Prolific Cork forward Patrick Horgan in Allianz Hurling League action.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A
Saturday March 5
Wexford v Offaly, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm
Cork v Galway, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7pm
Sunday March 6
Clare v Limerick, Cusack Park, 1.45pm
These are encouraging times for Cork, who have made a satisfactory start to the Allianz Hurling League.
A comprehensive win over Limerick was another significant boost for Kieran Kingston's outfit, who host Galway under the Páirc Uí Chaoimh lights on Saturday evening.
Scoring 2-19 against the All Ireland champions was the latest encouraging sign for Cork with Darragh Fitzgibbon in splendid form.
Having impressed in wins over Offaly and Limerick, Galway endured a disappointing loss in Salthill against Wexford.
Henry Shefflin will certainly be demanding a considerable improvement from Galway, who were subdued in the Wexford encounter.
The manner in which Wexford's mixture of emerging and established players are faring is delighting Darragh Egan.
Teenager Oisín Pepper blasted the decisive goal in the Galway success with a raft of Keith Rossiter's U20 panel being afforded opportunities at the highest level.
Promising Wexford forward Oisín Pepper.
That bodes well for Wexford, who were able to prevail in the west without some key performers.
Egan will be looking for another crafty display when Offaly visit Chadwicks Wexford Park.
It has been a demanding league campaign for Offaly, but Michael Fennelly's team are learning valuable lessons ahead of the Joe McDonagh Cup.
Every Clare and Limerick tussle is worth monitoring with Sunday's encounter in Ennis set to be lively.
Tony Kelly's remarkable 2-12 haul guided Clare to a comfortable victory over Offaly, but Limerick will make the short journey to Cusack Park intent on claiming points.
Defeats to Wexford, Galway, and Cork ensure that John Kiely's side will be primed for this derby fixture.
Waterford hurling manager Liam Cahill.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group B
Saturday March 5
Dublin v Kilkenny, Parnell Park, 5pm
Sunday March 6
Waterford v Tipperary, Walsh Park, 1.45pm
Laois v Antrim, MW Hire O'Moore Park, 3.45pm
With five points accumulated from three matches, Dublin's steady opening to the league is worthy of the utmost respect.
Mattie Kenny's panel left Thurles heartened after taking the Tipperary scalp, but another one of the bluebloods will supply a severe test at Parnell Park.
It should be an intriguing affair at the Donnycarney venue with Kilkenny manager Brian Cody offer plenty of promising players chances to shine in the competition.
Either side of a defeat to Tipperary, Kilkenny claimed wins over Antrim and Laois. The next few weeks will be revealing for Kilkenny and this match should be hard fought and physical.
Waterford and Tipperary collide in the Munster Championship next month too.
That is another subplot to Sunday's game with Liam Cahill's team motoring smoothly.
Tipperary hurling manager Colm Bonnar.
Hope is attached to the Waterford challenge this year with Cahill's options increasing.
Considering the high profile recent retirements Tipperary's campaign was always going to be awkward.
Colm Bonnar's side did well to beat Kilkenny, but the defeat to Dublin was a setback.
Unearthing some more players ahead of the Championship is one of the chief objectives for Tipperary during the remainder of the league.
Laois and Antrim have produced gutsy displays, particularly the Saffrons, but avoiding relegation is the aim.
Sunday's match at Portlaoise is hugely important for Seamus 'Cheddar' Plunkett and Darren Gleeson.
Allianz Hurling League Division 2A
Sunday March 6
Kerry v Meath, Austin Stack Park, 1pm
Westmeath v Down, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm
Kildare v Carlow, St Conleth's Park, 2pm
