Pat Ryan and John Kiely following Cork and Limerick's epic All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final last year. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Saturday February 1
Cork v Limerick, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7.30pm, TG4 Player
This should be a lively and interesting encounter by the banks of the Lee.
The epic All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final illustrated the class, pace, and ability of these two counties, who will want to secure points in their 2025 Allianz League account.
Cork impressed against a youthful Wexford outfit with Padraig Power and Declan Dalton scoring handsomely.
Brian Hayes and Darragh Fitzgibbon were others to make valuable contributions for Pat Ryan's charges, who will relish the Limerick test.
John Kiely's team had a bye last week so a busy schedule awaits, but Limerick have enjoyed some great days at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh during the past decade.
Cian Lynch takes over the captaincy from Declan Hannon, while Limerick must also deal without influential goalkeeper Nickie Quaid for a spell.
Some emerging players will be given opportunities to shine and this is precisely the environment in which they must flourish.
Sunday February 2
Kilkenny v Galway, UPMC Nowlan Park, 1.45pm, TG4 Player
Late Eoin Cody and Luke Hogan scores ensured Kilkenny earned an important opening weekend win over Clare at Cusack Park.
It was a satisfactory result and performance for Derek Lyng's new look team with Billy Drennan sharp from frees.
Mikey Carey and Martin Keoghan were other key performers for Kilkenny, who will want to generate momentum early in the campaign.
Galway were soundly beaten by Tipperary in Salthill so the returning Micheál Donoghue will be demanding an instant response.
Several established players were unavailable for that fixture, but Galway will be looking to Fintan Burke, Cianan Fahy, and Conor Whelan to supply leadership and inspiration.
Tipperary v Wexford, FBD Semple Stadium, 3.45pm
There was plenty to admire about the manner in which Tipperary performed against Galway at Pearse
Stadium.
Ably led by Ronan Maher, Tipperary, with Willie Connors, Jake Morris, and Dylan Walsh prominent collected a valuable victory.
Now, the blue and gold team will be hoping to deliver a similarly effective display when Wexford visit Thurles.
Wexford endured a disappointing loss to Cork on home turf, but Keith Rossiter's options are restricted by the unavailability of players.
Cian Byrne nailed seven frees in the Cork game, while Charlie McGuckin and Cathal Dunbar are other capable hurlers.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Sunday February 2
Antrim v Westmeath, Corrigan Park, 2pm, BBC iPlayer
Following a heavy defeat to Dublin at Croke Park, Antrim will be primed for this clash against Westmeath.
Davy Fitzgerald will be fully aware of the importance of this tussle so the Saffrons will be hoping that James McNaughton and Niall McKenna can continue to impress.
Westmeath's game against Laois was postponed, but Seoirse Bulfin's panel features plenty of talented players including Tommy Doyle, Aaron Craig, Robbie Greville, and Darragh Clinton.
Waterford senior hurling team manager Peter Queally. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Carlow v Waterford, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm
Martin Kavanagh's impressive 0-12 haul helped Carlow to earn a draw away to Offaly last Saturday.
James Doyle was another to impact the game for Carlow, who know a tough test awaits against Waterford.
Waterford had a bye last week, but Peter Queally's charges will be striving to make a serious bid for promotion.
Despite losing 1-21 to 0-18, Patrick Fitzgerald and Patrick Curran impressed in a challenge match against Limerick.
Laois v Offaly, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 2pm
A Laois versus Offaly double header in Portlaoise should be full blooded.
Offaly divided the spoils with Carlow at Tullamore with Charlie Mitchell and Dan Bourke once again demonstrating their considerable class.
Laois' match with Westmeath was postponed, but Tommy Fitzgerald, who has proven to be a shrewd coaching figure in club hurling, will be eager for his panel, featuring Fiachra C Fennell, Tomas Keyes, and Jer Quinlan, to compete strongly at this level.
Allianz Hurling League Division 2
Saturday February 1
Kildare v Kerry, Cedral St Conleth's Park, 1pm
Even though this is only the second round of the league, a crucial match beckons in Newbridge.
Having lost to Down, Kildare will need to reply instantly against Kerry, who had a bye last week.
Derry v Down, Owenbeg, 2pm
Buoyed up following first round wins, Derry host Down in an important encounter.
Down's win over Kildare was noteworthy, while Derry edged out Tyrone.
Sunday February 2
Donegal v Tyrone, O'Donnell Park, 2pm
Both counties suffered opening weekend losses so this is a vital game.
Donegal were narrowly defeated by Meath, while Derry defeated Tyrone.
Allianz Hurling League Division 3
Saturday February 1
Wicklow v London, Echelon Park, 1pm
These two teams won last week ensuring this Aughrim clash is significant.
Anthony Nash's involvement in the London backroom set-up is a good development.
Cavan v Sligo, Kingspan Breffni, 3pm
Sligo suffered an opening weekend loss and will be aware of the threat a pumped up Cavan carry at Kingspan Breffni.
Sunday February 2
Roscommon v Armagh, King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, 1pm
Roscommon lost last week and will want to respond in a positive fashion against Armagh.
The visitors', though, know that an away victory would be an ideal league start.
Allianz Hurling League Division 4
Saturday February 1
Monaghan v Louth, Truagh, 2pm
Louth cruised to a convincing win over Fermanagh, but Monaghan, who didn't play last week, will be determined to gather momentum themselves.
Sunday February 2
Fermanagh v Longford, Brewster Park, 1pm
Longford were too strong for Warwickshire, and will be eager to stitch a winning run together.
Warwickshire v Lancashire, Páirc na hÉireann, 2pm
These two teams lost last week so this game is crucial if a promotion bid is to be launched by either outfit.
