National Hurling League, Round 3.
Division 1A.
Cork v Tipperary, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7.30pm (L Gordon, Galway) Live RTÉ.
So much giddiness around this fixture but nobody should be getting ahead of themselves after 8.30pm. Even if Tipperary did win this corresponding fixture last year, it was forgotten about by the time the All-Ireland final came around. Cork have yet to beat Tipperary in Croke Park but Tipperary’s record on Leeside has been pretty shabby too. Their 2019 SHC win there is their only success since ’08 when they ended 82 years without a senior championship win over Cork there. Something for Liam Cahill to perhaps sink his teeth into but really it will be about absorbing all that Cork are going to throw at them of which they will be a lot. The immaculate pitch will lend to good hurling and Cork are acquainted with its benefits from two weeks ago.
Verdict: Cork.
Division 1B.
Wexford v Carlow, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5.15pm (T Gleeson, Dublin) Live TG4.
New Carlow manager Pat Bennett knows much about Wexford having been a selector and coach to them as well as leading Ferns St Aidan’s to a senior county title. But such is the overhaul of personnel that he might not be as au fait with the opposition as last year. Wexford have not impressed in their two wins and Carlow will target them as they did Waterford last year. They have a right chance but Wexford have some momentum behind them to take something.
Verdict: Draw.
Division 2.
Kerry v London, Austin Stack Park, 12.30pm (A Kinahan, Offaly).
A little slip-up by Kerry not to take the full complement of points against Westmeath but they shouldn’t be deterred. They already appear a much more cohesive team than this time last year and John “Tweek” Griffin has overseen some large changes.
Verdict: Kerry.
Derry v Mayo, Celtic Park, 1pm (P Owens, Down).
Already it appears one, if not both of these counties will be going down. Derry have been listless thus far whereas Mayo at least have a point to their name and can triple that total in Derry.
Verdict: Mayo.
Division 3.
Armagh v Roscommon, Box-It Athletic Grounds, 2.30pm (A McAleer, Donegal).
Winless Armagh will be relying on home comforts but Roscommon came through a tight one against Wicklow and can add a second win.
Verdict: Roscommon.
Division 4.
Sligo v Lancashire, Enniscrone, 1pm (J Judge, Mayo).
Sligo are performing like they mean to jump out of Division 4 quick smart and Lancashire won’t halt their run.
Verdict: Sligo.
Monaghan v Longford, Grattan Park, Inniskeen, 2pm (D Argue, Cavan).
This could be a scrappy affair but one that Longford can finish on the right side after two opening victories.
Verdict: Longford.
SUNDAY
National Hurling League, Round 3.
Division 1A.
Waterford v Offaly, Azzurri Walsh Park, 1.45pm (C Mooney, Dublin) Live TG4.
For Waterford to somehow lose here against fellow promoted Offaly having given such a terrific account of themselves against Limerick would be soul destroying. Offaly are too down key players but they feel their absence far more than Waterford. Adam Screeney was in electric form for UL during the week and he will be required here. It’s the veritable four-pointer and if Waterford can bring their total to four their chances of survival improve significantly with still three more games to play.
Verdict: Waterford.
Limerick v Kilkenny, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3.45pm (S Hynes, Galway) Live TG4.
John Kiely could crack a smile or two after last Sunday’s defeat although he was clearly disappointed with some aspects of Limerick’s display. This doesn’t feel like a league campaign where Limerick can train heavily through it and do just enough to stay up as they have done previously. Some of their seasoned men were mediocre in Walsh Park and if picked again will need to up their levels. Kilkenny’s appearance should be more familiar than what it was in that sketchy win over Offaly. A similar performance will be punished here. Limerick will want to bounce back in front of their own.
Verdict: Limerick.
Division 1B.
Clare v Down, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 1.30pm (T Walsh, Waterford).
Brian Lohan will want to show some respect to Down who gave Wexford a fright in Ballycran but Clare have covered a lot of the yards to promotion in the opening two rounds. This clash affords him the opportunity to experiment.
Verdict: Clare.
Kildare v Antrim, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 2pm (E Furlong, Wexford) Live TG4 Player/App, Deferred TG4.
Just how softened have Antrim been by a cruel defeat following by a comprehensive one? Kildare themselves looked off the pace against Dublin but should be steeled for this first home game. Antrim should have a little too much for them.
Verdict: Antrim.
Division 2.
Westmeath v Meath, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm (N Malone, Clare).
You would find few disagreeing with you that Westmeath’s point in Kerry was better than Meath’s two against London. The derby nature of this fixture should narrow the difference but Westmeath can take the local bragging rights.
Verdict: Westmeath.
Division 3.
Tyrone v Wicklow, Tyrone CoE, Garvaghey, 1pm (M Connolly, Sligo).
A mixed bag for each of these counties but the slightly safer option is to tip the visitors.
Verdict: Wicklow.
Fermanagh v Louth, Brewster Park, 2pm (K Parke, Antrim).
A bad first outing for Fermanagh and Louth could prolong the pain.
Verdict: Louth.
Division 4.
Warwickshire v Leitrim, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, 2pm (M Redmond, Kildare).
No points for either team thus far. The Exiles can claim their first win.
Verdict: Warwickshire.
National Football League, Round 1 refixture.
Division 4.
Waterford v Longford, Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, 2pm (J Regan, Cork).
Last weekend’s results wouldn’t have changed many people’s opinions about how these counties will fare in the league. Both have their difficulties but Waterford mightn’t be as pronounced as their opposition.
Verdict: Waterford.
