5 club games to watch out for this weekend in the GAA

Dublin SHC Quarter Final - Na Fianna v Cuala

Reigning Dublin, Leinster and All-Ireland champions Na Fianna are on a remarkable run. Five wins from five in the group stage - including key victories over Ballyboden St Enda’s and Lucan Sarsfields - underlining their status as the team to beat.

Their challengers Cuala endured a shaky start, losing to Whitehall Colmcille and St Vincent’s. But the Dalkey club, with stars of their All-Ireland glory days, regrouped. Victories over St Brigid’s and St Oliver Plunketts set up a final group showdown with Kilmacud Crokes, where Con O’Callaghan, Seán Moran and Jake Malone rolled back the years to seal quarter-final qualification.

Why it matters:

This is a clash of modern Dublin hurling royalty. Na Fianna - All-Ireland champions in 2023 and 2024 - face Cuala, the dominant force of the previous decade. If Cuala pull off the upset, they announce themselves as serious contenders again and blow the All-Ireland club race wide open.

Cork SCC Semi Final - Blackrock v St. Finbarr’s

📅 Saturday 27th September, 14:00 | 📍 MTU 

Holders St Finbarr’s are chasing back-to-back Cork titles but still seek their first Munster crown. With county stars like the Cahalane sisters, Sorcha McCartan and Ella Wiggington-Barrett, their blend of experience and power makes them strong favourites.

The Cork championship has already been rocked by Sarsfields’ shock exit to St Catherine’s. 

Blackrock, inspired by Hayley Ryan, are eager to seize the moment. The previous meeting ended with victory for the champions, and the underdogs are keen to flip the script this time. 

Why it matters:

If Blackrock topple the champions just a week after Sarsfields’ exit, it would open the door for a completely fresh final and add new intrigue to the Munster race. If St. Finbarr’s make it back-to-back, then a new dynasty has begun in Cork camogie. 

Tyrone SFC Quarter Final - Errigal Ciarán v Omagh St. Enda’s

📅 Saturday 27th September, 17:00 | 📍 Páirc Colmcille, Carrickmore 

The Tyrone Football Championship is famed for its cut-throat nature. No team has retained the title since Carrickmore in 2005.

However if there is a club to break this duck, the reigning champions Errigal Ciarán could be the ones to do it. They are brimming with talent. Darragh and Ruairí Canavan, Joe Oguz and Peter Harte starred in their opening 4-21 to 1-7 demolition of Ardboe O’Donovan Rossa.

But Omagh St Enda’s are equally dangerous. They hammered Derrylaughan Kevin Barrys 1-26 to 0-2 in their opener, with Ronan O’Neill scoring 1-7 and Conor Meyler adding class around the field.

Why it matters:

If Omagh dethrone the champions, Tyrone’s 20-year streak without back-to-back winners continues. For Errigal, victory would put them just two games from retaining the title and keep alive their dream of another All-Ireland tilt to avenge last season’s heartbreaking final defeat to Cuala. 

Galway SFC Semi Final - Kilkerrin-Clonberne v Maigh Cuilinn 

📅 Sunday 28th September, 13:30 | 📍 Monivea Abbey 

This Kilkerrin-Clonberne side is already one of the greatest club sides in the history of Gaelic Games. 

The four-in-a-row All-Ireland LGFA champions have dominated the club game since 2021. With Footballer of the Year 2024 Nicola Ward, Olivia Divilly, Louise Ward and Hannah Noone, their squad is stacked with inter-county stars. 

Maigh Cuilinn, while less decorated in terms of star power, impressed by topping their group with a flawless record, with notable wins over Dunmore McHales, Annaghdown and Naomh Mhuire. This test will be the most difficult assignment possible, but the biggest scalp if they can pull it off. 

Why it matters:

Kilkerrin-Clonberne are the most dominant club side in Gaelic Games. An upset by Maigh Cuilinn would send shockwaves through ladies’ football and end one of the sport’s most dominant runs.

Kilkenny SHC Quarter Final - Thomastown v Ballyhale Shamrocks 

📅 Sunday 28th September, 14:00 | 📍 Nowlan Park 

Last season Thomastown stunned Kilkenny hurling by knocking out Ballyhale Shamrocks at this stage and then winning their first county senior title since 1946. It announced the arrival of a serious new contender, with the Donnelly brothers leading a sharp attack, while Zach Bay Hammond and Luke Connellan provided youthful drive.

Ballyhale’s pedigree is unmatched: 20 county titles and multiple All-Ireland crowns, including an incredible five-in-a-row from 2018 to 2022. They looked recharged this year as well, with Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody back to full fitness and the evergreen TJ Reid still lethal, they carry the aura of champions again.

Why it matters:

A repeat victory would cement Thomastown as Kilkenny’s new force and prove 2024 was no fluke. But if Ballyhale hit back, the message to the rest of the country will be loud and clear: the Shamrocks’ dynasty isn’t finished and another All-Ireland club run could be next.