A sporting weekend of travel to test your mettle ...

 

With most of the region's flagship teams facing long trips for fixtures this weekend, supporters across different codes could take on a gruelling journey.

First up is Athlone Town who face Wexford Youths in Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford tonight (Friday, kick-off 8pm). This is Roddy Collins' first Airtricity League away game as Athlone manager.

Then local sports fans have a choice on Saturday. They can make the trip to Belfield in Dublin to watch Buccaneers take on UCD (kick-off: 2.30pm) as the Athlone side continue their quest for promotion from Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League. Or if you wish to venture further, you could head to Casement Park in Belfast to watch Roscommon take on Antrim in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League (throw-in: 2.30pm).

On Sunday, all eyes will be on St Brigid's as they face Ballymun Kickhams of Dublin in the All-Ireland club SFC final at Croke Park (3.45pm). It will be preceded by the All-Ireland club SHC final between Offaly's Kilcormac/Killoughey and St Thomas' of Galway (2pm).

The following day - provided one doesn't overdo the celebrations following what will hopefully be a Brigid's victory - one could complete the trip by returning to Wexford, where Westmeath face the Slaneysiders in Division 2 of the Allianz FL at Wexford Park (2pm) Interestingly, Wexford's current manager is Westmeath native Aidan O'Brien.

While it’s not possible to attend both the Roscommon and Buccaneers games - unless one is blessed with the gift of bi-location - we’d be interested in hearing from anyone who manages to attend four, or even three, of the aforementioned games. It's certainly a weekend of travelling to test even the most diehard of sporting fans! A case of clocking up the miles for the love of sport.