Preview: Weekend’s Allianz Hurling League action:
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Saturday 1st February
Cork v Limerick in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 7.30pm, TG4 Player
This should be a lively and interesting encounter by the banks of the Lee.
The epic All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final illustrated the class, pace, and ability of these two counties, who will want to secure points in their 2025 Allianz League account.
Cork impressed against a youthful Wexford outfit with Padraig Power and Declan Dalton scoring handsomely.
Brian Hayes and Darragh Fitzgibbon were others to make valuable contributions for Pat Ryan’s charges, who will relish the Limerick test.
John Kiely’s team had a bye last week so a busy schedule awaits, but Limerick have enjoyed some great days at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh during the past decade.
Cian Lynch takes over the captaincy from Declan Hannon, while Limerick must also deal without influential goalkeeper Nickie Quaid for a spell.
Some emerging players will be given opportunities to shine and this is precisely the environment in which they must flourish.
Sunday 2nd February
Kilkenny v Galway in UPMC Nowlan Park at 1.45pm, TG4 Player
Late Eoin Cody and Luke Hogan scores ensured Kilkenny earned an important opening weekend win over Clare at Cusack Park.
It was a satisfactory result and performance for Derek Lyng’s new look team with Billy Drennan sharp from frees.
Mikey Carey and Martin Keoghan were other key performers for Kilkenny, who will want to generate momentum early in the campaign.
Galway were soundly beaten by Tipperary in Salthill so the returning Micheál Donoghue will be demanding an instant response.
Several established players were unavailable for that fixture, but Galway will be looking to Fintan Burke, Cianan Fahy, and Conor Whelan to supply leadership and inspiration.
Tipperary v Wexford in FBD Semple Stadium at 3.45pm
There was plenty to admire about the manner in which Tipperary performed against Galway at Pearse
Stadium.
Ably led by Ronan Maher, Tipperary, with Willie Connors, Jake Morris, and Dylan Walsh prominent collected a valuable victory.
Now, the blue and gold team will be hoping to deliver a similarly effective display when Wexford visit Thurles.
Wexford endured a disappointing loss to Cork on home turf, but Keith Rossiter’s options are restricted by the unavailability of players.
Cian Byrne nailed seven frees in the Cork game, while Charlie McGuckin and Cathal Dunbar are other capable hurlers.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Sunday 2nd February
Antrim v Westmeath in Corrigan Park at 2pm, BBC iPlayer
Following a heavy defeat to Dublin at Croke Park, Antrim will be primed for this clash against Westmeath.
Davy Fitzgerald will be fully aware of the importance of this tussle so the Saffrons will be hoping that James McNaughton and Niall McKenna can continue to impress.
Westmeath’s game against Laois was postponed, but Seoirse Bulfin’s panel features plenty of talented players including Tommy Doyle, Aaron Craig, Robbie Greville, and Darragh Clinton.
Carlow v Waterford in Netwatch Cullen Park at 2pm
Martin Kavanagh’s impressive 0-12 haul helped Carlow to earn a draw away to Offaly last Saturday.
James Doyle was another to impact the game for Carlow, who know a tough test awaits against Waterford.
Waterford had a bye last week, but Peter Queally’s charges will be striving to make a serious bid for promotion.
Despite losing 1-21 to 0-18, Patrick Fitzgerald and Patrick Curran impressed in a challenge match against Limerick.
Laois v Offaly in Laois Hire O’Moore Park at 2pm
A Laois versus Offaly double header in Portlaoise should be full blooded.
Offaly divided the spoils with Carlow at Tullamore with Charlie Mitchell and Dan Bourke once again demonstrating their considerable class.
Laois’ match with Westmeath was postponed, but Tommy Fitzgerald, who has proven to be a shrewd coaching figure in club hurling, will be eager for his panel, featuring Fiachra C Fennell, Tomas Keyes, and Jer Quinlan, to compete strongly at this level.
Allianz Hurling League Division 2
Saturday 1st February
Kildare v Kerry in Cedral St Conleth’s Park at 1pm
Even though this is only the second round of the league, a crucial match beckons in Newbridge.
Having lost to Down, Kildare will need to reply instantly against Kerry, who had a bye last week.
Derry v Down in Owenbeg at 2pm
Buoyed up following first round wins, Derry host Down in an important encounter.
Down’s win over Kildare was noteworthy, while Derry edged out Tyrone.
Sunday 2nd February
Donegal v Tyrone in O’Donnell Park at 2pm
Both counties suffered opening weekend losses so this is a vital game.
Donegal were narrowly defeated by Meath, while Derry defeated Tyrone.
Allianz Hurling League Division 3
Saturday 1st February
Wicklow v London in Echelon Park at 1pm
These two teams won last week ensuring this Aughrim clash is significant.
Anthony Nash’s involvement in the London backroom set-up is a good development.
Cavan v Sligo in Kingspan Breffni at 3pm
Sligo suffered an opening weekend loss and will be aware of the threat a pumped up Cavan carry at Kingspan Breffni.
Sunday 2nd February
Roscommon v Armagh in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 1pm
Roscommon lost last week and will want to respond in a positive fashion against Armagh.
The visitors’, though, know that an away victory would be an ideal league start.
Allianz Hurling League Division 4
Saturday 1st February
Monaghan v Louth in Truagh at 2pm
Louth cruised to a convincing win over Fermanagh, but Monaghan, who didn’t play last week, will be determined to gather momentum themselves.
Sunday 2nd February
Fermanagh v Longford in Brewster Park at 1pm
Longford were too strong for Warwickshire, and will be eager to stitch a winning run together.
Warwickshire v Lancashire in Páirc na hÉireann at 2pm
These two teams lost last week so this game is crucial if a promotion bid is to be launched by either outfit.