Tony Kelly was in excellent form for Clare against Limerick in the Munster SHC.
All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Round One
Saturday November 7
Laois v Clare, UPMC Nowlan Park, 1.15pm
Tony Kelly's majestic display wasn't enough to stop Limerick, who were worthy winners against Clare last month.
Watching how Brian Lohan's charges respond will be very interesting, especially in the unfortunate absence of a string of key performers.
Lohan, though, will be focusing on who is available to him and the first half showing against Limerick supplied moments of encouragement.
Laois endured a painful loss of their own against Dublin and Eddie Brennan will also be demanding an improvement.
Considering the vast strides made in 2019, Brennan will want to ensure Laois can operate effectively at this level.
Ross King is a potent threat inside and delivering quality possession will be critical for Laois.
Clare, though, will believe that a Championship run can be stitched together too.
CLARE: Eibhear Quilligan; Rory Hayes, Conor Cleary, Paul Flanagan; Stephen O'Halloran, Aidan McCarthy, Seadna Morey; David McInerney, Tony Kelly; Colin Guilfoyle, David Reidy, Cathal Malone; Shane O'Donnell, Aron Shanagher, Ryan Taylor.
Dublin v Cork, Semple Stadium, 3.45pm
An attractive fixture in Thurles featuring two pumped up teams is imminent.
Dublin nearly staged one of the most dramatic revival missions of all time against Kilkenny.
Eamonn Dillon's brilliance and an admirable work ethic throughout the field in the second half came within a whisker of being rewarded with an improbable victory.
Dublin forward Eamonn Dillon in Leinster SHC action.
Cork, though, left Semple Stadium bruised following a harrowing loss to Waterford.
Kieran Kingston will be demanding far more from Cork, who once more relied on the prolific scoring of Patrick Horgan.
Shane Kingston and Seamis Harnedy also offered reminders of their ability, but Cork were soundly beaten by Waterford.
Joe McDonagh Cup
Saturday November 7
Carlow v Meath, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm
Carlow were involved in a high scoring draw against Antrim which illustrated the attacking abilities of both teams.
Colm Bonnar's efforts with Carlow are worthy of the utmost respect and they were ready for the Antrim challenge at Netwatch Cullen Park.
Martin Kavanagh, Chris Nolan, Edward Byrne, and Jack Kavanagh all were prominent for Carlow, but Meath will be fired up following a disappointing opening loss themselves.
Padraic O'Hanrahan and Jack Regan impressed for Meath in that outing, but Carlow will believe that they can embark on a lengthy adventure in this competition.
