Allianz Hurling League quarter finals
Saturday March 28
Dublin v Limerick
Sunday March 29
Offaly v Tipperary
Cork v Wexford
Waterford v Galway
Dublin’s Division 1A started with wins over the bluebloods of Tipperary and Kilkenny, but they still needed a victory over Galway in round five to avoid a relegation play/off. That feat has been achieved and they get another spin out on the hallowed Croke Park turf under the Saturday night lights.
Limerick are distressed by the fact that another year in Division 1B awaits in 2016. A collapse against their bogey team, Offaly, proved costly. Still a trip to GAA headquarters for a clash with Dublin isn’t the worst place to be.
There has been flickers of Tipperary’s ability especially in the recent triumphs over Kilkenny and Cork. Offaly will relish the opportunity to examine their own ability against a crafty Tipp team in Tullamore.
Patrick Horgan and Paudie O’Sullivan have posted significant hauls for Cork in the past couple of weeks. Wexford will head for the banks, though, slightly disappointed by the loss to Waterford, who have been promoted as Division 1B winners.
Derek McGrath is an innovative manager and is constructing a promising, young outfit. McGrath and his selectors are giving youth a chance. The vast number of players in the Waterford panel, who hurled in the Fitzgibbon Cup didn’t even disturb their promotion push.
Galway did just about enough to reach this stage – the losses to Cork and Dublin didn’t prove too costly. Anthony Cunningham will want Galway to claim a semi-final berth so this is arguably the most attractive and open looking contest of the four fixtures scheduled.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A relegation play/off
Sunday March 29
Kilkenny v Clare
Having met last week Kilkenny and Clare return to Nowlan Park once more. The loser will be forced to hurl in Division 1B next year-something neither county will be too excited about.
Kilkenny quietly hoped to unearth a few players of consequence in the league, Clare could do without a relegation. While a defeat will bring a little ripple in Clare or Kilkenny it shouldn’t impact too severely on their respective summers.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B relegation play/off
Saturday March 28
Laois v Antrim
Over the past few years Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett has proven to be a shrewd enough tactician extracting improved displays from Laois. Reaching the next stage in their development is key, though, so remaining in Division 1B is critical to them.
