THE SPOTLIGHT IS firmly on the GAA championships this week with the opening marquee games of the 2013 season taking place.
Westmeath, Antrim, Leitrim and New York got the ball rolling last week but the action really intensifies this weekend.
The glamour showdown is in Connacht next Sunday with Galway facing Mayo in Pearse Stadium.
There are also opening round football matches in Ulster and Leinster with Armagh, Cavan, Westmeath and Carlow making their bows.
While there are two games down for decision in the Leinster hurling championship on Saturday.
Saturday May 18th
Leinster SHC first round
Carlow v London, Dr Cullen Park, 3pm, (Ref: John Sexton, Cork).
Laois v Antrim, Portlaoise, 7pm, (Ref: Colm Lyons, Cork).Sunday May 19thUlster SFC preliminary round: Cavan v Armagh, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2pm, (Ref: Maurice Deegan, Laois).Leinster SFC first round: Westmeath v Carlow, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 3.30pm, (Ref: Ciaran Branagan, Down).Connacht SFC quarter-final: Galway v Mayo, Pearse Stadium, 4pm, (Ref: Martin Duffy, Sligo).
There’s also plenty action to keep an eye on in the provincial minor championships this week.
Wednesday May 15th
Munster MFC semi-finals
Kerry v Waterford, Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, 7pm.
Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 7.30pm.
Saturday May 18th
Leinster MHC quarter-finals
Kildare v Kilkenny, St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 2pm.
Laois v Offaly, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 5.15pm.
Sunday May 19th
Ulster MFC preliminary round
Cavan v Armagh, Kingspan Breffni Park, 12.15pm.
And there are games down for decision in the lower-tier hurling competitions this Saturday in the Christy Ring Cup, Nicky Rackard Cup and Lory Meagher Cup.
Saturday May 18th
Christy Ring Cup quarter-finals
Kildare v Wicklow, Venue and Time TBC.
Derry v Down,Venue and Time TBC.
Nicky Rackard Cup quarter-finals
Monaghan v Sligo, Venue and Time TBC.
Roscommon v Louth, Venue and Time TBC.
Lory Meagher Cup quarter-finals
Warwickshire v Leitrim, Páirc na hEireann, Birmingham, 3pm.
Longford v Fermanagh, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 3pm.
