Preview: Weekend’s Allianz Hurling League action:
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Saturday 8th March
Limerick v Galway in TUS Gaelic Grounds at 7.30pm, TG4
Despite an other weekend disaster, it has been a hugely encouraging league campaign for Galway since losing to Tipperary.
Wins over Kilkenny, Clare, and Wexford have been achieved with the minimum of fuss, while an extensive list of players have been afforded opportunities by Micheál Donoghue.
Still, it will be extremely interesting to see how they fare against Limerick, who will be primed following the Clare defeat.
Similar to Galway, Limerick have been experimenting this spring with emerging players being afforded chances.
There is significant depth to the Limerick panel with Aaron Gillane continuing to impress, but John Kiely will be hoping to pocket two points before a trip to UPMC Nowlan Park.
Sunday 9th March
Kilkenny v Tipperary in UPMC Nowlan Park at 1.15pm, TG4
There is usually a bit of drama when these two neighbours collide.
With several newcomers in both panels, Derek Lyng and Liam Cahill wouldn’t mind exposing them to an Alllianz League Final.
Whoever prevails in this game will be nicely placed to finish the spring strongly.
There has been plenty to admire about Tipperary with Darragh McCarthy proving to be a very capable free-taker.
Martin Keoghan has enjoyed encouraging moments in the league for Kilkenny, who will want to respond following a defeat against Cork at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Clare v Cork in Cusack Park at 3.15pm, TG4
A significant crowd is expected to flock to the Ennis venue for the latest Clare versus Cork instalment.
Gutsy victories over Limerick and Kilkenny respectively, illustrated Clare and Cork’s potential.
Aidan McCarthy was sharp for Clare, who edged out neighbours Limerick at TUS Gaelic Grounds, a victory that ensures the Banner have a chance to avoid the drop.
Diarmuid Healy’s splendid 1-5 contribution aided Cork against Kilkenny, while Tim O’Mahony and Shane Barrett also delivered when it counted.
With five points accumulated from four matches, Cork know that two more wins would leave them in a healthy position ahead of the Munster SHC.
That this is a dress rehearsal for the April 20 assignment with Clare simply adds another layer of intrigue.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Saturday 8th March
Dublin v Carlow in Parnell Park at 6pm
Defeats to Offaly and Waterford disturbed Dublin, who will want to respond on home turf against Carlow.
Waterford finished strongly at Walsh Park in a hard fought encounter, but Niall Ó Ceallacháin will have learned valuable lessons during the past fortnight.
Carlow have been involved in a couple of draws against Offaly and Antrim, while also defeating Waterford, confirming their durability at this level.
Chris Nolan and Marty Kavanagh remain able performers for Carlow, who will be anxious to impress in the capital.
Sunday 9th March
Antrim v Laois in Ballycastle at 1pm, TG4 App
Several Antrim players have been suffering with illness in recent days which will impact their plans for Sunday’s clash in Ballycastle.
Antrim displayed real fighting spirit at Netwatch Cullen Park when Gerard Walsh’s late goal ensured the spoils were divided with Carlow.
That was a gritty performance from the Saffrons, who know that Laois will be pumped up for this tussle.
Aaron Dunphy and Jer Quinlan are accurate finishers for Laois, who need to register a positive result up north.
Westmeath v Waterford in TEG Cusack Park at 2pm
Westmeath have produced some gutsy performances, but remain pointless after four games.
Waterford, with key players becoming available again, eked out a crucial win over Dublin at Walsh Park.
Jamie Barron, Stephen Bennett, and Patrick Curran clipped important scores in the closing stages for Waterford, who are gunning for a top two finish.
The midlanders’ will be looking to David Williams and Niall O’Brien for scores and inspiration.
Allianz Hurling League Division Two
Saturday 8th March
Derry v Meath in Celtic Park at 4pm
A hugely important game looms for Derry and Meath at Celtic Park.
Derry know that a home victory would provide two points and a real opportunity to avoid relegation.
The Royals’ will be hoping to secure a victory to preserve their status at this level, while also remaining in the promotion race.
Kildare v Tyrone in Cedral St Conleth’s Park at 2pm
It has been a tough start to the year at this level for Tyrone, who have suffered four defeats in a row.
Kildare, though, have enjoyed some good moments collecting six points from a possible eight.
Brian Dowling’s charges would relish a top two finish to maintain the upward trajectory.
Sunday 9th March
Kerry v Down in Austin Stack Park at 1pm
Ronan Sheehan’s impressive work with Down is reflected with four victories in 2025 so far.
Down, though, with Pearse Óg McCrickard in excellent scoring form, will know that this test in Tralee could be very awkward.
It has been a mixed campaign for Kerry, who have won two and lost two, but they will be primed for a battle on home turf.
Allianz Hurling League Division Three
Saturday 8th March
Roscommon v Cavan in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 2pm
This a critical encounter for two teams, who want to remain at this level.
Roscommon have lost three of their four games and will treat Cavan’s challenge with the utmost respect.
Cavan have made good strides in recent years, earning two victories in this company already in 2025. Retaining Division Three status is the considerable prize if they can prevail at the Hyde.
London v Sligo in McGovern Park at 1pm
Momentum has been generated by London, who have embarked on a four match winning run.
Neil Rogers deserves immense credit for instilling belief and confidence into London, who are moving in the right direction.
The Sligo hurling story in the past decade has featured plenty of nice days, but they need to record a couple of victories in their remaining fixtures to have any chance of staying in Division Three.
Sunday 9th March
Armagh v Mayo in BOX-IT Athletic Grounds at 1pm
Another game with implications at both ends of the Division Three table.
Armagh have won one of their three fixtures so far, while Mayo sit in second place with six points accumulated.
There is talent in the Armagh panel, though, and they will be especially eager to make a statement against a lively Mayo outfit.
Allianz Hurling League Division Four
Saturday 8th March
Monaghan v Lancashire in Inniskeen at 2pm
Championship preparations continue for Monaghan and Lancashire on Saturday.
Monaghan will be eager to conclude the league by acquiring form and registering a string of victories.
Lancashire drew with Warwickshire, but have lost their other three matches.
Fermanagh v Leitrim in Brewster Park at 2pm
A vital match between two counties chasing promotion.
Leitrim have seven points from four matches, but Fermanagh are only one behind so a victory would nudge them ahead of the Connacht team in the standings.
Louth v Longford in Dowdallshill at 2pm
Louth have impressed in 2025, claiming four wins and draw from five matches.
Longford’s form is mixed with two wins and two draws, but the midlanders’ are capable when in the groove.