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Preview: Allianz Hurling League Division One Group B

Tony Kelly, Clare, and Walter Walsh, Kilkenny, in Allianz Hurling League action in 2018.

Tony Kelly, Clare, and Walter Walsh, Kilkenny, in Allianz Hurling League action in 2018.

Allianz Hurling League Division One Group B

Saturday February 22

Dublin v Wexford, Croke Park, 5pm

Laois v Carlow, MW Hire O'Moore Park, 7pm

Sunday February 23

Kilkenny v Clare, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm

By Cian O'Connell

It has been a most encouraging start for Clare, who face another demanding assignment against Kilkenny.

Brian Lohan's team have gleaned three wins on the spin with Tony Kelly offering a reminder of his considerable class and quality.

Kilkenny, though, endured a disappointing setback when losing to Wexford ensuring Brian Cody will be hoping for a sharp response.

With a string of Ballyhale Shamrocks and Tullaroan players returning to the fold in recent weeks Kilkenny's options have been bolstered.

On Saturday evening at GAA headquarters the meeting of Dublin and Wexford should be interesting.

Davy Fitzgerald and Mattie Kenny following the 2019 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship clash at Parnell Park.

Davy Fitzgerald and Mattie Kenny following the 2019 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship clash at Parnell Park.

Wexford summoned a brave and purposeful finish to overcome Kilkenny on home turf. The attitude and application augurs well for Wexford, who are also extending the playing options available to Davy Fitzgerald and his selectors.

Since suffering a heavy defeat on the opening weekend, Dublin have registered two victories, but Mattie Kenny will know that a tough test awaits at the Jones Road venue.

A tense derby match is anticipated in Portlaoise on Sunday when both Laois and Carlow seek to open their respective accounts.

Having made such strides in 2019, Eddie Brennan will want Laois to maintain their improvement during the coming weeks and months.

Carlow, though, will also feel that they can collect the full complement of spoils so it ought to be hard fought.

DUBLIN (v Wexford): Seán Brennan; Paddy Smyth, Eoghan O'Donnell, James Madden; Cian O'Callaghan, Daire Gray, Seán Moran; Chris Crummey, Jake Malone; Donal Burke, Rian McBride, John Hetherton; Oisín O'Rorke, Ronan Hayes, David Keogh.

WEXFORD (v Dublin): Mark Fanning; Conor Firman, Liam Ryan, Joe O'Connor; Damien Reck, Paudie Foley, Shaun Murphy; Kevin Foley, Diarmuid O'Keeffe; Aidan Rochford, Aidan Nolan, Jack O'Connor; Paul Morris, Michael Dwyer, Rory O'Connor.

KILKENNY (v Clare): Darren Brennan; Conor Browne, Huw Lawlor, Ciaran Wallace; Conor Delaney, Paddy Deegan, Darren Mullen; Cillian Buckley, Alan Murphy; Adrian Mullen, John Donnelly, Richie Leahy; Billy Ryan, Richie Hogan, Walter Walsh.