Peter Duggan in action during Clare's 2018 Munster Senior Hurling Championship victory over Tipperary at Semple Stadium.
Sunday January 13
Co-op Superstores Munster Hurling League Final
Clare v Tipperary, Gaelic Grounds, 2pm
Several sub plots exist, but one of the chief talking points is that Clare and Tipperary collide again on the opening evening of the Allianz Hurling League.
That is the January encounter carrying the most importance for Clare and Tipperary, but this clash shouldn't lack bite or bark.
Liam Sheedy's return as Tipperary manager has increased interest and the expectations remain high for the blue and gold brigade.
That is just the way it is with the goal laden wins over Limerick and Kerry supplying some cheer with Seamus Callanan's accuracy at the Gaelic Grounds noteworthy.
Clare, though, did what was required beating Cork before surviving a spirited late Waterford revival last weekend.
How Donal Moloney and Gerry O'Connor's team hurled in the first half, though, was what provided most of the Banner encouragement.
Bord Na Mona Walsh Cup Semi-Finals
Wexford v Kilkenny, Enniscorthy, 2pm
This is a proper rivalry again as Davy Fitzgerald has Wexford trading at the top table once more.
Perhaps the greatest sign of Wexford's development is that an All Ireland Quarter-Final exit was viewed as a real disappointment.
Davy Fitzgerald and Brian Cody shake hands at Nowlan Park following an exciting Leinster Senior Hurling Championship encounter in June, 2018.
Losing to Clare at Pairc Ui Chaoimh hurt Wexford deeply, but the players went on a road trip to convince Fitzgerald to stay.
In 2018 Brian Cody introduced emerging talent to the Kilkenny senior ranks and that process is expected to continue.
Dublin v Galway, Parnell Park, 2pm
It was a satisfactory group phase for Dublin as Mattie Kenny's charges chalked up wins over Carlow, Offaly, and Laois.
That Kenny afforded developing players an opportunity to shine added to the sense of satisfaction, but this game against his native Galway should be a decent test.
John Hetherton has impressed thus far, while Eamonn Dillon's availability is another plus for Dublin, who are busy preparing for a vital campaign.
Micheal Donoghue's Galway are likely to experiment also at the Donnycarney venue with a raft of key players unavailable due to club commitments with St Thomas' and Oranmore-Maree.
