Hurling/Camogie preview: Limerick to keep Galway in their place

Aidan O'Connor of Limerick points from a free. Pic: James Lawlor/Inpho

SATURDAY

National Hurling League, Round 7.

Division 1A.

Cork v Offaly, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7pm (J. Murphy, Limerick) Spórt TG4 YouTube.

The time for tinkering is almost at an end for Ben O’Connor but this encounter, competitive in the sense that Cork have to get something from it to make the final, should be one more chance for some trial and error. Offaly will want to glean something from a tough and short return to the top-flight before the Leinster championship. It might not be forthcoming as Cork look to take care of business and possibly set up another date in Limerick with Limerick. Verdict: Cork.

Limerick v Galway, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 7pm (C. Mooney, Dublin) Live TG4.

It hasn’t always been the case in more recent times you will know John Kiely’s intent by the strength of the team he has named. Bar one or two names, you could argue it is the team he will send out to start against Cork in their first Munster game on April 26. A final sure would break up the five weeks between now and then. Galway’s progress through this league has been evident for everyone to see but the home team will want to keep them in their place. Verdict: Limerick.

Tipperary v Kilkenny, FBD Semple Stadium, 7pm (J. Owens, Wexford) Spórt TG4 YouTube.

At half-time in Waterford last Sunday, this game was shaping up to be a relegation play-off but Tipperary then harnessed the wind and did themselves and The Cats a huge favour. It means the two teams can express themselves here with likely no game for another four weeks. Liam Cahill is giving starts to players like Brian McGrath and Alan Tynan who desperately need action. Likewise, TJ Reid should make his seasonal bow for Kilkenny. After what happened in Galway, Derek Lyng will want to see a major improvement. Tipperary may just have enough to subdue them. Verdict: Tipperary.

Division 1B.

Carlow v Dublin, Netwatch Cullen Park, 5pm (S. Hynes, Galway).

Dublin should be grateful to Clare for treating the competition with integrity and beating Wexford two weeks ago despite having already confirmed their promotion. Were it not for that, this game would not carry as much significance. Carlow are slowly getting players back to fitness as they try to avoid relegation but the result is only going one way. Verdict: Dublin.

Down v Antrim, Páirc Esler, 5pm (M. Kennedy, Tipperary).

The Ulster Council seem averse to the idea of renewing their provincial senior hurling championship but this could well double up as the final. If Down are going to go down, they will do so swinging against their neighbours, who should avoid the drop. Verdict: Draw.

Wexford v Kildare, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5pm (C. McDonald, Antrim).

Wexford can only look after their own patch and hope Carlow pull a surprise. The 50-point score difference is not something they are going to make up especially against a Kildare side who will feel Wexford are one of the teams they could scalp in the Leinster SHC. Wexford will at least want to land an early psychological blow against them. Verdict: Wexford.

Division 2.

London v Laois, McGovern Park, Ruislip, 1pm (J. Clarke, Cavan).

A trip that may serve as a mini training camp for Laois who have already sealed their place in the final. London at a minimum will want to keep things respectable so they aren’t dragged in the remaining relegation position. Verdict: Laois.

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

Mayo need to conjure up something special to avoid demotion. Westmeath will want to land a large victory to give themselves the best chance of joining Laois in Division 1B next year. Verdict: Westmeath.

Meath v Kerry, St. Loman's Park, Trim, 1pm (P. Owens, Down).

Kerry have done a lot right in this group and have made progress on last year so to finish third as they did in 2025 would be a blow. Only three points split the sides in Tralee last year but Kerry can keep their graph escalating. Verdict: Kerry.

Division 3.

Armagh v Fermanagh, Box-It Athletic Grounds, 2pm (B. Winters, Tyrone).

A dead rubber in every sense of the expression as both teams have been relegated. All about looking forward to championship now. Verdict: Armagh.

Roscommon v Donegal, King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, 2pm (A. Kinahan, Offaly).

Roscommon may be sitting at the top of the table but there have been indications of late that they are slipping a little. Donegal might take advantage and thus pip them for promotion. Verdict: Donegal.

Wicklow v Louth, Echelon Park, 2pm (C. O’Donovan, Tipperary).

On a winning run since Round 2, Wicklow can earn their final berth with a fifth consecutive victory. Verdict: Wicklow.

Division 4.

Cavan v Monaghan, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm (C. Daly, Kildare).

Cavan to win this derby and consolidate fourth spot. Verdict: Cavan.

Lancashire v Warwickshire, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, 2pm (A. McAleer, Donegal).

Warwickshire should be able to seal a second win to round off their league. Verdict: Warwickshire.

Longford v Sligo, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm (D. Argue, Cavan).

A dress rehearsal for the final. Some shadow boxing will be at play. Verdict: Longford.

Centra National Camogie League, Round 5.

Division 1A.

Galway v Cork, Kenny Park, Athenry, 2pm.

Ashling Thompson’s elbow injury is a major setback for Cork who were starting to look more like themselves of late. Galway are under-strength too but can take the spoils. Verdict: Galway.

Kilkenny v Antrim, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm.

Antrim’s win over Cork will be quickly forgotten about if they are relegated. Kilkenny aren’t firing on all cylinders themselves but they should win to make the final. Verdict: Kilkenny.

Tipperary v Waterford, The Ragg, 2pm.

Tipperary are teetering on the brink, but Waterford’s focus may be already on the final. Verdict: Tipperary.

Division 1B.

Clare v Offaly, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm.

Clare are through to the final but will want to keep their unbeaten run intact. Verdict: Clare.

Down v Wexford, Liatroim, 2pm.

A game that could decide who goes down. Wexford have been scoring more and conceding less. Verdict: Wexford.

Dublin v Limerick, Abbottstown, 2pm.

A semi-final in all but name. A spring of real development for Limerick but Dublin to squeeze out the win. Verdict: Dublin.