Today

Division One A

Clare v Offaly, Ennis, 6.0

For two counties assumed to be strong championship contenders, the current campaign has been sluggish to date. Club commitments have interfered in both cases and made it hard for team experimentation in such a constrained schedule. It's not so much of a problem for Ger Loughnane and company as they've made no secret of their likely reliance on tried and tested personnel. Offaly don't have the comfort of such self-selection but they do look to have uncovered some promising candidates for the summer.

As Brian Whelahan has remarked, the principal newcomers seem to be in defence, where his brother Barry looks promising, although full forward John Ryan's auto da fe at the hands of Grand Inquisitor Lohan will shed light on his credentials. The jury is still out on Darren Hannify (on the bench today) and has yet to hear the case of Niall Claffey (a candidate for the vacant left wing back position). Likely to be very close with Clare emerging ahead.

Antrim v Galway, Casement Park, 3.0

Sean McGuinness has exacerbated the stark divide between Antrim's home and away form. In recent times, the northerners had established a dire consistency regardless of venue but McGuinness drew a fine performance from the side against Dublin in Casement Park. This is their last home fixture and accordingly perhaps the last chance to pick up desperately-needed points. Of the four teams on two points, Antrim have the worst scoring average by a long shot. Galway haven't exactly struck fear into opposition to date but they are improving at a sufficient rate to take the points here.

Munster Under-21 Football Final

Kerry v Tipperary, Tralee, 3.0

Tipperary's victory over Cork in the semi-final wasn't too surprising given the team's Munster title at minor three years ago. Kerry make a number of changes after the unimpressive display against Clare and might, after three titles on the trot, be running out of gas in this grade.

Tomorrow

National Hurling League

Division One A

Limerick v Dublin, Kilmallock, 3.30

It's All been a little frustrating for Michael O'Grady after the excellent start against Galway but the exposure to higher-quality opposition has been useful as next month's championship opener with Kilkenny comes into focus with this week's news that it may be moved to Saturday. Limerick have again made the running in the league albeit with Eamonn Cregan intensely aware that a spring burn-out like last year, even it does result in retention of the title, will exact a heavy toll in the championship. His ongoing experiments to find a team he's comfortable with have involved routinely wholesale changes. In the absence of a settled line-up, the spirit of the panel has been noticeable and there's no reason Cregan shouldn't conclude the campaign next week with a 100 per cent record.

Division One B

Cork v Tipperary, Pairc Ui Rinn, 3.30

The first meeting of the counties in five years that actually stirs the blood. Tipperary look to be timing their development nicely and have introduced some promising young players whereas Cork are breaking into a trot on the road to rehabilitation. Jimmy Barry Murphy needs options at centrefield and on the wings of his attack and must hope fervently that Alan Browne can recover the form that made him the one consolation to the team in the dark years. Otherwise, the rebuilding programme is going well. Tomorrow will be a stiff test but prospects for passing are good.

Waterford v Wexford, Walsh Park, 3.30

Both Counties are struggling to find a defining, positive note for the season. Waterford played steadily against Laois whereas Wexford showed some fire in nearly overhauling Cork. Rory Kinsella has the consolation of hoping for some relief on the injuries front. This will be an excellent indicator of how Waterford cope with the charge of mental brittleness, freely alleged after the defeat by Cork. Against a Wexford side strengthened by the return of Adrian Fenlon and Donal Berry, however, Waterford can still play well and lose.

Kilkenny v Laois, Nowlan Park, 3.30

A match attracting a lot of attention as it holds out the promise of a first glimpse of DJ Carey in a Kilkenny jersey since last August. His return is much needed by the team which even with him aboard has work to do for the championship in both personnel and positioning. Laois have struggled valiantly but to little enough effect so far. With Kilkenny likely to be a bit distracted, this could - but probably won't - be a chance for some points.

Leinster Under-21 Football Final

Laois v Dublin, Tullamore, 3.30

Last year's senior selectors, Lorcan Redmond and Chris Kane, have squeezed a lot out of this Dublin team. Battling displays against teams that could have beaten them bring them to tomorrow's final but against a star-studded Laois side replete with All-Ireland minor medallists, Dublin's race looks run.