Gaelic Games

National Hurling League opening weekend previews

Seán Moran takes a look at the first fixtures in this year’s hurling leagues

Clare captain Tony Kelly lifts the Munster Senior Hurling League cup with Munster Council Chairman Jerry O’Sullivan after beating Tipperary two weeks ago. Photo: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Seán Moran's face
Seán Moran
Sat Jan 26 2019 - 11:16

Division 1A (all games Sunday, unless stated)

Tipperary v Clare

Throw in: 7pm, Saturday. Venue: Semple Stadium. On TV: Live on Eir Sport.

A swift opportunity for Tipp to avenge the Munster League defeat but they were well off the pace that night. Clare are moving well with some decent infusions of new blood. It is equally a good opportunity for Liam Sheedy’s side to set the record straight quickly but the visitors might just have enough momentum to repeat the dose.

Verdict: Clare

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Kilkenny v Cork

Throw in: 2pm. Venue: Nowlan Park.

They opened last season’s league as well with Cork gaining a welcome victory in the fixture. Both are on the lookout for new recruits but the visitors are farther down that road. Kilkenny are also affected by club ties and injury. They usually thrive on the adversity but it would be a surprise if they pulled this off.

Verdict: Cork

Wexford v Limerick

Throw in: 2pm. Venue: Innovate Wexford Park. On TV: TG4 (deferred coverage).

This can be a hard venue for All-Ireland holders. Galway last year in the league and famously, Clare in the 2014 All-Ireland qualifiers came a cropper here. Limerick are coming locked and loaded – 11 of last September’s team – for their first big match as champions. Wexford though were brushed aside by Galway in the Walsh Cup final and will need to raise their game.

Verdict: Limerick

Division 1B (all games Sunday, unless stated)

Dublin v Carlow

Throw in: 7pm, Saturday. Venue: Parnell Park.

Mattie Kenny’s first matches made for a reasonable pre-season campaign but they will need to hit the ground running here. There may be no promotion but Dublin will want to improve last year’s performance. They change half the announced team from last month’s Walsh Cup so it’s as strong as is currently available. Carlow make just three changes to that selection.

Verdict: Dublin

Galway v Laois

Throw in: 12.30pm. Venue: Pearse Stadium.

A satisfactory pre-season for Micheál Donoghue with the Walsh Cup bagged. Laois got their scalp, beating neighbours Offaly but this will be one of those remorseless experiences that counties in the bottom half of this division encounter from time to time.

Verdict: Galway

Waterford v Offaly

Throw in: 2pm. Venue: Semple Stadium

Offaly started last year really well in Croke Park and got a break when Waterford were stripped of home advantage for breaching the training camp rule but that’s as far as it’s likely to stretch against opponents with energised new management.

Verdict: Waterford