All-Ireland finalists renew rivalry in League opener

The Allianz GAA National Hurling League will feature a much-anticipated curtain raiser as Tipperary and Kilkenny renew acquaintances under the floodlights of Semple Stadium on Saturday, February 20.

Thurles provided the venue for last year’s epic final which Kilkenny edged in extra time.

On Sunday, February 21 Limerick open their campaign against Galway with Cork hosting Offaly and Waterford meet an ever improving Dublin side.

GAA President Christy Cooney said: “The Allianz GAA Leagues get our inter-county season rolling and offer our counties the perfect platform to return to top level competitive action as another season dawns on us.

“It’s no co-incidence that the teams who do well in the leagues quite often end up in the mix for championship silverware later in the season and we are looking forward to campaigns that will no doubt see both Kerry and Kilkenny make strong defences of the respective 2009 titles they won in style.”