League weekend: All the hurling action previewed

By James McMahon

You have to go back to 30 March 2014 for Clare's last competitive win in senior hurling. That was against Laois in the Division 1 quarter-final. The Banner have played seven matches since and have yet to emerge victorious. They will hope to end that sequence this Saturday afternoon against Dublin.

The Dubs' brilliant start to the Division 1A campaign came to a shuddering halt when Cork fired over points for fun at Croke Park last weekend.

Next up for the Rebels is a trip to Salthill to take on a Galway side who held their nerve to defeat Kilkenny in round three.

The Cats are under a bit of pressure and that could be compounded even more if they lose to arch-rivals Tipperary at Semple Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

In Division 1B, the promotion picture now look as it's a battle between Limerick and Waterford.

The Shannonsiders had a vital win over Wexford the last day and play host to Offaly on Saturday evening. Waterford welcome Antrim to Walsh Park in their quest to remain on top of the division.

DIVISION 1A

SATURDAY 14 MARCH
1700 Clare v Dublin, Cusack Park

SUNDAY 15 MARCH
1400 Tipperary v Kilkenny, Semple Stadium
1430 Galway v Cork, Pearse Stadium

Banner recovery?

Distress signals may be emanating from the Banner but Eoin Kelly believes Clare will finally put points on the board against Dublin.

"I expect Clare to break their duck," he said. "There's been much talk about how long it is since they last won a competitive match but their desperation for points will drive them.

"They'll have the Fitzgibbon Cup lads back and those lads will be on a high after that win."

After their blitzing by Cork, Kelly thinks Dublin will be much better this weekend.

"Despite losing heavily to Cork, Dublin still scored 1-20 and that would be good enough to win most matches," he added.

"They'll certainly improve from last weekend and the tighter Cusack Park will suit them. However, Clare's drive and desire will ultimately be too much for them."

Tribes can edge Rebels

Kelly predicts that there will be little between Galway and Cork at the final whistle in Salthill, stating that "it's the hardest of the 1A games to call."

He continues: "Cork were very good last week, while Galway dug deep to edge Kilkenny.

"Both sides know that a win will guarantee them a place in the quarter-finals and see them clear of relegation.

"Cork really thrived in the open spaces of Croke Park last weekend, but Pearse Stadium is a tighter pitch. The game takes place after the Galway v Cavan football clash, so they'll be a bit of yield in the ground. I'm not sure whether this will suit JBM's lads.

"Galway have Joe Canning back and I also think the Tribesmen have a bit more steel in their side. It was that added physicality that nearly took them to All-Ireland glory in 2012. It should see them get two points on Sunday, but only just."

O'Shea can oversee the taming of the Cats

As a former Tipperary player, Kelly will know how important it is for the Premier County to lower Kilkenny's colours.

He believes that the run of recent defeats against the Black and Amber will come to an end this Sunday afternoon.

"I have visions of Eamon O'Shea in the Tipperary dressing room being really vocal in wanting his boys to beat Kilkenny," he surmises.

"I know it's not an All-Ireland final, but getting one over the Black and Amber at this moment in time is a big deal for Tipp.

"Eamon is using the league to give youth its chance and seeing them blend in with the more established. I think the process is working well so far and the team gave their best display of the league in beating Clare last weekend

"I'm confident they'll have enough to beat a Kilkenny side still short some regulars.

"Defeat for the Cats would leave them closer to a relegation play-off, but I don't think Brian Cody will be too worried at that prospect. It's all about the summer."

DIVISION 1B

SATURDAY 14 MARCH
1900 Limerick v Offaly, Gaelic Grounds

SUNDAY 15 MARCH
1245 Waterford v Antrim, Walsh Park
1400 Laois v Wexford, O'Moore Park

Scoring difference should determine who claims the sole promotion spot from 1B, Waterford and Limerick on five points lead the way, with the Déise as it stands on +25 compared to Limerick's +9.

Kelly sees both sides winning this weekend.

"Waterford will have too much for Antrim and while Offaly may be competitive for a while, I can see Limerick pulling away at the end.

"The crunch match will be Waterford against Wexford on the final day. That could be tight and with Limerick playing Laois on the say we could have a dramatic finish.

"Only one team can go up, but I think it would be good for hurling if Limerick, Waterford and Wexford were all in the top flight."

Watch highlights of the weekend's action on League Sunday on RTÉ2 at 7.05pm. Viewers outside of Ireland the world can watch this weekend's live games via GAAGO.

DIVISION 2A

SUNDAY 15 MARCH
1245 Westmeath v Wicklow, Cusack Park
1400 Carlow v Kerry, Netwatch Cullen Park

DIVISION 2B

SUNDAY 15 MARCH
1215 Kildare v Mayo, St Conleth's Park
1400 Down v Donegal, Ballycran
1400 Meath v Armagh, Trim

DIVISION 3A

SUNDAY 15 MARCH
1245 Tyrone v Louth, Healy Park
1300 Monaghan v Fingal, Iniskeen
1400 Roscommon v Fermanagh, Athleague

DIVISION 3B

SATURDAY 14 MARCH
1400 Longford v Warwickshire, Pearse Park

SUNDAY 15 MARCH
1245 Sligo v Leitrim, Markievicz Park

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