It may be just a curtain raiser to the headline act of the Ulster football final replay later today, but there is just as much riding on the Offaly hurlers' relegation semi-final showdown with Antrim at Croke Park (throw-in 2.15pm).

Leinster champions Kilkenny will have to soldier through the rest of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship without full-back Noel Hickey.

Antrim hurling manager Dinny Cahill walked out on his squad's training session last night after only fifteen players turned up.

PAUL CARLEY is recalled to the Wexford team for Sunday’s Guinness Leinster SHC final against Kilkenny at Croke Park.

Laois and Limerick have named their sides for tomorrow night's All-Ireland SHC qualifier second round clash at Portlaoise (throw-in 7.45pm).

MORE than a decade after watching twin brother Michael establish himself on the Galway hurling team, Liam Donoghue is all the more conscious of making the most of his time at the top level.

Leinster champions Wexford begin the defence of their title as they take on Laois in the provincial semi-final at Croke Park today.

Laois hurling boss Paudie Butler has made two changes from the side that defeated Dublin in the last round for Sunday's Leinster SHC semi-final against Wexford at Croke Park.

Laois 4-14 Dublin 0-14

Laois manager Paudie Butler has named four debutants in his side for Sunday's Leinster SHC quarter-final against Dublin at Nowlan Park.

There are three clashes down for decision in today's final round of the National Hurling League relegation section.

JOE DEANE, Niall McCarthy and Neil Ronan, all missing for Cork’s defeat by Clare last weekend because of hamstring problems, return to the side for Sunday’s Allianz National Hurling League clash with Galway at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Limerick host Waterford in the tie of the round in the Division 1 National Hurling League relegation section today.

All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny had a wake-up call following their defeat to Clare last weekend and will be keen to make amends in their National Hurling League Division 1A clash against Dublin at Parnell Park today.

Laois boss Paudie Butler has kept faith with the side that defeated Dublin last time out for Sunday's National Hurling League clash against champions Galway in Portlaoise.

Laois 0-14 Waterford 1-19

Laois manager Paudie Butler has had the luxury of being able to pick a fully fit team for today's visit to Ennis for the National Hurling League Division 1A opener against Clare.

Laois manager Paudie Butler has had the luxury of being able to pick a fully fit team for Saturday's visit to Ennis for the National Hurling League opener against Clare.

Laois 3-13 Westmeath 4-5

Laois 3-13 Westmeath 4-5

Offaly 2-23 Laois 1-15

Laois hurling skipper Dave Cuddy has been returned to the first team after suspension for Saturday's Leinster SHC clash with Offaly.

Laois hurling manager Paidi Butler has made four changes to his side for Sunday's Leinster Championship opener against Carlow.

Laois 2-13 Offaly 2-12

Wexford hurling boss John Conran has opted to start David 'Doc' O'Connor in attack for Sunday's NFL tie with Laois at O'Moore Park.

LAOIS’ rejuvenation under Paudie Butler continued apace at O’Moore Park yesterday as the midland county put Dublin to the sword with a ruthlessly impressive display.

Dublin 0-16 Wexford 0-10

Dublin 3-11 Laois 0-15

Laois hurling talisman David Cuddy has not been named to start against Dublin in Saturday's preliminary final.

Laois 2-22, Wicklow 0-10

Laois 2 - 22 Wicklow 0 - 10

Laois boss Paudie Butler has taken a chance on the injured Paul Cuddy and named the centre-back to face Wicklow in Monday's championship opener against Wicklow.

Laois have changed four of their six forwards for Monday's hurling league clash with Limerick at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Offaly1-14

Laois hurling boss Paudie Butler has allowed dual player Darren Rooney to play with the county footballers this weekend.

Laois dual player Darren Rooney is back in the Laois hurling line-up to face All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in Div 1A of the NHL at O'Moore Park.

Clare boss Cyril Lyons has named an experimental side to face Laois in the NHL on Cusack Park on Saturday afternoon.

Laois hurling boss Paudi Butler has given youth its chance by naming an unfamiliar side to face Wexford in the Walsh Cup this weekend.

IT may only be the opening round of the National League, but the appeal of Cork and Kerry continues to attract above average interest for football followers.

FORMER Clare and Galway hurler Fergus Flynn is set to transfer to Waterford club, Ballygunner.