Tipperary manager Liam Cahill and Cork boss Pat Ryan following the 2023 Munster SHC clash between the counties at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Saturday February 22
Tipperary v Cork, FBD Semple Stadium, 7.30pm, RTE
An interesting encounter looms at Thurles between Tipperary and Cork, who will believe a top two place can be earned in the league.
Despite losing to Limerick, Tipperary manager Liam Cahill will have been encouraged by aspects of the blue and gold performance.
Cork have collected three points from two matches so Pat Ryan's charges will be primed for this encounter.
With Fitzgibbon commitments finished, player availability won't be an issue for the remaining rounds of a league that hasn't been short on intrigue.
In the Limerick draw, Cork demonstrated steel and resilience in the closing stages with Darragh Fitzgibbon launching a vital late free.
Trailing by five early on, Cork thundered back into that match with Tim O'Mahony and Ethan Twomey prominent.
For Tipperary the emerging Darragh McCarthy has been sharp from frees, while Seán Kenneally starred against Limerick. Similar class will need to be shown on home turf.
Sunday February 23
Clare v Wexford, Cusack Park, 1.45pm
Injuries and retirements have significantly disturbed Wexford, who face another demanding away assignment in Ennis.
An experimental Clare team was soundly beaten by Galway, but Brian Lohan's charges will want to summon an instant response.
Avoiding relegation is Wexford's brief currently so this match can be classed in the vital category for Keith Rossiter's youthful panel.
Cian Byrne and goalkeeper Mark Fanning nailed frees against Kilkenny, but Wexford were still defeated with the minimum of fuss.
The prolific Aidan McCarthy struck 0-11, including three from play, for Clare when losing to Galway. In that fixture Tony Kelly featured in the closing stages and it is likely that a number of key players will return in the coming weeks for the Banner.
Kilkenny v Limerick, UPMC Nowlan Park, 1.45, TG4
This should be an intriguing game at UPMC Nowlan Park.
It has been a mixed start to the campaign for Kilkenny, who posted wins over Clare and Wexford either side of a disappointing home loss to Galway.
Limerick, with a string of promising emerging players, finished with a real flourish to overcome Tipperary.
That was a hugely satisfying success for John Kiely's team with Diarmaid Byrnes instrumental in the victory.
Aidan O'Connor and Paddy O'Donovan also illustrated their potential for Limerick, who know Kilkenny will be anxious to impress.
Martin Keoghan has starred in the opening rounds of the league, while Cian Kenny and Billy Ryan also enjoyed productive moments in the Wexford triumph.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Saturday February 22
Dublin v Offaly, Croke Park, 5.15pm
This Croke Park match carries significant implications for two teams, who have both made lively starts to 2025.
Offaly have registered five points from three matches, but will be fully aware that Dublin will provide a stern examination at GAA headquarters.
Niall Ó Ceallacháin's smooth transition into inter-county management bodes well with victories chalked up against Antrim and Westmeath.
Diarmuid Ó Dulaing and Fergal Whitely contributed important scores in the Westmeath success for Dublin.
Offaly will be looking to Charlie Mitchell and the in form Brian Duignan for inspiration in the capital.
Sunday February 23
Antrim v Waterford, Corrigan Park, 1.30pm, BBC iPlayer
Another game that matters deeply for two counties, who have suffered setbacks in the opening rounds.
Following a heavy defeat against Dublin, Antrim did reply with a defiant win over Westmeath in Belfast, but the loss to Offaly hurt.
Undoubtedly, Davy Fitzgerald will want to ensure Antrim deliver against a Waterford team he knows plenty about.
James McNaughton has impressed for Antrim, who will be aware of the threat posed by Patrick Fitzgerald.
Losing to Carlow was a blow to Waterford, who want to generate momentum ahead of the Munster SHC.
Laois v Carlow, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 2pm
The neighbours clash and it should be an exciting tussle.
Laois have suffered a couple of losses, but overcame Westmeath with Paddy Purcell and Aidan Corby landing vital scores.
Carlow's win over Waterford was after a hard earned draw with Offaly.
So, Tom Mullaly's team are nicely placed in a competitive environment with Marty Kavanagh and Chris Nolan still delivering in style.
Allianz Hurling League Division 2
Saturday February 22
Derry v Kildare, Owenbeg, 3pm
Derry have suffered a couple of losses in their opening three matches so will be aware of the importance of this home fixture.
It has been a mixed start for Kildare, who have collected one win from two games.
Sunday February 23
Donegal v Kerry, O'Donnell Park, 1pm
It is a sign of Donegal's progress that they have been competitive at this level, accumulating one win already.
Kerry will believe that a serious promotion bid can still be launched if victory is attained in Letterkenny.
Meath v Down, Trim, 1.15pm
A meeting of the top two in this Division promises to be revealing.
Down's impressive rejuvenation under Ronan Sheehan is significant, but he will expect a tough match in Trim.
Johnny Greville's quietly effective work with Meath has been reflected with two wins in 2025.
Allianz Hurling League Division 3
Saturday February 22
Mayo v London, Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, 6pm
A key fixture in Division Three between two teams, who have registered maximum points so far.
London have won three on the spin, while Mayo have notched up a couple of victories in their own fixtures. So, a crucial 70 minutes awaits in Bekan on Saturday evening.
Sunday February 23
Cavan v Armagh, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm
Cavan have been extremely competitive at this level and retaining Division Three status would be a real achievement.
Armagh have suffered two defeats in the campaign and will need to post a victory if relegation is to be avoided.
Wicklow v Roscommon, Echelon Park, Aughrim, 2pm
Whoever triumphs in Aughrim will be in a decent position entering the closing rounds.
Wicklow have taken four points from a possible six, while Roscommon have won one and lost one of their fixtures thus far.
Allianz Hurling League Division 4
Saturday February 22
Longford v Lancashire, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
Longford have won one of their three fixtures in 2025, while Warwickshire drew with Lancashire.
With teams ahead of them in the table set to drop points, a victory would put either Longford or Lancashire into a more healthy position.
Monaghan v Warwickshire, Clones, 2pm
Following disappointing results so far, Monaghan and Warwickshire will be hoping for a positive result in Clones.
Sunday February 23
Louth v Leitrim, Dowdallshill, 1.15pm
The only two teams in Division Four with flawless 2025 records meet.
Louth have stitched a three match winning sequence together, Leitrim have won their two fixtures to date.
