Preview: Weekend's Joe McDonagh Cup action
Carlow senior hurling team manager Pat Bennett. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
* The match day panels for all of this weekend's inter-county championship matches can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of this article.
Joe McDonagh Cup
Saturday April 25
Down v London, Ballycran, 1pm
Donal Hughes' last gasp goal earned a morale boosting win for Down over Antrim in Round One.
Now, Ronan Sheehan's improving team host London, who were defiant against Westmeath in Ruislip.
Jack Morrissey and Paul Kennedy were prominent for London, who know that a tough match awaits in Ballycran against Down.
Tom McGrattan rifled over four points for Down in the victory against the Saffrons, while Daithí Sands is another impressive performer.
Laois v Antrim, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, 4pm
Following opening weekend losses, Laois and Antrim meet in a crucial encounter.
Seáan Elliott and James McNaughton were effective for Antrim, who were rocked by a late Down goal.
Summoning an instant response is vital, but Laois are in a similar predicament after losing to Carlow.
Aaron Dunphy, Ben Conroy, and Stephen 'Picky' Maher scored nicely for Laois, but it wasn't enough to prevent Carlow from registering an excellent victory.
Westmeath v Carlow, TEG Cusack Park, 4pm
This should be a revealing match in Mullingar involving two counties who started brightly last weekend.
David Williams sharp finish was a key factor in Westmeath's success in London, while Eoin Keyes and Eamonn Cunneen also contributed handsomely for the midlanders.
Carlow, though, are loaded with confidence - netting four goals in a fine victory over Laois at Netwatch Cullen Park.
Chris Nolan, James Doyle, Fiachra Fitzpatrick, and Conor Kehoe supplied majors, while Marty Kavanagh clipped nine points from frees.
