Ratoath Sevens on Saturday

As Donegal and Mayo fans migrate east this weekend they will be very aware that All-Ireland festivities and events take take place not only on Sunday at Croke Park but all weekend in a host of locations. The Ratoath Sevens, Croke Park's official All-Ireland Intermediate seven-a-side competion, at Seán Eiffe Park will take place on Saturday. Defending their title this year will be 2010 Meath IFC winners Nobber who beat a much-fancied Tír na nÓg outfit from Antrim last year by 1-12 to 1-6 after extra-time. The north Meath club will again look for big performances from Brian O'Reilly, Gordon Weldon, Alan Farreell and Ireland's joint-top scorer Brian Farrell if they hope to win again. Of Sunday's Mayo team Lee Keegan, Kevin Keane, Keith Higgins, Chris Barrett and Alan Dillon have all previous experience of playing in the Ratoath Sevens while in 2008 James Horan was on duty as manager of Ballintubber. Up to 40 teams have registered with Buncrana and Naomh Columba hoping to get Donegal's All-Ireland title-winning ball rolling this weekend. Ballyhaunis, Achill, Bonniconlon and Moy Davitts are the confirmed Mayo teams. Events start at 10am on Saturday and admission is free. Any teams wishing to take part should contact Danny Gaughan at 087-2626727 or by downloading an application form from - www.ratoathgaa.ie