Previews: Nothing to separate Galway and Kilkenny

Kilkenny can claw something from this excursion to Salthill.

Tom Monaghan of Galway in action against Mikey Carey, left, and Tommy Walsh of Kilkenny. Pic:Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

SATURDAY

National Hurling League, Round 6.

Division 1A.

Galway v Kilkenny, Pearse Stadium, 5.15pm (C. Lyons, Cork) Live RTÉ.

In a sense, this is a relegation semi-final and yet if Galway come out on top they could be effectively a league semi-final against Limerick in two weeks. 

Such a thought is a testament to the quiet, diligent work Micheál Donoghue has done with his panel. He has overseen an overhaul and while they mightn’t win the All-Ireland this year they look like they will far more competitive than 2025. 

Kilkenny won’t want their Division 1A fate to be decided either in Walsh Park or in Thurles later in the month. An away win would set them up well but concede as many goal chances as last week and they will be punished. They can claw something from this excursion to Salthill. Verdict: Draw.

Limerick v Cork, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 7pm (S. Stack, Dublin) Live TG4.

Is this going to be a phony war? The thousands who will descend on the Ennis Road sure hope not and Ben O’Connor’s approach in these early days of his management is an honest one. 

However, the fact is if both teams win their final round games, which are at home, they will progress to the final. Cork will never be tired of getting one over Limerick and vice-versa but the more they face off in genuine competition, the more the opposition will know them. 

Psychologically, Limerick already put down a marker in serving a trimming to Tipperary last month and they mightn’t be able to help themselves wanting to try and do the same here. Has John Kiely ever had as many players available to him at this time of year? 

Limerick know from experience that on their own patch beating Cork the first time isn’t enough, but victory will go some way to move on from last June. Verdict: Limerick.

Limerick players Seán Finn, right, and Kyle Hayes celebrate winning a free against Shane Barrett of Cork last season. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Division 1B.

Dublin v Down, Parnell Park, 5pm (C. McDonald, Antrim).

Dublin really have to hope Clare don’t press the brakes having already confirmed their promotion to Division 1A when they face Wexford in Ennis on Sunday. 

They have to hope it comes down to score difference and they will want to rack up the points here even if Down are bound to show some fight as they attempt to avoid relegation/ Verdict: Dublin.

Division 3.

Tyrone v Armagh, Tyrone CoE, Garvaghey, 2pm (K. Parke, Antrim).

Unless Armagh win, they are going to be cut off from the five counties above them. Tyrone can round out their campaign with a third win. Verdict: Tyrone.

Division 4.

Leitrim v Lancashire, Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán MacDiarmada, 1pm (M. Connolly, Sligo).

Leitrim can climb to eight points even if it probably won’t be enough to go up. Verdict: Leitrim.

Warwickshire v Longford, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, 1pm (P. Owens, Down).

Longford can seal promotion with this trip across the Irish Sea. Verdict: Longford.

Sligo v Cavan, Enniscrone, 1pm (A. McAleer, Donegal).

Like Longford, Sligo have been flawless and the counties’s meeting next week will be a dress rehearsal for the final. Verdict: Sligo.

Centra National Camogie League, Round 3.

Division 1A.

Antrim v Waterford, All Saints, Ballymena, 1pm, Live CA YouTube channel.

After beating an admittedly weakened Cork side, it’s only right that Antrim get some attention here. Waterford are forewarned and will be forearmed. Verdict: Waterford.

Kilkenny v Cork, St Lachtain’s, Freshford, 2pm.

Cork should be strengthened but they are really having to play catch-up and Kilkenny have momentum behind them. Verdict: Kilkenny.

Tipperary v Galway, The Ragg, 3pm.

Like Cork, Galway should come good as the league progresses but they may have to settle for a share of the points. Verdict: Draw.

SUNDAY

National Hurling League, Round 6.

Division 1A.

Waterford v Tipperary, Azzurri Walsh Park, 3.15pm (T. Gleeson, Dublin) Live TG4.

Tipperary have to go back to 2017 for their last victory in Walsh Park. It’s a place they have found pretty awkward to visit and with relegation looming large Waterford are bound to give the best account of themselves. 

Limerick have already come up short on Waterford’s home patch and Tipperary will be smarting after they trouncing Limerick gave them in Thurles. Liam Cahill will demand a response but then so will Peter Queally after a pretty dismal display by his charges in Salthill last weekend. 

If they were feeling sorry for themselves after Kilkenny just ousted them the week before, they have to get those thoughts out of their heads quickly. With little conviction, we say Tipperary will shave it. Verdict: Tipperary.

Players from both sides tussle for possession during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 4 match between Tipperary and Waterford. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Division 1B.

Clare v Wexford, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 1.15pm (L. Gordon, Galway) Live TG4.

Clare might have their choice of Division 1B final opponents if they play their cards right here and treat this game like they need to win it. 

Wexford have undoubtedly improved from that first day fright against Antrim and there will be no question about their intent. Brian Lohan will want to keep competition high for places ahead of a four-week break to the final. Verdict: Clare.

Kildare v Carlow, Cedral St Conleth's Park, 2pm (N. Malone, Clare) Live TG4 Player/App, Deferred TG4.

Another game with a relegation semi-final feel about it. Carlow’s morale won’t be great after recent setbacks while Kildare have held their ground since being promoted last year. 

Beat their neighbours to secure their status and Brian Dowling can point to a satisfying run. Verdict: Kildare.

Division 2.

Kerry v Mayo, Austin Stack Park, 1pm (N. O’Toole, Waterford).

A simple must-win game for Kerry as they look to keep their promotion chances alive going into the final round later this month. Winless Mayo shouldn’t stand in their way. Verdict: Kerry.

Laois v Meath, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 2pm (C. O’Regan, Cork).

Laois have been averaging over 28 points a game but second-placed Meath should give them a contest in Portlaoise. All the same, The O’Moore County should be celebrating promotion at the final whistle. Verdict: Laois.

Westmeath v Derry, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm (M. Farrell, Offaly).

Westmeath will be fancied to go up seeing as their final two games come against the teams in the relegation positions. Verdict: Westmeath.

Division 3.

Donegal v Wicklow, O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, 1pm (J. Judge, Mayo).

Win here and Donegal will be looking forward to Division 2 hurling in 2027. Wicklow are no slouches but a home result beckons. Verdict: Donegal.

Fermanagh v Roscommon, Brewster Park, 2pm (J. Clarke, Cavan).

Fermanagh are all but doomed and Roscommon will put them out of their misery. Verdict: Roscommon.