A number of teams getting into championship gear this weekend...

Westmeath and Carlow, the only two Liam McCarthy Cup counties operating outside the top flight of the Allianz hurling league, will contest the Division 2A final next weekend after Carlow’s two point victory over the Lake County at Netwatch Cullen Park yesterday.

The Allianz League Division 2A final will almost certainly be contested by Westmeath and Carlow next month. The the two Liam McCarthy Cup sides in the section recorded further wins, over Kildare and Antrim, at the weekend, setting up a dead-rubber clash between them at Netwatch Cullen Park, on Sunday.

Kildare found themselves away from home and eight points down for the second Saturday in a row at Trim two days ago, but yet again the Christy Ring Cup champions dug themselves out of a hole to record a 3-23 to 2-18 win over Meath and set up a semi-final meeting with Kerry at Newbridge on Saturday.

Allianz HL Div 2B, 3A and 3B

Down remain the team to beat in Allianz Hurling League Division 2B after defeating Wicklow at Ballycran yesterday.

Meath senior hurling manager Cillian Farrell has left his position following the Royals' Christy Ring Cup semi-final replay defeat by Down at Ballycran yesterday.

Down 0-23 Meath 1-10

FORMER Laois hurler Tommy Fitzgerald has slammed manager Brendan Fennelly in the wake of Saturday’s 34-point qualifier defeat to Cork.

Kildare and Down booked their places in the Christy Ring Cup semi-finals following wins in today's quarter-final encounters.

The hurlers of Kerry, Wicklow, Kildare and Down advanced in the Christy Ring Cup following victories this afternoon.

Kerry, Derry, Wicklow and Meath all registered away victories in the opening round of Christy Ring Cup matches this afternoon.

Down 1-14 Antrim 5-08

Down 3-15 Laois 3-11

Dunloy (Antrim) 2-16 Ballycran (Down) 2-11

DOWN 1-23 KERRY 4-5

GAA NHL Results

Down 0-14 Offaly 2-21

The GAA have announced that Bord Gais will be the new sponsors of the GAA Under-21 hurling championship for 2008 and 2009, taking over from Erin Foods.

Despite missing both Billy and Shane Brick, Kerry's hurlers still have enough quality to see off the challenge of Wicklow by 4-07 to 1-11 in NHL Division 2A this afternoon.

Down 1-11 Carlow 0-14, Ballycran

Down gained revenge for their Ulster SHC semi-final defeat at the hands of Antrim last month by beating the Saffrons in their Christy Ring Cup opener this afternoon.

THE GPA's hopes of building a more permanent relationship with Croke Park received a boost yesterday.

Down 1-11 Wexford 0-18

ALLIANZ NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE:

A MISSED opportunity. That is how Cork’s All-Star full-back Diarmuid O’Sullivan sees this weekend’s NHL game against Down. Not just this game either, all League games where the Mournemen have to travel.

Down 1-14 Offaly 1-18

WESTMEATH are still coming to terms with the news that star forward Dessie Dolan will miss the rest of the season.

Down 4-15 Dublin 4-09

ALLIANZ NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE

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

Down 0-11 Cork 1-19

UNDER 21 ace, Fintan Gould has been handed the full forward slot on the Cork team for Sunday’s crucial National Football League tie with Offaly in Tullamore.

Down 1-14 Galway 5-19

Down 1-14 Galway 5-19

Galway boss Conor Hayes has named a strong side for their championship opener against Down on Saturday.

LIMERICK goalkeeper Albert Shanahan has paid a costly price for an unforced error which led to a crucial Cork goal in the recent Guinness Munster SHC semi final between the counties.

EVEN the travel arrangements of the most powerful man in the world will not infringe on the timing of the Guinness All-Ireland SHC qualifiers.

The GAA has confirmed the times, dates and venues for the Guinness Hurling championship first round qualifier games.

There have been four changes to this weekend's Allianz National Hurling League fixtures.