Sunday March 26

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Dublin v Kilkenny, Parnell Park, 3pm

Traditionally Dublin hurlers enjoy operating at Parnell Park and they need a positive result on Sunday to avoid a relegation play/off.

The opening night of the League aside Dublin have been competitive in every other game so Ger Cunningham will have taken plenty of encouragement from how his youngsters are adapting to the senior inter-county arena.

Clare shaded a tight match with Dublin at Cusack Park, Ennis which was a disappointing outcome for Dublin according to manager Cunningham.

"We had chances in the first half maybe to put us where we needed to be, which was probably a couple more points ahead,” Cunningham reflected.

"We missed three frees and some other chances. In fairness to the lads I thought they showed great character in the second half and we took the game to Clare in the early part of it.

"But we couldn't get the ball past the half-forward line in the second half. They've got some big men there.

"I'm disappointed with the result, but we played well. Now we have to face Kilkenny and take it from there."

Kilkenny, though, a loss will mean they face a relegation play/off so Brian Cody’s charges will be eager to glean a victory to claim a Quarter-Final berth instead.

TJ Reid was excellent during a thrilling Thurles draw with Tipperary, a match from which Kilkenny left feeling good about themselves.

“They showed the spirit we always need to show,” Cody admitted. “That was just one game. Just because the response is good, the thing is only starting.

“It’s only March. But I think it was still an important challenge and we faced it well.

“Obviously, the questions were asked. I think we responded very well. We were competitive, four points down at half-time and it was a question of keeping at it and the lads kept at it and worked very hard.

“It goes on to our last game. We have to play with the kind of performance that’s going to give us a chance to beat Dublin, but it’s going to be a difficult task, so it’s all to play for.”

Cillian Buckley impressed at centrefield, while Reid and Richie Hogan were instrumental in attack for Kilkenny at Semple Stadium.

Such industry will need to be demonstrated against a willing Dublin outfit, who will be eager to see how they cope with Kilkenny at the Donnycarney venue.

KILKENNY: Eoin Murphy; Paul Murphy, Padraig Walsh, Conor O'Shea; Conor Fogarty, Jason Cleere, Shane Prendergast; Paddy Deegan, Cillian Buckley; Colin Fennelly, Walter Walsh, TJ Reid; Liam Blanchfield, Richie Hogan, Conor Martin.