GAA Club Championships: Where the provincial championship stands

It is the business end of the club championship in football and hurling, as the celebrations of county final wins end and focus turns to the provincial championship.

A club championship full of shocks, there will likely be some unfamiliar faces in Croke Park in January.

With some big names unexpectedly gone, teams across the country will be quietly confident of a run to the All-Ireland.

Here is how things stand ahead of the provincial quarter-finals

Leinster

After the conclusion of the county finals and Leinster first round last weekend, the quarter-final spots are now confirmed.

Athy, who were surprise winners in Kildare, will take on Meath's Summerhill.

Naomh Mairtin will take on Portlaoise, while Westmeath champions the Downs will face Offaly's Tullamore.

In the other quarter-final, Castletown Liam Mellows will face Dublin champions Ballyboden St Enda's.

Ulster

Arguably, the most competitive championship, with former All-Ireland champions and finalists exiting, had added to the excitement.

After their win over Dunloy in the preliminary round, Derry champions Newbridge face Cullyhanna/Madden from Armagh.

Cavan side Kingscourt face Derrygonnelly/Erne Gaels, while Scottown's dominance of Monaghan continued, as they take on Donegal champions Naomh Conaill.

Arguably the biggest quarter-final in the country, 2022 All-Ireland champions Kilcoo face Tyrone's Trillick/Loughmacrory.

Connacht 

Following their dramatic comeback victory over Westport in the Mayo final, Ballina won its third straight county title.

In the Connacht quarter-finals, they will take on the London side, North London Shamrocks. Roscommon's St Brigid's await in the semi-finals for the winner.

Sligo Champions Shamrock Gaels, who won their first senior