Hurlers set for Leinster opener

THE Kerry senior hurlers will open their Leinster Senior Championship round robin series campaign on this Sunday, with an away trip to play Meath. The venue is Páirc Tailteann in Navan with a 3pm throw in.

Meath come in to this game as reigning Christy Ring Cup champions and as recent winners of the Allianz League, Division 2B (where they defeated Wicklow in the final by 4-24 to 2-15). Kerry meanwhile have had some tough outings in the league, albeit competing at a far higher standard.

In Round 2, Kerry play Westmeath at Cusack Park, Mullingar on Sunday, 30 April and in Round 3 they meet Laois at Austin Stack Park on Sunday, May 14. The toptwo teams from the round-robin will progress to the Leinster quarter-finals against Offaly or Wexford on the weekend of May 27/28. Full details at www.leinstergaa.ie

County SHL

ROUND 2 of the Tralee Credit Union County Senior hurling league Division 1 is down for decision this weekend.

The pairings are: Ballyduff v Abbeydorney; Ballyheigue v Crotta; Causeway v St. Brendan’s and Kilmoyley v Lixnaw (first named at home). Check with local clubs for exact fixture details.

Celtic Challenge

THE Under 17 Celtic Challenge County & Divisional hurling competition commences on Wednesday, May 3.

It is aimed at players aged 16 and 17 years old who are not participating in State Examinations during May and June. 47 teams country wide will participate in the competition. Further information on www.gaa.ie.

Kerry will participate in Group B where they will play Clare South/ East, North Cork, West Limerick, Limerick City and West Cork before moving on to a seeded knockout phase.

The competition will culminate with all finals being played at the same venue on Saturday, 24 June.