It is coming to the business end of the county championships in both football and hurling across the country, with clubs in touching distance of glory.
Many counties who are still in the championship are currently preparing for a semi-final or final, with the patch to Croke Park in January becoming clearer.
As we head into action this weekend, here is how things stand across the country.
Football
All-Ireland champions Glen are in the semi-finals of the Derry football championship after they survived a scare by Lavey in a 1-11 to 0-13 win at the weekend.
They will face Slaughtneil on Sunday, while in the other semi-final, O’Donovan Rossa will play Sean O’Leary GAC Newbridge.
Glen manager Malachy O’Rourke and Conor Glass celebrate with the trophy after the game. Photo: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
In Down, 2022 All-Ireland champions Kilcoo face Burren, while in Donegal, St Eunan’s take on An Clochán Liath.
It is semi-final action in Monagahan this weekend, as Ballybay take on Clontibret, while Inniskeen face Scotstown on Sunday.
In Armagh, the final on October 20th will see Clann Éireann face Clan na Gael, with Crosserlough taking on Ramor United in the Cavan final.
That day will also see the Tyrone final contested by Errigal Ciaran and Trillick St Macartan’s.
The Fermanagh senior final will be contested by Enniskillen Gaels and Erne Gaes Belleek.
Leinster
Cuala reached their first Dublin final since 1988 last weekend after they defeated Ballymun 0-16 to 1-08, with Con O’Callaghan scoring eight points.
They will face Kilmacud Crokes on October 20th after they defeated Na Fianna 1-12 to 0-12 on Sunday.
Kilmacud Crokes’ Paul Mannion. Photo: INPHO/Tom Maher
In Kildare, there is semi-final action this weekend, as Celbridge take on Sarsfields on Saturday, followed by Athy and Naas on Sunday.
Semi-finals will also be decided in Wexford over the weekend, with Crossabeg-Ballymurn taking on Gusserane, while Castletown Liam Mellows take on Glynn-Barntown on Sunday.
In Carlow, Saturday will see the final reply between Palatine and Rathvilly, in one of a number of finals in Leinster this weekend.
Portlaoise and Portarlington will battle for the Laois county title, with Abbeylara and Colmcille in the longford final.
In Offaly, Ferbane take on Tullamore in the final on Sunday.
On October 20th, Ardee St Mary’s face Naomh Mairtin, while in Meath, Dunshauglin face Wolfe Tones.
The Wicklow final completes the action in Leinster, with Baltinglass facing Tinahely in the final on Sunday week.
Connacht
In Mayo, Ballina Stephenites will be aiming for their second title in a crown when they face Knockmore, who were county champions in 2020 and 2021.
The final will take place in McHale Park on October 20th.
In Galway, it is semi-final action this weekend, as former All-Ireland champions Corofin take on Salthill Knocknacarra, while last years champions Moycullen take on Tuam Stars.
In Leitrim, Seán Ó Heslin’s face Mohill in the final replay on Saturday, while in Roscommon, Pádraig Pearses take on Roscommon Gaels in the final on Sunday week.
In Sligo, the semi-finals take place this weekend, with St Mary’s facing Coolera Strandhill at two, before Shamrock Gaels and St. Molaise Gaels at 4.
Munster
David Clifford will hope to add another Kerry senior football championship title with East Kerry when they take on Dingle in the semi-finals on Sunday.
East Kerry’s Paudie Clifford and David Clifford celebrate with the cup after the game. Photo: INPHO/Ben Brady
The other semi-final will see Dr Crokes take on St Brendan’s Board on Saturday.
In Cork, there is semi-final action this weekend as Mallow take on Nemo Rangers, while Castlehaven face St Finbarrs in the other semi-final.
There is also semi-finals in Clare this weekend, with Cratloe facing Kilmurry-Ibrickane on Saturday, before Ennistymon take on Éire Óg Inis on Sunday.
In Waterford, there is a double header of semi-finals on Sunday, as Rathgormack face The Nire, and Ballinacourty take on Gaultier.
On Saturday week, Adare take on Newcastle West in the Limerick semi-final, and Fr Casey’s face Mungret St Pauls on Sunday October 20th.
The Tipperary final also takes place on that Sunday, with Clonmel Commericals facing Loughmore-Castleiney.
Hurling
2024 All-Ireland hurling champions St Thomas of Galway are still in contention to retain their title, as they prepare for their semi-final against Cappataggle on October 20th.
The winner will face either Loughrea or Clarinbridge, who also meet that day.
Elsewhere in Connacht, Easkey face Naomh Eoin that day, while Saturday week will see Carrick take on Cluainín Iomaint in the Leitrim hurling final.
This Saturday will see Ballyhaunis face Tooreen in the Mayo final.
Leinster
With Ballyhale gone in the quarter-final stage, the Kilkenny semi-finals will see Bennettsbridge take on O’Loughlin Gaels, while Mullinavat will face All-Ireland intermiediate champions Thomastown.
Thomastown players celebrate at the end of the game. Photo: INPHO/Ken Sutton
In Dublin, Kilmacud Crokes will aim to take another step towards the final when they face Lucan Sarsfields in the semi-finals, while St Vincents face Na Fianna.
The champions of Meath will be decided on Sunday when Ratoath take on Trim, while the Offaly final will take place on Sunday week between Ballinamere and Kilcormac-Kiloughey.
Munster
There is semi-final action this Sunday in Limerick, as Doon take on Patrickswell at 1:00pm, followed by Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock at 4:00pm.
On Sunday, Loughmore-Castleiney face Toomevara at 3:45 in the Tipperary final.
On Sunday week, the Cork final takes place between Imokilly and Sarsfields at 4:00pm. Before that at three, Sixmilebridge face Feakle in the Clare final.
Ulster
In Antrim, All-Ireland semi-finalists Dunloy take on Ruairí Óg Cushendal in the senior hurling final on Sunday week.
The Derry and Down county finals will also be decided on that day.
In Derry, Slaughtneil and Banagher will compete in the final, while in Down, Balyygalget take on St Patrick’s Portaferry.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
