Hurling league: Cork looking for workout against depleted Wexford, Galway can edge it against Tipp

There is enough depth in the Clare squad to believe they will give their fans something to shout about as they start the first of two title defences.

Fri, 24 Jan, 2025 - 20:02

John Fogarty

SATURDAY

Allianz Hurling League, Round 1.

Division 1A.

Wexford v Cork, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5pm (M. Kennedy, Tipperary).

Wexford have signalled they are seriously depleted going into this clash whereas Pat Ryan doesn’t appear to have a huge amount of injury concerns. Alan Connolly struck The Model County for a hat-trick of goals in last year’s final round game when Wexford were content to have already secured survival. Cork will want a good work-out before Limerick next weekend.

Verdict: Cork.

Division 1B.

Offaly v Carlow, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 2pm (C. McDonald, Antrim).

No Adam Screeney for most of this league campaign but there is enough depth in the Offaly side to ensure they stay in Division 1B and possibly make a stab at a final place.

Verdict: Offaly.

Westmeath v Laois, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm (C. Cunning, Antrim).

Laois gave a poor account of themselves going down to Tipperary in a recent challenge. Tommy Fitzgerald is playing catch-up and will need time but for now Westmeath can take advantage.

Verdict: Westmeath.

Dublin v Antrim, Croke Park, 5.15pm (J. Owens, Wexford).

It’s a quick return to GAA HQ for Na Fianna’s All-Ireland winning manager Niall Ó Ceallacháin as he now focuses on the second half of his double job. Dublin have impressed in challenge games and Antrim will probably put more focus on their home games for the time being.

Verdict: Dublin.

Division 2.

Down v Kildare, McKenna Park, Ballycran, 2pm (T. Gleeson, Dublin).

The Ards Peninsula can put manners on visiting teams and Down held Kildare here last year but the Lilywhites shouldn’t be inhibited now.

Verdict: Kildare.

Meath v Donegal, Trim, 2pm (C. O’Regan, Cork).

A difficult 2024 for Meath but they can start as they mean to go on.

Verdict: Meath.

Tyrone v Derry, O’Neills Healy Park, 4pm (C. McCloskey, Antrim).

Derry were sharp last season and they will be keen to build on that progression.

Verdict: Derry.

Division 3.

Mayo v Cavan, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, 1pm (M. Connolly, Sligo).

Mayo should have too much for the visitors as they did 11 months ago.

Verdict: Mayo.

Division 4.

Louth v Fermanagh, Páirc Naomh Bríd, Dowdallshill, 2pm (M. Redmond, Kildare).

Verdict: Fermanagh.

Longford v Warwickshire, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm (A. Kinahan, Offaly).

Verdict: Warwickshire.

Lancashire v Leitrim, Abbottsown GAA CoE, 2pm (N. Barry, Waterford).

Verdict: Lancashire.

SUNDAY

Allianz Hurling League, Round 1.

Division 1A.

Clare v Kilkenny, Cusack Park, 2pm (S. Hynes, Galway) Deferred TG4.

No Conor Cleary or Diarmuid Ryan for Clare and Shane O’Donnell will make his return in his own sweet time. Still, there is enough depth in the Banner squad to believe they will give their fans something to shout about as they start the first of two title defences. At the same time, Kilkenny have plenty to be proving not least the importance of landing a psychological blow after last year’s All-Ireland semi-final.

Verdict: Kilkenny.

Galway v Tipperary, Pearse Stadium, 3.45pm (C. Lyons, Cork) Live TG4.

While Tipperary have been happy to show their pre-season games on Clubber, Galway’s preparations for the upcoming season have been deadly quiet. Galway coach Eamon O’Shea comes up against his own county for the second year running but he should have more of an influence working alongside his good friend Micheál Donoghue. A clash of teams in transition and Galway to squeak it.

Verdict: Galway.

Division 3.

London v Roscommon, McGovern Park, Ruislip, 1pm (P. Dunne, Laois).

London fell just short of a Christy Ring Cup final last year.

Verdict: London.

Sligo v Wicklow, ATU Sligo Knocknarea Arena, 1pm (J. Clarke, Cavan).

Wicklow struggled in last year’s league but Sligo need to improve too.

Verdict: Sligo.