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Preview: Bord Na Mona Walsh Cup

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody.

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody.

Brian Cody and the Kilkenny senior panel return to inter-county action on Sunday afternoon against **Antrim **at Abbottstown.

Kilkenny were managed by Under 21 boss Eddie Brennan for their first game in the competition – which was a satisfactory win over DCU.

Some interest will surround the team Cody selects for this fixture as Kilkenny prepare for the upcoming Allianz Hurling League.

Antrim were content to dig out a victory against Westmeath at Kinnegad – the Saffrons ruled the majority of the second half with Ciaran Clarke’s goal sealing their triumph.

Early on Antrim were encountering some problems as they trailed by 0-8 to 0-3, but they recovered well to earn the spoils against the midlanders.

Eamonn Kelly’s** Laois **will be looking to record a second victory in the competition against third level opposition at Rathdowney.

With PJ Scully impressing Laois proved to be too strong for NUIG and Kelly’s side are heavily fancied to claim another success as DIT were understrength when losing by 1-30 to 0-12 against Galway.

**Westmeath **manager Michael Ryan was unhappy that his side were soundly beaten by Antrim so they’ll be anxious to summon a response when DCU visit Kinnegad.

Davy Fitzgerald’s opening encounter in charge of **Wexford **culminated in a facile victory over a depleted UCD, but Colm Bonnar’s **Carlow **should offer a tougher test at Netwatch Cullen Park.

“We're playing Carlow next week and they gave Dublin a right run out last week,” Fitzgerald said following the UCD tie.

“We'd take a one point win there, to be honest. So, there's lots to do and while I am happy with the game, no, I won't be getting carried away.”

**Offaly **eventually shrugged off Meath’s spirited resistance last weekend, but they face another tricky assignment against a well regarded IT Carlow.

Christy Ring Cup champions Meath will be eager to claim the spoils against Kildare, who have been forced to make a number of changes to the panel recently.

Bord Na Mona Walsh Cup

Sunday January 15

**Group 1 **

Laois v DIT, Rathdowney, 2pm

Group 2

** **

Kilkenny v Antrim, Abbottstown, 2pm

Westmeath v DCU, Kinnegad, 2pm

Group 3

** **

Carlow v Wexford, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm

Group 4

** **

Offaly v IT Carlow, Birr, 2pm

Meath v Kildare, Páirc Tailteann, 2pm