Galway manager Micheal Donoghue and Wexford boss Davy Fitzgerald following the 2017 Leinster SHC Final at Croke Park.
Saturday May 25
Joe McDonagh Cup
Westmeath v Kerry, TEG Cusack Park, 3pm
Killian Doyle inspired Westmeath to an emphatic win over Offaly in their first Joe McDonagh Cup fixture last Saturday.
This repeat of the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A decider promises to be lively because Kerry need to respond following a heavy defeat away to Antrim.
That was a blow for Fintan O'Connor's charges, who inevitably will look to UCC's Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup winner, Shane Conway, for inspiration.
In the 2A decider Westmeath defended with admirable determination throughout which delighted manager Joe Quaid.
Having contested the 2018 final in the Joe McDonagh Cup, Westmeath are intent on making another appearance at Croke Park.
A second win on the trot would leave the midlanders' in a very healthy position, but Kerry will be primed for this clash.
Michael O'Leary, Kerry, and Darragh Egerton, Westmeath, during the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A Final at Cusack Park.
Sunday May 26
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
Galway v Wexford, Pearse Stadium, 4pm
Sean Moran's last gasp goal from a free at Parnell Park brought some Leinster Championship drama to Parnell Park.
Wexford had staged a gutsy fightback to hit the front in the closing stages so it was a strange finish for Davy Fitzgerald's.
Now the challenge is to reset and refocus quickly for a trip to Salthill for a game against 2017 All Ireland champions Galway.
Injuries to key players have disturbed Galway's preparations, but the recent return to the county of Joseph Cooney and Johnny Glynn is a boost.
Manager Micheal Donoghue experimented throughout the Allianz Hurling League affording chances to emerging young players in an effort to improve the depth of the Galway panel.
A similar approach was adopted by Fitzgerald, who is adamant that Wexford can make further progress in 2019.
This tussle in the west should be an interesting game because whoever loses will be in some difficulty with tough remaining fixtures to play.
Galway face two awkward away trips to Kilkenny and Dublin so it is vital that two points are added to the account. Wexford, though, will also feel that a real scalp can be taken.
GALWAY: Colm Callanan; Jack Grealish, Daithi Burke, Aidan Harte; Padraic Mannion, Gearoid McInerney, Kevin Hussey; Johnny Coen, David Burke; Cathal Mannion, Niall Burke, Jason Flynn; Conor Whelan, Conor Cooney, Brian Concannon.
