Clare senior hurling team manager Brian Lohan. Photo by John Sheridan/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Saturday February 8
Wexford v Kilkenny, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5.30pm, RTE
Wexford summoned an improved display against Tipperary in Thurles, but they still suffered a second defeat in the league.
Kilkenny were beaten by a gritty Galway outfit, who finished strongly to secure the spoils at UPMC Nowlan Park.
The manner of that loss will have hurt Derek Lyng's charges, who want to respond instantly.
Martin Keoghan is in good scoring form for Kilkenny, while Cian Byrne's free-taking for Wexford is sharp.
Galway v Clare, Pearse Stadium, 7.30pm, TG4
A lively encounter, under the Saturday night Salthill lights, is eagerly anticipated in the west.
A fortnight ago Galway slumped to a demoralising defeat against Tipperary, but Micheál Donoghue's charges thundered back into the reckoning.
Inspired by the returning Padraic Mannion and Gavin Lee, Galway, with Declan McLaughlin netting twice, beat Kilkenny.
Clare, without several key players, were defiant and determined when Kilkenny visited Ennis.
After that reversal, the All-Ireland champions will want to pocket points at Pearse Stadium.
Sunday February 9
Limerick v Tipperary, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3.45pm, TG4
Victories over Galway and Wexford ensure Tipperary head to TUS Gaelic Grounds heartened, but Liam Cahill will be fully aware that Limerick will provide a significant test.
Darragh McCarthy's accuracy, Eoghan Connolly and Michael Breen's durability, and Willie Connors' desire have been key features so far for Tipp.
Limerick, though, will examine Tipperary's resilience and resources on Sunday.
John Kiely's team divided the spoils with Cork Leeside on Saturday with Jason Gillane, Patrick O'Donovan, and Aidan O'Connor prominent.
Adding further depth to the panel is one of Limerick's chief objectives before April.
Dublin manager Niall Ó Ceallacháin and Cillian Hayes. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Sunday February 9
Waterford v Laois, Walsh Park, 2pm, TG4 Player
Following a disastrous result against Carlow, Waterford will want to reply immediately on home turf.
Jamie Barron continues to serve the Waterford cause with distinction, while Patrick Fitzgerald is also capable of landing scores from play.
Despite strong showings from Aaron Dunphy and Jordan Walshe, Laois endured a disappointing loss against Offaly in Portlaoise.
Westmeath v Dublin, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm
Niall Ó Ceallacháin's second league game in charge of Dublin is an awkward away encounter against Westmeath.
Cian O'Sullivan and Conal Ó Riain starred in the opening round success over Antrim for Dublin.
Westmeath battled admirably against the Saffrons in Belfast with David Wiliams contributing 0-12.
Offaly v Antrim, Glenisk O'Connor Park, 1.45pm, TG4
Another vital fixture in a very competitive environment.
Offaly have collected three points from two games with the win over Laois achieved following strong displays from Brian Duignan and Dan Ravenhill.
Antrim, overpowered by Dublin, did enough to beat Westmeath with the splendid James McNaughton scoring 1-14.
Allianz Hurling League Division Two
Sunday February 9
Down v Donegal, Ballycran, 2pm
Down have made a flying start in Division Two, gleaning a couple of victories.
Donegal have made progress in recent years, though, and will relish this Ballycran test to see how far they've travelled.
Tyrone v Meath, Garvaghey, 2pm
Following two losses, Tyrone will be eager to accumulate points.
Meath, though, have the ability to make a real impact at this level.
Kerry v Derry, Austin Stack Park, 1pm
It has been a disappointing start results wise for Kerry, who need a positive result.
Derry, with one win from two, are also fully aware of the importance of this game.
Allianz Hurling League Division Three
Sunday February 9
Armagh v Wicklow, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 2pm
This is a competitive Division so an important match beckons.
Wicklow have two points from a possible four, while Armagh need to glean a victory.
Sligo v Mayo, Enniscrone, 2pm
This all Connacht affair in Enniscrone should be lively.
Sligo have lost twice, while this is Mayo's first game of the campaign.
London v Cavan, McGovern Park, 1pm
Cavan's admirable progress in recent years is worthy of the utmost respect.
In the early rounds London have set a decent standard in Division Three.
Allianz Hurling League Division Four
Saturday February 8
Warwickshire v Louth, Páirc na hÉireann, 2pm
Louth have enjoyed a couple of convincing victories already.
Warwickshire, who drew with Lancashire last weekend, know that this will be a tough encounter.
Longford v Leitrim, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
These two counties will firmly believe that promotion can be attained.
Winning these types of games, though, is crucial to turn that dream into a reality.
Sunday February 9
Fermanagh v Monaghan, Brewster Park, 2pm
Acquiring momentum is what Fermanagh and Monaghan need to do.
So, this Brewster Park clash is vital following mixed starts to 2025.
