Draw sets up potential clash between Kilkenny and Dubs

Reigning All-Ireland champions Kilkenny could face Dublin in their first match of the 2012 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, while beaten All-Ireland finalists Tipperary will play Limerick in the Munster SHC opener.

Tonight's draws for the provincial Championship have thrown up some fascinating ties. In the east, Kilkenny, as Leinster title holders, received a bye to the semi-finals where they will meet either Dublin, Laois or Carlow.

Teddy McCarthy's first Championship assignment as Laois manager will see the O'Moore men face neighbours Carlow in a preliminary round tie.

Fellow Midlanders Westmeath will clash with Ulster kingpins Antrim in the other Leinster SHC preliminary round clash.

The winner of the Laois v Carlow tie will take on reigning Allianz League Division 1 champions Dublin in the quarter-finals, while Galway have been paired with the winners of Westmeath against Antrim.

Meanwhile, two counties currently without managers will meet in the third quarter-final. Offaly will play Wexford for the right to meet Galway, Westmeath or Antrim at the semi-final stage.

Meanwhile, Tipperary's Munster title defence will begin against Limerick next summer. The winners will face Cork in the semi-finals, with the other last-four clash in Munster pitting Clare against Waterford.

2012 LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW:

Preliminary Round - Westmeath v Antrim, Laois v Carlow

Quarter-Finals - Laois/Carlow v Dublin, Offaly v Wexford, Galway v Westmeath/Antrim

Semi-Finals - Galway/Westmeath/Antrim v Offaly/Wexford, Laois/Carlow/Dublin v Kilkenny

2012 MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW:

Quarter-Final - Limerick v Tipperary

Semi-Finals - Clare v Waterford, Cork v Limerick/Tipperary