Division 1A
Sunday March 22
Kilkenny v Clare
Dublin v Galway
Cork v Tipperary
IT certainly has been an eventful week in Clare.
Between the white chalk lines they made a significant statement when digging out a victory over Dublin on Saturday. Another success in Nowlan Park might steer them to safety depending on how matters go at Parnell Park.
Being ready for the Munster Championship in May is the aim, but avoiding the drop or a relegation decider with Kilkenny would be beneficial. While this match doesn’t carry too much weight for Kilkenny the willing youngsters know their opportunities to impress are dwindling before the Ballyhale boys return.
Galway’s mixed spring continued at Pearse Stadium last Sunday. Wins over Clare and Kilkenny were decent results, familiar failings evident in the losses to Tipperary and Cork. Galway’s quarter final passage is already secured, but a fixture with a pumped up Dublin should provide a worthwhile physical examination.
Paudie O’Sullivan’s opportunism was decisive as Cork escaped from Salthill with the spoils and a place in the knockout stages. Seamus Callanan continues to register healthy hauls for Tipp, who are motoring along fairly smoothly. Still this Pairc Ui Rinn clash won’t reveal too much.
Division 1B
Sunday March 22
Wexford v Waterford
Limerick v Laois
Antrim v Offaly
During the past couple of campaigns drama has occurred in this Division - 2015 hasn’t disappointed. There has been comebacks and meltdowns and shocks and surprises. A south east battle between Wexford and Waterford will decide who tops the pile.
Since the opening night draw with Limerick Derek McGrath’s youthful Waterford outfit have won three matches in convincing fashion. Wexford’s loss to Limerick didn’t cut as deep as expected because TJ Ryan’s side were reeled in by Offaly, who remain capable of summoning an upset especially against the Treatymen.
Due to Offaly’s early success over Laois in O’Moore Park the relegation play/off will involve Antrim and Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett’s charges.
Division 2A
Sunday March 22
Kerry v London
Westmeath v Carlow
Derry v Wicklow
Reaching the Division 2A decider is exactly what Westmeath and Carlow intend to do. The problem is that they meet in Mullingar, while Derry and Kerry will both fancy their own chances elsewhere.
Carlow’s setback against Kerry has put them under serious bother, but the manner in which Westmeath have responded to their blip against Derry bodes well. Michael Ryan’s young panel, featuring the promising Niall O’Brien, have potential. Carlow are a rugged team, though, and a lively afternoon beckons with all three matches carrying promotion importance.
Division 2B
Sunday March 22
Meath v Down
Mayo v Armagh
Donegal v Kildare
Division 3A
Sunday March 22
Fermanagh v Monaghan
Tyrone v Roscommon
Fingal v Louth
Division 3B
Sunday March 22
Warwickshire v Leitrim
See More: Allianz Hurling League, Clare, Cork, Kilkenny, Tipperary
