Gearoid McInerney, Galway, and Eoin Murphy, Kilkenny, pictured at the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship launch.
Saturday May 26
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
Offaly v Wexford, Bord Na Mona O'Connor Park, 5pm
There has been nothing wrong with Offaly's attitude or application in the opening two rounds, but Kevin Martin's side still suffered defeats against Galway and Kilkenny.
Wexford, with Rory O'Connor and Harry Kehoe landing sweet late points, eventually shrugged off Dublin's spirited resistance last Sunday.
That was a hugely important win for Wexford, who will be wary of the threat Offaly could pose in Tullamore.
Martin has Offaly working hard for the Faithful cause, but if relegation is to be avoided they need to take a prized scalp.
Having made such progress in the past 18 months Wexford will want to put two more points in the account before matches with Galway and Kilkenny.
Sunday May 27
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
Galway v Kilkenny, Pearse Stadium, 4pm
Championship hurling makes a welcome return to Salthill with Pearse Stadium hosting a first summer match since 2011.
On that occasion Galway defeated Clare in the qualifiers and this also represents the Tribesmen first match on home soil in the Leinster Championship.
That it is against Brian Cody's in form Kilkenny merely adds to the drama and excitement with a significant crowd expected.
Kilkenny finished well to beat Dublin and the Cats did enough to secure a victory over Offaly. Another triumph should be enough to claim a much coveted berth in the All Ireland series.
Galway struck five goals when overcoming Offaly, but Micheal Donoghue's outfit face a tough three week stint now.
Cork delivered a dynamic display to defeat Tipperary in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship last year.
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium, 2pm
This match can certainly be classed in the critical category for Tipperary, who need to respond following their Gaelic Grounds loss to Limerick.
Cork, meanwhile, head for Thurles heartened by the continued excellence of Darragh Fitzgibbon, Mark Coleman, and Patrick Horgan against Clare.
That was another splendid victory for Cork, who aren't short on confidence. How will Tipperary reply?
Michael Ryan's team encountered severe problems against a pacy Cork attack last year so the Premier County will need to be diligent defensively.
At the opposite end of the field Jason Forde remains in good scoring form for Tipperary, who must show signs of improvement if they are to remain as contenders down south.
Clare v Waterford, Cusack Park, 3.30pm
The first Munster Championship encounter at Cusack Park since 1997 promises to be tasty.
Clare need to recover following their loss against Cork, while Waterford, suffering with some high profile injuries, are intent on making a flying start.
Waterford reached last year's All Ireland final following an eventful backdoor adventure, but the loss to Galway hurt.
The popular Derek McGrath remains in charge of Waterford, who face four matches in a row. How they adapt to that schedule will be revealing.
John Conlon and Shane O'Donnell were prominent last Sunday for Clare against Cork, but the home team still prevailed at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
It means that Clare must earn two points on home turf. Waterford will have similar ambitions. There shouldn't be any shortage of drama in Ennis.
