Preview: Weekend's provincial hurling championship action
Shane Barrett, Cork, and Cian Lynch, Limerick, in action during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Final earlier this month. Photo by John Sheridan/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.
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
Saturday April 25
Kilkenny v Wexford, UPMC Nowlan Park, 6.30pm
The stakes are piled high for Kilkenny, who suffered a bitterly disappointing opening round loss to Galway in Round One.
That was Kilkenny's heaviest Championship loss since 1990 against Offaly so Derek Lyng's team will be primed to respond.
Wexford, aided by a late goal from the excellent Lee Chin, eventually edged out a determined Kildare to commence with a victory.
A revealing match now beckons for Keith Rossiter's outfit, who will need to be vigilant dealing with Eoin Cody, who did impress in Salthill.
Wexford have won three of the last five clashes with Kilkenny in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Sunday April 26
Dublin v Kildare, Parnell Park, 3pm
Having participated in a thriller with Offaly, Niall Ó Ceallacháin's Dublin team will want to glean a victory at the Donnycarney venue.
Kildare, though, were industrious against Wexford, who pulled clear in the closing stages.
Jack Sheridan struck 1-5 for the Lilywhites, who've made significant progress under manager Brian Dowling.
Dublin did demonstrate character in Tullamore with Donal Burke's late point - his 11th of an absorbing contest - ensuring the spoils were divided.
Galway v Offaly, Pearse Stadium, 3.30pm
With a new wave of talent being developed, there is hope and expectation attached to Galway.
Micheál Donoghue's side made a flying start against Kilkenny with Aaron Niland, Jason Rabbitte, and Rory Burke carrying a potent attacking threat.
Offaly, though, have plenty of craft in attack also with Adam Screeney, Charlie Mitchell, and Brian Duignan scoring nicely against Dublin.
Offaly manager Johnny Kelly enjoyed many good days with Portumna and will be fully versed on Galway's strengths and weaknesses.
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
Sunday April 26
Cork v Limerick, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm, RTE
SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh provides the backdrop for the latest fascinating Cork versus Limerick clash.
Limerick prevailed when these teams clashed in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Final, but Cork bounced back effectively in last week's Munster opener against Tipperary.
That was a statement win for Cork with William Buckley and Barry Walsh prominent in attack for Ben O'Connor's team.
In his 10th Championship campaign in charge, John Kiely brings vast knowledge to a Limerick set-up that is expected to be without the gifted Aaron Gillane due to injury.
Gillane's Patrickswell colleagues, Diarmuid Byrnes and Cian Lynch, remain influential figures for Limerick.
Waterford v Tipperary, Azzurri Walsh Park, 4pm
Following first round losses this truly is a massive match for Waterford and Tipperary.
The Deise were gritty throughout against Clare with Stephen Bennett scoring a remarkable 3-12, but the Banner prevailed.
Austin Gleeson's second half cameo augurs well, while Dessie Hutchinson remains a hugely effective performer.
Tipperary, All-Ireland champions in 2025, suffered in the second half against Cork, who dictated the agenda in the third quarter.
Liam Cahill will be hoping for an instant response from Tipperary. Ronan Maher, Oisín O'Donoghue, and Jake Morris enjoyed some good moments against Cork, but this game in Waterford is vital.
