Grown men cried this weekend (and not just losers) as once again, Gaelic sports served up heroic performances, writes Ciaran McGowan.

There were unlikely results that will live long in memories of those fortunate to witness  enthralling weekend of Football and Hurling action. The two big talking points were London’s win over Leitrim to book a place in Connaught final against Mayo and of course, Dublin’s wonderful display against All Ireland Champions Kilkenny to earn them a crack at Leinster Hurling final against Galway next weekend. This will be Dublin’s fifth consecutive outing in as many weeks and they have got stronger with each game – could this be their year for Leintser Hurling honours?

The line-ups for all of provincial deciders for both codes are now known with Monaghan, who narrowly overcame Cavan, facing Donegal in Ulster football final. Following their emphatic win over Kildare, Dublin will play Meath in Leinster equivalent and Cork will take on Kerry next weekend for Muster Football honours. Also, Cork will play Limerick in Munster Hurling final.

The qualifiers are bubbling up nicely with Kilkenny taking on Tipperary in hurling – this promises to be a classic as both teams will be desperate to remain championship. On football side, Derry and Down meet on Saturday evening in what should be a fascinating re-match with Down slight favourites following their fine performance against Donegal.

Next weekend’s action will be critical in determining key contenders for both Hurling and Football Championships. By Sunday evening, either Kilkenny or Tipperary will be out of Hurling and Leinster Hurling and Munster football champions will be crowned.  I have no doubt we will have witnessed another superb weekend of sport and I have no doubt that more tears will be shed by winners and losers alike.

GAA fixtures this weekend

Hurling:

Saturday 6th July

Clare                      v              Laois (15:00)                       Prediction – Clare

Kilkenny               v              Tipperary (19:00)              Prediction - Kilkenny

Sunday 7th July

Galway                 v              Dublin (16:00)                    Prediction – Dublin   

Football:

Saturday 6th July

Galway                 v              Waterford (14:30)            Prediction – Galway

Clare                      v              Laois (17:00)                       Prediction – Laois

Derry                     v              Down (17:00)                     Prediction – Down

Roscommon       v              Tyrone (18:00)                   Prediction - Tyrone

Sunday 7th July

Kerry                     v              Cork (14:00)                        Prediction - Kerry