GAA preview: Start of the football provincial championship

With the league coming to its conclusion, attention turns to the championship with provincial glory on the line.

In the always competitive Ulster championship, Donegal will aim to improve on their All-Ireland semi-final last year when they take on Derry.

Donegal's win in this fixture last season was a defeat Derry never recovered from, as they lost three more games in the championship.

In Connacht, All-Ireland runners-up Galway travel to New York, while there is also a trip away for Roscommon to London.

Following their disappointing defeat to Kerry in the Division One final last Sunday, Mayo must recover quickly to take on Sligo.

In Leinster, two counties with less than ideal preparation meet as Meath take on Carlow, who saw their manager resign less than two weeks ago.

In hurling, silverware is up for grabs in the league finals.

All-Ireland runners-up Cork take on Tipperary who have started the year strongly after a disappointing 2025.

In the Division 1B final, Offaly are continuing their progress as they achieved promotion alongside Waterford, who they will face in the final.

Here is all you need to know ahead of the weekend's action:

Connacht Senior Football Championship

London v Roscommon, McGovern Park, GAA+. 1 pm.

Leinster Senior Football Championship

Wexford V Laois, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 6.00 pm.

Munster Senior Football Championship quarter-finals

Tipperary v Waterford, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 6 pm.

Cork v Limerick, TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 6 pm.

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A final

Cork v Tipperary, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, TG4, 4 pm.

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B final

Offaly v Waterford, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, TG4, 1.45 pm.

Ulster Senior Football Championship preliminary round

Donegal v