Weekend hurling previews: Clare could use a psychological boost against Kilkenny

John Fogarty provides all the weekend hurling previews.

WEEKEND PREVIEWS: Clare could do with the psychological boost against Kilkenny while Limerick and Tipperary go head-to-head in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

SATURDAY

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B: Westmeath v Antrim, TEG Cusack Park 3.30pm (S. Hynes, Galway).

From beating Wexford last year to battling performances against Limerick and Tipperary, Joe Fortune’s Westmeath are undoubtedly making strides and should be Joe McDonagh Cup favourites. This is a great opportunity for them to claim their first points. Antrim are contending with losing some key personnel in the off-season and may fall short. 

Verdict: Westmeath.

Limerick v Tipperary, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 7.35pm (L. Gordon, Galway) Live RTÉ.

John Kiely has slowly but surely introduced his main men back into action. Clearly, a lot of work is being done in the background and by the end of this game all of the starting team from last year’s All-Ireland final will have seen some hurling in this league, long-term injuries Seán Finn and Declan Hannon among the few exceptions. This isn’t a shot to nothing for Tipperary but they know they’re all but into the semi-finals courtesy of their three wins. Liam Cahill too is showing his squad has depth. Limerick still have the advantage and Gearóid Hegarty looks a leaner, meaner operator this year. Verdict: Limerick.

Division 2A: Kildare v Kerry, Manguard Park, Hawkfield 2pm (S. Cleere, Kilkenny).

Two teams who haven’t been short of difficulties thus far this year but a lot of that has to do with overhauls, combinations of forced and unforced alterations, to their squad lists. The new Division 1B is beyond Kildare but Kerry still have an outside chance of making it.  Verdict: Kerry

Very National Camogie League Division 1A: Cork v Tipperary, Páirc Uí Rinn 12pm (B. Nea, Westmeath).

Cork haven’t put a foot wrong in their opening couple of games and it augurs well but they face another test in the form of Tipperary. Another battle beckons but Cork to show their steel once more.  Verdict: Cork.

Waterford v Clare, Fraher Field 2pm (C. McAllister, Cork).

Clare have been a distant second best in their matches and while Waterford lost out to Cork in Round 2 they were competitive and have points on the board. Verdict: Waterford.

Galway v Kilkenny, Loughrea 2pm (G. Donegan, Dublin).

After having it all too easy against Clare, Galway were cut down to size by Tipperary the last day out and Kilkenny will expose them if their confidence is low. Verdict: Kilkenny.

SUNDAY

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A: Offaly v Cork, O'Connor Park 1.15 (C. Cunning, Antrim). TG4 Player/App and Deferred.

If the U20 All-Ireland final last year didn’t inform Cork that Offaly are moving in the right direction then their draw with Wexford was a further indication that they are progressing. Offaly may already be consigned to the new Division 1B but they will go down fighting and Cork have to be up to the pitch of this from the outset. Mark Coleman’s fresh injury is a disappointment but Cork have enough depth to cope. Just over 40 days to the Waterford championship game, we should get more of a picture of what team is going to line out in Walsh Park on April 21.  Verdict: Cork.

Clare v Kilkenny, Cusack Park 1.30pm (J. Owens, Wexford) Live TG4.

Clare’s previous league or championship win over Kilkenny, the 2021 AHL game in Ennis, seems a long time ago given what has happened in two All-Ireland semi-finals in the meantime. Psychologically, getting one over the Cats has to be a consideration for Brian Lohan here. It’s likely both sides will qualify for the semi-finals but there may be just a little more on the line for the hosts who have been developing healthy squad options. Verdict: Clare.

Waterford v Wexford, Walsh Park 3.30pm (C. Lyons, Cork) Live TG4.

With Lee Chin expected to be unavailable and stalwarts such as Diarmuid O’Keeffe still recovering from injury, Wexford go into this game knowing their best chance is negating Waterford as opposed to trying to outshoot them. The problem for them is Waterford need points on the board too and their injury woes are clearing up at just the right time. 

Verdict: Waterford.

Division 1B: Galway v Dublin, Pearse Stadium 1.30 (J. Murphy, Limerick).

On the unforgiving plain of Croke Park in the face of a formidable Limerick outfit, the rustiness of Dublin’s returning star men and sluggishness of others was ruthlessly exposed. Galway aren’t going to take it any easier on their former manager Micheál Donoghue although the two-week break probably came at the right time for Dublin to recalibrate. Galway to set up a final day de facto quarter-final against Limerick.  Verdict: Galway.

Division 2A: Carlow v Down, Netwatch Cullen Park 2pm (S. Stack, Dublin).

One more win and Carlow’s final position and Division 1B entry for 2025 will be confirmed. They have done everything that has been asked of them so far, seeing off neighbours Laois, and while Down are useful they won’t surprise the home side. Verdict: Carlow.

Meath v Laois, Páirc Tailteann 2pm (N. Malone, Clare).

Willie Maher will want an instant response from his men after Carlow’s narrow win a couple of weeks ago. Meath won’t be dismissed too easily but Laois are a couple of rungs further up the ladder. Verdict: Laois.