Preview: Weekend's Allianz Hurling League action

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Saturday January 31

Galway v Cork, Pearse Stadium, 7pm, TG4

Ben O'Connor's first Allianz League match in charge of Cork proved to be productive.

Cork were primed for a battle with William Buckley, Declan Dalton, and Alan Connolly in splendid scoring form.

Diarmuid Healy also rifled over four points from play for Cork, who travel to Salthill heartened.

Though Galway were beaten in Thurles by Tipperary, there was still plenty to admire about the manner in which Micheál Donoghue's team competed.

Padraic Mannion and Daithi Burke supplied the experience in the backs, while Rory Burke and Jason Rabbitte delivered in attack.

Another gutsy display will need to be produced by Galway.

Sunday February 1

Offaly v Tipperary, Glenisk O'Connor Park, 2pm

Offaly were gritty and resilient at UPMC Nowlan Park, but Kilkenny still found a way to secure the full complement of spoils.

Nonetheless, Adam Screeney's nine point haul, including three from play, and Luke Watkins' determination offered nuggets of encouragement.

Tipperary did what was required in their opener with Jake Morris in excellent form for the All-Ireland champions.

Liam Cahill was pleased with Tipperary's composure because Galway did pose some demanding questions in a highly competitive and entertaining match.

Darragh Stakelum's goal sealed the deal as Tipperary finished with a flourish.

Waterford v Limerick, Azzuri Walsh Park, 2pm, TG4 Player/App

Soundly beaten at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh by Cork, Waterford will want to respond on home turf.

Limerick, though, will be intent on making a positive start and statement themselves.

John Kiely's panel has a nice blend of emerging and established players. The Limerick manager has previously spoken about the importance of affording newcomers proper and meaningful opportunities alongside accomplished colleagues.

Without the Ballygunner contingent, Waterford's trip Leeside was always going to be a severe test.

Reuben Hallornan's accuracy augurs well, while Jamie Barron and Darragh Lyons have plenty to offer.

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

Saturday January 31

Dublin v Kildare, Parnell Park, 7.30pm

Despite losing in Ennis, Dublin took plenty of encouragement from a purposeful performance.

Well organised by Niall Ó Ceallacháin, the scores struck by Donal Burke and Brian Hayes offer hope for the remainder of the league campaign.

Kildare had a bye last weekend, but the Lilywhites will be striving to remain in Division 1B following a successful 205.

Brian Dowling's team hurled well against Kilkenny in the Walsh Shield Final with Gerry Keegan and Jack Sheridan prominent.

Significant work has been carried out by Kildare, but remaining relevant is the next challenge.

Sunday February 1

Antrim v Clare, Ruairi Óg, Cushendall, 1pm, BBC iPlayer & GAA+

Contrasting fortunes for these two counties during the opening round.

Clare struck a late Tony Kelly goal to fend off Dublin's spirited challenge. Antrim suffered the concession of a last gasp major against Wexford.

Even though that hurt, Davy Fitzgerald will have Antrim prepared for a tough clash against his native Clare.

Seaan Elliott nailed seven points for Antrim, while Conor Johnston and Conal Cunning also demonstrated their ability.

Brian Lohan was satisfied with Clare's display against Dublin and will be looking for a similar level of industry.

Down v Wexford, McKenna Park, 2pm

Down did plenty of things right against Carlow, but the home team finished smartly.

Ronan Sheehan's charges have made tremendous progress in recent years to ensure these type of matches are on the agenda in 2026.

Caolan Taggart, Liam Savage, and Eoghan Sands are capable hurlers for Down, who will be hoping to cause an upset.

Wexford survived a real scare against Antrim as Mark Fanning's late goal was the decisive blow. In the wicked weather, Simon Roche's eight point contribution was important in a tight and low scoring match.

Allianz Hurling League Division Two

Sunday February 1

Laois v Derry, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 1pm

Emphatic winners over Mayo, Laois blasted out an early warning that they don't want to stay in Division Two for long.

An understrength Derry, though, endured a heavy loss to Kerry last week so they'll be striving for a much improved performance.

London v Mayo, McGovern Park, 1pm

This repeat of the 2025 Division Three decider is already a vital match for both teams.

Meath overcame London, while Mayo were heavily defeated by favourites Laois.

Kerry v Westmeath, Austin Stack Park, 2pm

This should be a revealing encounter in Tralee as Kerry seek to build on a solid start.

A convincing win over Derry bodes well, but the midlanders, who were relegated from Division 1B last year, will be determined opposition.

Allianz Hurling League Division Three

Saturday January 31

Donegal v Fermanagh, O'Donnell Park, 2pm

A comfortable win over Tyrone illustrated Donegal's potential.

Promoted from Division Four, Fermanagh will be eager to show that they can compete at this level, but this is a difficult assignment.

Louth v Tyrone, Protection & Prosperity Louth GAA Training Centre, 2pm

Having triumphed in Division Four, Louth will want to retain their status at a higher level and the win over Armagh was encouraging.

Tyrone were well beaten by Donegal and know that this is a crucial encounter.

Sunday February 1

Wicklow v Armagh, Echelon Park, 2pm

Both counties were defeated in their opening round fixtures so this is a key match.

Wicklow won three and lost three matches in this Division last year and will believe that promotion is possible, if momentum can be generated.

Allianz Hurling League Division Four

Leitrim v Sligo, Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 2pm

Sligo cruised to victory against Monaghan, but neighbours Leitrim will be hoping to cause a surprise on home turf.

That away win was a boost for Sligo, who will be adamant that progress can be made in the coming weeks and months.

Longford v Cavan, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm

Longford and Cavan both registered wins last week so this derby should be lively.

A top two finish is the objective so this game is significant.

Lancashire v Monaghan, NGDC Abbottstown, 1pm

Lancashire play their first match of the league against Monaghan, who were well beaten by Sligo.

Monaghan, who only earned one league win in 2025, conceded four goals against Lancashire last March.