Cork's Patrick Horgan and Declan Dalton celebrate after a goal against Clare in the Allianz Hurling League at Cusack Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Saturday March 22
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Cork v Galway, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7.30pm
Generating belief, Cork delivered a stylish, goal laden display to defeat Clare at Cusack Park.
Now, Pat Ryan's charges will be backed by a significant Leeside crowd for what is a clash with Galway to determine who joins Tipperary in the decider.
Having accumulated seven points, Cork know that even a draw will suffice, while Galway simply have to win.
Galway were soundly beaten by Tipperary and Limerick, but wins over Kilkenny, Clare, and Wexford offered encouraging moments for Micheál Donoghue's outfit.
A game at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be another opportunity to assess how Galway's emerging talent can fare.
Declan Dalton and Patrick Horgan were prominent for Cork in Ennis. Both counties would relish one more spin out before the Championship in a league showpiece.
Limerick v Wexford, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 7.30pm
It has been a mixed campaign for Limerick, who suffered a disappointing loss to Kilkenny last weekend.
That defeat terminated Limerick's chances of reaching a final, but the fact that so many young players have sampled action in the league will supply some comfort.
Nonetheless, the enduring excellence of Cian Lynch and Aaron Gilane is crucial for Limerick, who will be intent on delivering on the Munster and All-Ireland stages later in the year.
For Wexford, it was always going to be a demanding campaign considering the turnover of players due to retirements and injury.
Despite the relegation, Keith Rossiter will have taken positives from the manner in which Wexford competed in some games.
Tipperary v Clare, FBD Semple Stadium, 7.30pm
Tipperary have already advanced to the decider, while Clare's drop to Division 1B is also confirmed.
Unsurprisingly, following last year's exploits, Clare have afforded younger panellists games during the campaign so far.
With the Munster SHC edging closer, though, Brian Lohan will be especially eager to ensure the next month is well spent preparing for an Easter Sunday tussle against Cork in Ennis.
That will be a vital match in a highly competitive group, but Liam Cahill's quietly effective work at the start of 2025 is worthy of respect.
Since the opening round of the league when Tipperary blitzed Galway, the blue and gold outfit has impressed.
Dylan Walsh starred in earlier rounds, while Ronan Maher continues to lead by example at the opposite end of the field.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Waterford v Offaly, Walsh Park, 4pm
Four wins and a draw from five matches has steered Offaly to promotion. A place in the Division 1B final has also been achieved.
That is what Waterford want to accomplish at Walsh Park on Sunday.
Peter Queally's charges responded smartly to a setback when losing to Carlow. The return of classy operators as the league has evolved has bolstered the Deise considerably.
Dessie Hutchinson remains a potent threat and Waterford are beginning to acquire momentum.
The Offaly hurling story has featured good days in recent years with Johnny Kelly occupying a central role. So, the progress made in the early part of 2025 bodes well.
Carlow v Westmeath, Netwatch Cullen Park, 5pm
It has been a hugely satisfying campaign for Carlow at this level.
Carlow have only suffered one defeat so far in a competitive Division 1B which illustrates their current form.
Chris Nolan is one of the form forwards in the game and always poses stern questions.
Westmeath have lost all five matches, but will be eager to be ready for the upcoming Joe McDonagh Cup when these two counties meet again in May.
Laois v Dublin, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 5pm
Laois have been relegated, while Dublin have an outside chance of finishing in the top two.
A victory over Westmeath ensured Laois went to Corrigan Park hopeful, but Antrim delivered in style to preserve their status at this level.
Despite dropping to Division Two for 2026, Laois will firmly believe that they can produce in the Joe McDonagh Cup.
Niall Ó Ceallacháin has proven to be a shrewd operator with Na Fianna and the Dublin manager will also be optimistic. Valuable lessons were learned when losing to Offaly and Waterford.
Allianz Hurling League Division Two
Donegal v Derry, O'Donnell Park, 2.30pm
A vital fixture for two counties, who want to avoid dropping to Division Three.
Donegal's work under Mickey McCann is worthy of the utmost respect, but they know a demanding match awaits against Derry in Letterkenny.
Meath v Kildare, Trim, 2.30pm
An important battle is imminent in Trim.
A draw will do for Kildare, who can expect a severe test from a pumped up Meath.
The Royals know a victory will send them into Division 1B next year.
Tyrone v Kerry, Garvaghey, 2.30pm
Tyrone are already relegated following five losses on the spin.
It has been a mixed campaign for Kerry, who have won two and lost three so far in 2025.
Allianz Hurling League Division Three
Armagh v London, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 2.30pm
Armagh want to survive in Division Three so this match carries severe implications for the home team.
London's passage into the final at this level has already been secured, highlighting the effective work carried out by Neil Rogers.
Roscommon v Sligo, King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, 2.30pm
Sligo, a real success story during the past decade, have struggled at this level in 2025.
Roscommon need a positive result to ensure that they remain in Division Three.
Wicklow v Mayo, Echelon Park, 1pm
This should be a lively encounter at Aughrim.
A Wicklow win earns promotion, while Mayo simply need to avoid defeat.
Whoever prevails will meet London in the Division Three final.
Allianz Hurling League Division Four
Longford v Monaghan, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
Longford have enjoyed some good moments, but will be disappointed not to be involved in the promotion race.
Having endured four losses, Monaghan will want to finish the league on a positive note.
Lancashire v Fermanagh, GAA Centre of Excellence, 2pm
Fermanagh know that a victory will send them into the final and earn promotion.
Lancashire, though, will be striving to deliver a defiant display in Abbottstown.
Leitrim v Warwickshire, Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, 2pm
A Leitrim victory coupled with a favourable result from Abbottstown would send them into the final.
Warwickshire have only registered one point from five matches so far in 2025.
