Wednesday May 25

Bord Gais Energy Leinster Under 21 Hurling Championship quarter-finals

Westmeath v Kilkenny, Cusack Park, 7.30pm

Since 2009 Kilkenny have only claimed one Leinster under 21 title, but significant expectation is attached to Eddie Brennan's current crop.

The recent successes of St. Kieran's, Kilkenny ensure a degree of optimism surrounds this panel, who will treat Westmeath with the utmost of respect.

Westmeath enjoyed a productive year at minor level in 2015, while in the under 21 grade the midlanders' gave Dublin a serious fright in 2014.

Kilkenny claimed Leinster Minor silverware in 2013 before being beaten by Waterford in an interesting All Ireland semi-final.

Carlow v Laois, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7.30pm

A year ago Carlow oufoxed Laois and then came within a whisker of stunning Kilkenny in a provincial semi-final.

It was a sign of the improvements Carlow had made in recent years, but Laois know the value of this match.

The winners face either Kildare or Offaly in the penultimate round so there is a good opportunity for all of those teams to reach a Leinster final.

Kildare v Offaly, Newbridge, 7.30pm

Kildare produced a resilient display when losing to eventual Leinster Champions Wexford in a quarter-final at this stage last year.

Offaly also examined the Model County in 2015, but they will be anxious to deliver a dynamic display in Newbridge.

With Kilkenny, Dublin, and Wexford all on the other side of the draw Offaly are keen to stitch a couple of victories together.