galway v Roscommon, Pearse Stadium, 1.45pm
This could be the game of the weekend. Roscommon beat Galway in the league final back in April by 1-20 to 0-22, a free-scoring game. It's unlikely to be like that again.
Galway have put a new defensive structure in place. It worked well enough against Mayo. And then, of course, they demolished Leitrim in the Connacht semi-final.
But Roscommon have a very, very good forward line. They're outsiders in this game, it's in Pearse Stadium, yet I'm going for Roscommon.
Ulster final
Donegal v Derry, Clones, 4pm
Should be another close match, last year when they met in the championship, a late point from Patrick McBrearty decided it.
Derry were coming in under the radar that time. That could hardly be said now after great wins over Tyrone, and Monaghan the last day. Donegal had a very comprehensive win over Armagh but struggled against Cavan the last time out.
This could be a dour sort of game in the first half. But when it opens up, I think Donegal have the better players and I'm going for a Donegal win.
TAILTEANN CUP
Saturday
Cavan v Down, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2pm
Leitrim v Antrim, Avantcard Páirc Sean MacDiarmada, 2pm
Longford v Fermanagh, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 5.30pm
Sligo v London, Markievicz Park, 6pm
Sunday
Carlow v Tipperary, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm
Laois v Westmeath, MW Hire O'Moore Park, 2pm
Offaly v Wicklow, Bord na Mona O'Connor Park, 2pm
It is the most interesting competition of all because we all know Dublin or Kerry will win Sam. Starting off with Leitrim and Antrim in Carrick, the home side are coming off the back of a heavy defeat by Galway, Antrim suffered likewise against Cavan. I think Leitrim could win this one.
Cavan gave a very good performance against Donegal, were slightly unfortunate. Down are very much in trouble and in a low at the moment, they were relegated from Division 2. Cavan are one of the favourites for the competition and should win this one.
Longford and Fermanagh, in the corresponding league match, Fermanagh won 3-11 to 1-10. Both ended up staying in Division 3 with five and six points respectively. I think the result will be the same as the league match, with Fermanagh winning.
Sligo had an easy win over London back in March, 3-19 to 0-10 was the score at the end. It may not be as big a win this time but I think it'll be a home win for Sligo.
Carlow and Tipp to start off on Sunday. Tipperary were promoted from Division 4, Carlow only won one game in the league. It looks like an easy win for Tipperary.
Westmeath won the league match against Laois by 2-11 to 0-11. Laois not going well. It should be an away win for Westmeath, who should be one of the favourites to win this competition out.
Wicklow had a good win over Waterford last week, Offaly got over Wexford. If there's going to be an upset in any of these games, I think Wicklow will be in with a chance of getting an away win in Tullamore.
Colm O'Rourke was speaking on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1.
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