Martin Keoghan, Kilkenny, and Conor Leen, Clare, in action during the 2024 All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final at Croke Park. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Saturday January 25
Wexford v Cork, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5pm
Saturday evening's encounter at Chadwicks Wexford Park should be lively, especially as the home team, will be featuring several promising young players.
With Matthew O'Hanlon, Diarmuid O'Keeffe, and Liam Óg McGovern retired, Wexford have lost plenty of experience, while several other players are ruled for the early rounds of the league.
Keith Rossiter's outfit, though, will be eager to summon a defiant display against a talented Cork outfit.
Pat Ryan's charges came within a whisker of claiming All-Ireland honours in 2024, and enter the new campaign armed with ambition.
In challenge matches Cork have combined emerging and established players with recent underage success highlighting the talent that exists Leeside.
The Downeys, Tim O'Mahony, and Shane Barrett remain influential figures for Cork, who will be aware of the awkward assignment that awaits against an experimental Wexford.
Sunday January 26
Clare v Kilkenny, Cusack Park, 2pm
Cusack Park provides the backdrop for the latest Clare versus Kilkenny clash.
Recently a rivalry has developed between the two counties, but the respect runs deep. A couple of All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final losses to Kilkenny hurt Clare deeply.
That is precisely why last year's Allianz League Final win meant so much for Clare. Then, the Banner finished with a flourish in the penultimate round of the Championship when overcoming Kilkenny.
Similar to Wexford, Kilkenny must deal with the retirements of Conor Fogarty, Cillian Buckley, and Walter Walsh. Derek Lyng will be affording young hurlers opportunities in the coming weeks and months with Ennis an ideal testing ground.
Brian Lohan has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of the depth of Clare's panel in a hugely successful 2024 adventure.
Conor Leen's contribution is an example, while Mark Rodgers and Shane Meehan are others with significant potential, making an impact at the highest level too.
The league has been utilised well by Clare, who will want to remain perched on the summit of the hurling world.
Galway v Tipperary, Pearse Stadium, 3.45pm
At Pearse Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Micheál Donoghue's return as Galway manager promises to be an intriguing affair against Tipperary.
Following a disappointing championship, Liam Cahill's charges will be primed for a battle with the excellent Ronan Maher remaining as captain for 2025.
A number of new players will be afforded opportunities by Cahill in the Allianz League and this fixture away to Galway carries importance.
Séamus Kennedy's availability is a boost for Tipp, who want to generate momentum and positivity.
It is similar for Galway, who feature former Tipperary manager and coach, Eamon O'Shea, in Donoghue's backroom set-up.
Promising Galway hurlers have been performing well in the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup and Donoghue is expected to give them chances during the coming weeks and months.
New Dublin senior hurling team manager Niall Ó Ceallacháin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Saturday January 25
Offaly v Carlow, Glenisk O'Connor Park, 2pm
Injuries have disturbed Offaly's preparations, but Johnny Kelly's charges will want to develop further in 2025.
The recent underage success ensures there is optimism about the future, but this is a tricky tussle against Carlow, who have plenty of attacking talent.
Adam Screeney is unavailable for a spell for Offaly, who triumphed in the Joe McDonagh Cup last year.
Westmeath v Laois, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm
Pocketing points early in the league will be vital for these two counties, who are both under new management.
Seoirse Bulfin is now in charge of Westmeath, while Tommy Fitzgerald is the Laois boss for 2025.
It should be a highly competitive Division 1B so this is a vital fixture for Westmeath and Laois.
Dublin v Antrim, Croke Park, 5pm
It has been a hectic spell for new Dublin manager Niall Ó Ceallacháin, who steered Na Fianna to AIB All-Ireland Club glory on Sunday.
Ó Ceallacháin returns to GAA headquarters for a match against Antrim, who are buoyed up by the appointment of Davy Fitzgerald.
Darren Gleeson established a solid foundation with the Saffrons, and Fitzgerald will believe that Antrim can make further progress.
Allianz Hurling League Division Two
Saturday January 25
Down v Kildare, Ballycran, 2pm
Down impressively retained Joe McDonagh Cup status last year, but they know Kildare carry a potent threat.
Armed with momentum, the Lilywhites won the Christy Ring Cup, and this should be a very interesting game.
Meath v Donegal, Trim, 2pm
Gerard Gilmore starred throughout 2024 for Donegal, who secured the Nickey Rackard Cup in some style.
Meath were relegated from the Christy Ring Cup so they will want to acquire confidence and belief again.
Tyrone Derry, O'Neill's Healy Park, 4pm
Derry enjoyed encouraging moments in the Christy Ring Cup, but two losses to Kildare hurt them badly.
In recent years Tyrone have been making strides even though they will be aware of Derry's ability. Derry defeated Tyrone 2-26 to 0-13 in their last meeting.
Allianz Hurling League Division Three
Saturday January 25
Mayo v Cavan, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, 1pm
Flickers of Cavan promise were evident again in 2024, but this is a demanding first game of the year for them in Castlebar.
Mayo lost the Nickey Rackard Cup final and will be anxious to make a push for promotion.
Sunday January 26
London v Roscommon, McGovern Park, 1pm
Roscommon came close to reaching the Nickey Rackard Cup decider and will be eager to develop further.
London won three matches in the Christy Ring Cup so Roscommon know a tough task awaits in Ruislip.
Sligo v Wicklow, Markievicz Park, 1pm
Sligo struggled in the Christy Ring Cup, but the past decade has been encouraging overall.
Wicklow's only victory in that competition last year was a 2-16 to 1-17 triumph over Sligo.
Allianz Hurling League Division Four
Saturday January 25
Louth v Fermanagh, Dowdallshill, 2pm
Louth's win over Monaghan ensured they retained Nickey Rackard Cup status.
They will be joined at that level by Fermanagh, who won a competitive Lory Meagher Cup.
Longford v Warwickshire, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
Warwickshire beat Longford in the Lory Meagher Cup last year.
Still, Longford responded to reach the final of that tournament and new manager Diarmuid Cahill is eager to improve the midlanders'.
Lancashire v Leitrim, NGDC Abbotstown, 2pm
Leitrim overcame Lancashire last April in the Lory Meagher Cup.
Following a disappointing campaign, Lancashire will be hoping to make a positive start.
