Colm O'Rourke's provincial finals and Tailteann Cup predictions

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