Weekend Hurling previews: Ballyhale have the knowhow in throwback final

Elsewhere in Limerick Kilmallock retain their 100% record for the championship but Na Piarsaigh appear to be the more balanced outfit

TJ Reid of Shamrocks Ballyhale celebrates scoring a late free. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile.

SATURDAY 

Dublin SHC final: Cuala v Kilmacud Crokes, Parnell Park, 7.15pm.

No Con O’Callaghan has been no problem for Cuala as the hurlers look to complete the double, the first since their neighbours Crokes in 2022.

They are the outsiders here. Kilmacud saw off a good Lucan Sarsfields team and their forward line is packed with talent. Cuala still have All-Ireland winners in their pack but Crokes can deny them some history. 

Verdict: Crokes.

SUNDAY

Kildare SHC final: Maynooth v Naas, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 3pm.

An eight consecutive county title is the prize on offer for Naas, who will want to hit back at Maynooth for what happened in the football semi-final. Maynooth are progressing rapidly but Darragh Kirwan is making a difference having joined the Naas hurlers this season. Verdict: Naas.

Kilkenny SHC final: Ballyhale Shamrocks v Tullaroan, UPMC Nowlan Park, 1.45pm.

An emotional day for the likes of the Walsh brothers, who are playing in their first final. Tullaroan were only knocked off the top perch of the roll of honour by Shamrocks last year, but this is their first final in 32 years. They have enough experience not to be fazed by the occasion but they are coming up against a Ballyhale side who so often know what to do when it boils down to this moment. 

Verdict: Ballyhale Shamrocks.

Limerick SHC final: Kilmallock v Na Piarsaigh, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3.45pm.

In last year’s semi-final in Bruff, Na Piarsaigh weren’t too troubled by Kilmallock as much as Shane O’Brien was leading the line. Since then, The Balbec have beaten the Caherdavin men while reshuffling their back line and building more of a team around O’Brien. They retain their 100% record for the championship but Na Piarsaigh, with William O’Donoghue in midfield and Peter Casey at centre-forward, appear to be the more balanced outfit. 

Verdict: Na Piarsaigh.

Wexford SHC final: Rathnure St Anne’s v Shelmaliers, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 3.30pm.

Declan Ruth’s Rathnure can’t lead themselves into believing the hard part is done having vanquished 2025 winners St Martin’s at the semi-final stage. Shelmaliers were champions only six years ago but Rathnure learned a lot from last year’s final defeat and can bridge the 20-year gap to their last success.

Verdict: Rathnure St Anne’s.