Hurling League Previews: Cork hoping to relaunch bid to reach final

Elsewhere Wexford have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the drop but another win against Galway on Saturday sure would help.

PREVIEW: Cork will want to relaunch their bid to reach a final after three dropped points against Limerick and Tipperary. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

SATURDAY

Allianz Hurling League, Round 5.

Division 1A

Cork v Kilkenny, SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh, 5pm (J. Murphy, Limerick) Live TG4.

Coming a day after Ray Ryan’s funeral, his brother and Cork manager Pat will be very much in the minds of supporters in the stadium.

On the field, Cork will want to relaunch their bid to reach a final after three dropped points against Limerick and Tipperary.

Just because Kilkenny have been inconsistent themselves doesn’t mean they won’t show up here.

This weekend marks 50 days to the Munster SHC opener against Clare. A reminder that they are going in the right direction is required.

Verdict: Cork.

Wexford v Galway, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5pm (S. Stack, Dublin).

For Wexford to be able to raise themselves for the second week in a row is a major ask but not beyond Lee Chin and Co.

They have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the drop but another win here sure would help. The problem is Galway have had a break and will be revitalised for the trip to the south-east.

Verdict: Galway.

Division 2

Kerry v Meath, Austin Stack Park, 3.30pm (P. Dunne, Laois).

Kerry have been disappointing on the road and a return to Tralee will be most welcome. It’s a transitional period for the new management team and they might suffer again here.

Verdict: Meath.

Division 4

Lancashire v Louth, Abbottstown, 2pm (C. Doyle, Tipperary).

These two teams’ campaigns tell different stories and Louth’s is likelier to finish with a happy ending.

Verdict: Louth.

Leitrim v Monaghan, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm (A. Kinahan, Offaly).

Leitrim can give themselves a real promotion opportunity by picking up a third win.

Verdict: Leitrim.

Very National Camogie League, Round 2

Division 1A

Waterford v Galway, SETU Arena, Carriganore, 2pm (G. Donegan, Dublin).

A good away win for Galway in Kilkenny last weekend can be backed up with another outside Waterford city. League honours are a real prospect for Cathal Murray’s side. Verdict: Galway.

Dublin v Cork, St Peregrine’s, 2pm (J. Mullins, Clare).

Dublin gave a good account of themselves in coming away from Tipperary with a point. At the very least they will expect to be competitive against the All-Ireland champions but a win may be beyond them. 

Verdict: Cork.

Tipperary v Kilkenny, The Ragg, 2pm (J. Heffernan, Wexford).

Both teams will feel they are already playing catch-up after dropped points in the opening round. Not that either team let themselves down but there is room for improvement and perhaps more in the home team.

Verdict: Tipperary.

SUNDAY

Allianz Hurling League, Round 5

Division 1A

Limerick v Clare, TUS Gaelic Grounds 3.45pm (T. Walsh, Waterford) Live TG4.

Clare already had enough difficulties without the confirmation Shane O’Donnell is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Some of the cavalry has been called into action but they weren’t enough to deny a Wexford side desperate for points.

Clare have shown before that they can bounce back from home disappointments the following week in Limerick but John Kiely’s side are well rested and are populated by several first-teamers who won’t have much sympathy for their neighbours’ current woes.

Verdict: Limerick.

Division 1B.

Offaly v Westmeath, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 2pm (M. Kennedy, Tipperary).

Offaly’s development is bounding and they will surely follow on from a heartening win over Dublin in Croke Park with another against struggling Westmeath. The game against Waterford on March 22 is shaping up to be a massive encounter.

Verdict: Offaly.

Waterford v Dublin, Walsh Park, 2pm (S. Hynes, Galway) Deferred TG4.

Dublin know they were mitigating factors for going down to Offaly as they did but there can be no excuses here in a game that could go a long way to deciding who, if not both, of these teams are promoted. 

Waterford showed what they’re capable of in Belfast and have responded well to the Carlow defeat but Dublin can pack a punch.

Verdict: Draw.

Carlow v Antrim, Netwatch Cullen Park 2.30pm (C. Mooney, Dublin).

Davy Fitzgerald cut an exasperated figure speaking about his Antrim charges last weekend. He will expect at least a response on this trip south and there is no question they have the potential to cause a surprise but Carlow are ahead of them right now.

Verdict: Carlow.

Division 2

Kildare v Donegal, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 1pm (N. O’Toole, Waterford).

Fresh from their excellent win over Kerry, Donegal will travel with more than hope but Kildare should be able to maintain their promotion prospects.

Verdict: Kildare.

Down v Tyrone, McKenna Park, Ballycran, 2pm (C. O’Regan, Cork).

Down have tended to wilt a little towards in latter rounds although there has been no indication yet that they will be found wanting.

Verdict: Down.

Division 3.

Cavan v Wicklow, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm (A. Tierney, Tipperary).

A fourth win in five games would give Wicklow a healthy chance of going up before meeting Mayo in their last round game.

Verdict: Wicklow.

Mayo v Roscommon, Adrian Freeman Park, Tooreen, 2pm (N. Malone, Clare).

A win for the home side and they will be challenging London and Wicklow for a place in Division 3 in 2025. The Rossies will battle but Mayo should pull through.

Verdict: Mayo.

Sligo v Armagh, Markievicz Park, 2.30pm (M. Farrell, Roscommon).

Both counties could yet find themselves in Division 4 next season but Sligo can keep their heads above water for a bit longer.

Verdict: Sligo.

Division 4.

Warwickshire v Fermanagh, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, 12pm (M. Redmond, Kildare).

Fermanagh to inflict another defeat on Warwickshire and stay in the hunt for Division 3 hurling.

Verdict: Fermanagh.