Today’s NHL PREVIEWS
Division 1 quarter-finals Kilkenny v Wexford Nowlan Park (TG4 deferred) Referee: A Kelly (Galway)
Davy Fitzgerald versus Cody, enough to attract TG4’s cameras. The last time these two squared off on a sideline, it was shock and awe in Thurles, Clare’s 4-22 in the League semi-final a forerunner perhaps of what happened to Kilkenny in September. But despite injury concerns over key players, the Cats have a long-standing record of keeping Wexford down at Nowlan Park. Verdict: Kilkenny
Galway v Waterford Pearse Stadium (Live TG4) Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath)
The modern head-to-head makes for ugly reading in Galway who certainly owe Waterford. Having struggled to figure a way around the opposition’s extra defender, and with David Burke and Joe Canning finding rich veins of form, perhaps now is the time to solve Waterford’s defensive puzzle.
Verdict: Galway
Cork v Limerick Páirc Uí Rinn Referee: F Horgan (Tipp)
Most pleasing for Cork is how a group of talented forwards have sprouted up in that mushroom tradition so often referenced in the county. Shane Kingston, Luke Meade and Darragh Fitzgibbon give Cork real options up front and ending Tipperary’s year-long winning streak was a proper statement of intent.
Verdict: Cork
Offaly v Tipperary Tullamore Ref: C Lyons (Cork)
Offaly’s very position in the quarter-finals after losing the first four games of a five-match League has called the whole format into question. The gap between the top-placed team and 10th in the country should be clear at the final whistle.
Verdict: Tipperary
Division 1A relegation play-off Clare v Dublin Cusack Park, 4.00 Referee: J Ryan (Tipperary) A coin toss could have a lot to
do with Dublin’s fate in the League this year. In Parnell Park, Ger Cunningham’s men would have fancied this. showdown with the Banner County. The Cusack Park surrounds help a Clare side whose attacking threat, through the likes of the in-form Podge Collins and Aron Shanagher, has been offset by defensive frailties.
Verdict: Clare
Division 3B final Longford v Warwickshire Omagh, 1.30 Referee: A Ferguson (Fermanagh) Verdict: Longford