Preview: Weekend’s Allianz Hurling League action:
Allianz Hurling League Division One Group A
Sunday 10th March
Offaly v Cork in Glenisk O’Connor Park at 1.15pm, TG4 Player
Gritty displays have been summoned by Offaly in the 2024 Allianz Hurling League.
Another demanding assignment, though, awaits in Tullamore for Johnny Kelly’s developing team because Cork are eager to make an impact in the competition.
Jack O’Connor and Brian Hayes were prominent in Cork’s win over Waterford with Pat Ryan intent on increasing his options for the Munster SHC round robin.
Eoghan Cahill and Charlie Mitchell have enjoyed productive moments for Offaly, who are showing real signs of progress.
Clare v Kilkenny in Cusack Par at 1.30pm, TG4
Adrian Mullen’s splendid, six points from play, performance was key as Kilkenny edged out Offaly at UPMC Nowlan Park a fortnight ago.
Suddenly, Derek Lyng’s panel is nicely sticked with options as the striped team return to near full strength following club and college commitments.
Brian Lohan will be satisfied with how Clare have fared in the early weeks of the year so this promises to be an interesting affair.
David Fitzgerald mined five points when Clare drew with Wexford, while Mark Rodgers and Shane Meehan, both effective in Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup fare, made scoring contributions too as substitutes.
Billy Drennan was prominent for Kilkenny in the triumph over Offaly and has the potential to contribute handsomely in 2024 for the Cats.
Waterford v Wexford in Walsh Park at 3.30pm TG4
Remarkably, Wexford have been involved in three draws so far, and another tight tussle with Waterford beckons at Walsh Park.
Waterford demonstrated battling qualities against Cork, but still suffered a loss at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Calum Lyons and Paddy Leavey drilled excellent scores in that game for Davy Fitzgerald’s outfit, who will want to impress on home turf.
A top three finish is attainable for Wexford, who will be looking to Séamus Casey for inspiration once more.
Casey clipped 1-4 in the hard earned draw against Clare, and Keith Rossiter will be heartened by Wexford’s enthusiasm.
Allianz Hurling League Division One Group B
Saturday 9th March
Westmeath v Antrim in TEG Cusack Park at 3.30pm
Both counties have endured three losses each in the competition ensuring the upcoming encounter in Mullingar matters.
David Williams has been one of the scoring stars of the Allianz Hurling League, making a valuable contribution for Joe Fortune’s team.
Despite being defeated in Thurles by Tipperary, Williams struck 2-12 for the midlanders.
Antrim were soundly beaten by Galway at Corrigan Park last time out and Darren Gleeson will be hoping for a much improved display.
Eoghan Campbell and Rian McMullan did nail sweet long range points, but the Saffrons will need to be much more solid defensively.
Limerick v Tipperary in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 7.35pm, RTE2
Limerick and Tipperary bring flawless 2024 Allianz Hurling League records Leeside on Saturday evening.
Some feisty battles last year between the counties ensure the latest instalment will be worth monitoring.
Adam English, Donnacha Ó Dalaigh, and Tom Morrissey were in impressive scoring form as Limerick cruised to a convincing victory over Dublin at Croke Park.
There is significant depth to John Kiely’s panel which has been perfectly illustrated in the first three rounds of the competition.
That is something Liam Cahill wants to enhance with Tipperary, who have shown nice glimpses in the triumphs over Dublin, Galway, and Westmeath.
Gearóid O’Connor has been sharp for both UL and Tipperary, while Willie Connors’ industry continues to be an important factor for the blue and gold outfit.
Sunday 10th March
Galway v Dublin in Pearse Stadium at 1.30pm
Plenty of sub plots exist when Galway face Dublin in hurling.
There has been a keen rivalry between the counties throughout the past decade. Then, add in Micheál Donoghue and his backroom teams involvement with Dublin for another layer.
Galway proved far too strong for Antrim at Corrigan Park with Evan Niland, Jason Flynn, Tom Monaghan, and Conor Cooney accumulating healthy scoring hauls.
Dublin endured a tough evening at GAA headquarters against All-Ireland champions Limerick.
Cian O’Sullivan and Danny Sutcliffe were still sufficiently skilled to make an impact for Dublin, who want to make a statement in Salthill.
Allianz Hurling League Division 2A
Saturday 9th March
Kildare v Kerry in Hawkfield at 2pm
Sunday 10th March
Meath v Laois in Páirc Tailteann at 2pm
Carlow v Down in Netwatch Cullen Park at 2pm
The fact that all six teams have registered at least a point illustrates that this is a competitive environment.
Kildare, who have lost twice and drawn once, host Kerry in Hawkfield on Saturday in what is a vital match for both counties.
Meath, making strides under Seoirse Bulfin’s guidance, face a tough task in Navan against Laois, who want to secure a top two finish.
Carlow have set the standard early on, chalking up three wins on the spin, but Down have enjoyed some encouraging moments.
Three points have been accumulated by Down, who will relish the challenge of facing an in form Carlow at Netwatch Cullen Park.
Allianz Hurling League Division 2B
Sunday 10th March
London v Tyrone in McGovern Park at 1pm
Wicklow v Derry in Aughrim at 1pm
Roscommon v Donegal in Dr Hyde Park at 2pm
Derry bring a 100 per cent record to Aughrim on Sunday afternoon.
Three victories in a row offers significant hope for Derry, who have generated momentum.
Donegal, Tyrone, and Roscommon have gleaned three points so far.
Roscommon, though, will be eager to test Donegal at Dr Hyde Park.
Neil Rogers’ London outfit meet Tyrone in Ruislip which will be a good challenge for the home team.
Allianz Hurling League Division 3A
Saturday 9th March
Cavan v Armagh in Kingspan Breffni at 1.45pm
Sunday 10th March
Mayo v Louth in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park at 2pm
Sligo v Monaghan in Markievicz Park at 2pm
This is proving to be an interesting Division with Mayo enjoying a blistering start to 2024.
Ray Larkin’s improving team have collected maximum points, but Louth will be anxious to impress in Castlebar.
Cavan’s clash with Armagh should be revealing too as Ollie Bellew’s charges continue to perform admirably.
Sligo, powered by the O’Kelly-Lynch brothers, are another county progressing, but they will treat the Monaghan challenge with the utmost respect.
Allianz Hurling League Division 3B
Saturday 9th March
Fermanagh v Lancashire in Brewster Park at 2pm
Longford v Leitrim in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park at 2pm
Fermanagh have made an efficient start to 2024 and will be intent on claiming a third straight win against Lancashire at Brewster Park.
Longford have claimed a win and a draw from their opening two fixtures and host neighbours Leitrim at Glennon Brothers Pearse Spark.