LEINSTER SHC

CLARE v LIMERICK

Tomorrow (2pm): Clare v Limerick, Cusack Park, C Lyons (Cork) THERE’S a slight concern that a Clare team operating at high intensity throughout the League and winning the nal against Kilkenny could hit the wall here, particularly if Limerick can bring the anticipated huge display.

Limerick haven’t played since losing the League semi- nal to Kilkenny four weeks ago and will look for an instant riposte to send out a message to their rivals.

Four weeks is almost ideal preparation time.

Limerick looked vulnerable at the back against Kilkenny, with Sean Finn only just returning and Declan Hannon making just his second start since last year’s Munster nal.

HOME VERDICT: RTE DRAW

Dan Morrissey and Kyle Hayes didn’t play, but both return to the startling line-up here. Finn is on the bench.

It’s a huge day for Clare defensive duo Conor

Leen and Cian Galvin, if they start. Both are named from the off.

Clare have Tony Kelly, David Mcinerney and Shane O’donnell listed on the bench, but it would be no major surprise if any or all of them started.

They may look to keep it tight though, and then unload the big guns.

The loser here has their backs against the wall straight away, with Clare going to Cork next weekend and Limerick at home to Tipp.

AWAY

8/15

WEXFORD v DUBLIN

Tomorrow (2pm): Wexford v Dublin, Chadwicks Wexford Park, J Murphy (Limerick) YOU’D fancy Wexford, considering how hard they can put it up to Kilkenny in Leinster as the underdog.

But they’ve regularly struggled with Dublin possibly because they’re favourites and struggle with the tag.

Many would feel that Wexford are slightly the better side, but Dublin have won the last two championship encounters between them.

If Wexford shut down Donal Burke and Cian O’sullivan then it’s hard to see Dublin scoring enough — unless Danny Sutcliffe and Ronan Hayes can get them motoring.

The Model men were chugging along nicely in the League until a nal round 1- point hammering

HOME DRAW VERDICT: Impact

Conor Mcdonald and Mikey Dwyer are subs that can make an impact off the bench.

And they will need to here.

This game is signi cant as it will likely decide the third qualifying spot from the group after Kilkenny and Galway.

Tomorrow (2pm): Pearse Stadium, S Stack (Dublin) GALWAY will naturally be expected to get the job done here with the minimum of fuss.

Johnny Glynn, who is jetting in and out from New York, isn’t in the squad.

David Burke, Joseph Cooney, Conor Whelan, Brian Concannon, Evan Niland, Jason Flynn and Gearóid Mcinerney have all been named on the bench.

Galway are at home to Kilkenny next weekend so maybe Henry Shefflin has one eye on that one.

It’s as if he’s picked a team of relative rookies to have a look at their leadership qualities without the usual big guns around them.

HOME VERDICT: GALWAY v CARLOW DRAW AWAY

Opportunity knocks for the likes of Declan Mcloughlin, John Cooney and Donal O’shea.

Carlow lost the Division 2a nal to Laois by 13 points, scoring just 1-12, after defeating Laois in the group stages to nish top of the table.

Scoring

Marty Kavanagh with 4-46 and Chris Nolan with 1-24 did most of their scoring across the campaign.

After a subdued league campaign, Galway are likely to spring into life here.

It’s Shefflin’s third year and they’re still waiting for a rst piece of league or championship silverware.

AWAY

25/1