It’s another big weekend of action for Kilkenny and Carlow in the National Hurling League.
As well as our own counties, we’ll be keeping an eye on some former players turned coaches/managers to see how they’re getting on with their respective teams like Henry Shefflin, Michael Fennelly, and Eoin Larkin.
Tipperary v Kilkenny, Sunday 3.45pm
On Sunday, Kilkenny heads for Semple Stadium to face their biggest rivals Tipperary in their second round in division one.
Kilkenny is coming off the back of a not very convincing win over Antrim and has quite a youthful side, missing the Ballyhale players as well as lads involved in the Fitzgibbon Cup.
Tipperary v Kilkenny is a rivalry as old as hurling itself and it rarely fails to provide a fascinating contest. The pattern is likely to be maintained in Thurles on Sunday as both sides go in search of a second win.
This will be the first League clash between the counties since 2019 when Kilkenny won by a point.
Tipperary and Kilkenny were well tested by Laois and Antrim last weekend, winning by four and three points respectively.
Carlow v Westmeath, Sunday 2pm
Carlow’s hurlers will be looking for a quick recovery after last weekend’s setback against Down.
Westmeath v Carlow is always an interesting contest and the pressure will be on to kickstart their promotion bid at home to the maroon-and-white outfit.
Their last League meeting was in 2020 when Westmeath won a Division 1 relegation play-off by six points.
Limerick v Galway, Saturday 7pm – Offaly v Cork 2pm
Limerick v Galway is a major highlight as Henry Shefflin takes the Tribesmen to the Gaelic Grounds where John Kiely’s men will be intent on getting the campaign back on track after losing to Wexford last Sunday.
Galway, who overpowered Michael Fennelly’s Offaly, beat Limerick by six points in last year’s League clash in Pearse Stadium.
It was part of an uneasy opening to the season by Limerick, who took only one point from their first three games before going on to remain unbeaten for the rest of the year.
Cork and Offaly meet in the divisional games for the first time since 2014 when the Leesiders won by six points.
Offaly, who were promoted at the end of last season, are seeking their first win in Division 1 since beating Carlow in 2019
Wicklow v Derry, Sunday 1 pm
Eoin Larkin’s Wicklow is at home on Sunday with Derry travelling to Aughrim.
Wicklow drew with Mayo last weekend while Derry got a win over Sligo.
Donegal were the most impressive winners in Round 1, beating London by 17 points, giving them an impressive launch pad for a serious promotion challenge.
We have live commentary on-air and online of Carlow and Kilkenny’s games this weekend.
