This weekend's matches featured
SUNDAY
NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE
(Matches at 2.30 unless stated)
Division One A
Waterford v Cork, Walsh Park -A great rivalry in recent years in the league as well as the championship. Just over 12 months ago the teams put on a hugely enjoyable match, high-scoring and closer than it should have been given Waterford's superiority even when down to 14 men for most of the match. Both managers are trying to find much-needed new talent for what have been, in recent years, two of the championship's most predictable 15s.
Converted footballer Shane Walsh (scorer of the goal that beat Kerry in the under-21 success of 2003) gets a gallop at corner forward, the main concern being that, though skilful, he may lack the requisite pace. Jack Kennedy is being tried in defence and Kevin Moran up front but the jury is out on those experiments.
Cork - predictably, under Gerald McCarthy's new management - are trying numerous new players. Focus is on full back on the basis that Diarmuid O'Sullivan will stay in the forwards for the immediate future. The versatile Cian O'Connor and Killian Cronin (to be named tomorrow) are the front runners.
There is also speculation the future of wing forward Pa Cronin might be ultimately on the edge of the square, but there's a lot of pitch to be covered before things become clearer.
For tomorrow Waterford are marginally favoured to better their former manager.
Offaly v Down, Birr- A critical match for Down, who need to pick up points and whose best chances will be in this fixture or against Wexford. Offaly are being stripped down and reassembled by John McIntyre, but he knows this work has to incorporate staying in Division One after the disastrous experience of two years ago.
They won't be caught here.
Clare v Wexford, Cusack Park- Despite the demoralising, heavy defeats by Waterford and Kilkenny, Wexford need a bit more time. The official view is that John Meyler is relating well to the players and the atmosphere is positive.
The team hasn't played well but has created plenty of untaken scoring chances. Nonetheless, the team is going to need results and this might be an opportunity with all the intrigue going on in Clare.
Division One B
Limerick v Galway, Gaelic Grounds- Limerick were, with the exception of Dublin, the happiest team after the first round of matches. Richie Bennis's team showed admirable determination and got immediate payback from the switch of Ollie Moran to the forwards with his wonder goal to win the match.
Galway made short work of Antrim but won't have learned much about themselves and the impact of the Ger Loughnane revolution.
They should have the wherewithal to make this a successful trip but Limerick's approach will be helped by putting one over Tipperary.
Antrim v Dublin, Casement Park- There will be big interest in this after Dublin's draw against the All-Ireland champions. Everyone in the capital acknowledges that result will mean nothing if this match is not won.
For Antrim this is also critical; the Ulster champions have no chance of surviving if they don't pick up points.
It's not clear whether Dublin's experience was a genuine dawn or a trick of the light but they can keep the flame flickering.
Kilkenny v Tipperary, Nowlan Park- Kilkenny won't have been too upset by the strange opening to the season but experience shows the team don't do as well in the championship if they have a bad league.
There are concerns about how important the Ballyhale pair are to the team, but in the absence of Henry Shefflin and James Fitzpatrick they'll need to get back on the tracks.
Tipperary were disappointed at the failure to put away Limerick, and the evidence was that the reliance on Eoin Kelly is as marked as ever.
News about Diarmaid Fitzgerald's injury has further depressed the outlook. There's too much work in progress to fancy Tipperary.
Division Two A
Wicklow v Laois, Arklow- Laois got their heavily fancied promotion push off to a resounding start and will keep it going here despite Wicklow's big win in Meath.
Carlow v Meath, Dr Cullen Park- Opening-day horror for both but Carlow to make amends.
Derry v Armagh, Celtic Park- Armagh pushed Carlow but may get a Derry backlash.
Division Two B
Mayo v Kerry, Castlebar- Kerry to avenge their footballers' league defeat.
Westmeath v Kildare, Cusack Park- Westmeath's first match to be a winning start.
London, bye.
Division Three A
Donegal v Louth, Letterkenny; Leitrim v Monaghan, Ballinamore; Sligo, bye
Division Three B
Roscommon v Longford, Athleague; Cavan v Tyrone, Breffni Park; Fermanagh, bye.
Leinster under-21 FC quarter-finals
Meath v Kildare, Páirc Tailteann, 3.0- Good result for Meath against Dublin. Home advantage can take them a step farther.
Offaly v Longford, Tullamore, 3.0 -Despite the presence of All Star nominee Brian Kavanagh for Longford, the home side can win.
Kilkenny v Westmeath, O'Loughlin Gaels, 12.0- Rare sighting of Kilkenny in a top-rank football championship. Already they've outlasted Dublin but that's as far as it goes.
