Rob Downey, Cork, and Jake Morris, Tipperary, pictured ahead of the Allianz Hurling League Final. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Sunday April 6
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Final
Cork v Tipperary, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4pm, TG4
A sold out SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh provides the backdrop for this eagerly anticipated decider.
Cork concluded the group phase with a flourish, goal laden wins over Clare and Galway illustrating the attacking class in Pat Ryan's panel.
Despite an injury scare, Brian Hayes is named to start and Cork's forward power is significant.
Patrick Horgan mined 1-9 against Galway, while Darragh Fitzgibbon, Tim O’Mahony, and Hayes also bagged goals.
Shane Barrett always craves involvement and his four point haul mattered deeply in that triumph too.
Goalkeeper Patrick Collins was well protected by an industrious defensive unit including Seán O'Donoghue, Niall O'Leary, and Rob Downey.
Tipperary, though, have enjoyed an encouraging campaign under Liam Cahill's stewardship with the comeback win over Clare another positive sign.
Eoghan Connolly and Ronan Maher have been influential in the league, while in attack Jake Morris and Darragh McCarthy bring plenty of craft.
Following a bitterly disappointing 2024 in Munster, Tipperary are beginning to generate momentum again.
The impending 70 minutes down by the banks of the Lee will be revealing.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Final
Offaly v Waterford, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 1.45pm, TG4
Busy preparing for upcoming adventures in Leinster and Munster, this should be a valuable exercise for Offaly and Waterford.
Both panels are liberally stocked with exciting emerging talent so the opportunity to perform in this type of environment and atmosphere will be most beneficial.
Offaly went to Walsh Park a fortnight ago aware that promotion had already been secured, with Waterford eventually defeating the Faithful.
Stephen Bennett's crisp shooting was a key factor, while Tadhg De Burca's craft also carried importance in the game.
Jamie Barron and Dessie Hutchinson remain top class performers for Waterford, who will be eager to secure silverware under Peter Queally.
Johnny Kelly's work with Offaly is worthy of the utmost respect. The form of Killian Sampson and Brian Duignan bodes well, while Dan Bourke and Charlie Mitchell are others delivering for the Faithful.
