Cracking games in prospect for League openers

CHAMPIONS Kilkenny will open the defence of their Allianz National Hurling League title with a home game against neighbours Waterford, while in football, Dublin will be at home to All-Ireland football champions Tyrone in the opening round on February 1.

The Kilkenny/Waterford game will form part of a number of attractive package of opening games in the competition, which starts three weeks later than the football league, on February 22.

Defeated All-Ireland finalists Cork face an away game to Limerick, which could be the first of two games between the counties at the newly revamped Gaelic Grounds. If Cork defeat Kerry in the Munster championship, they must travel to play Limerick as part of a home and away arrangement.