Offaly hurling manager Michael Fennelly.
Joe McDonagh Cup
Saturday April 30
Antrim v Carlow, Corrigan Park, 12.30pm
Kerry v Meath, Austin Stack Park, 1pm
Sunday May 1
Down v Offaly, Ballycran, 1pm
It has been a rewarding start to the Joe McDonagh Cup for Darren Gleeson's Antrim.
Saturday's home tussle against Carlow will be another attractive fixture at Corrigan Park.
In Ballycran Antrim struck 6-22 against Down with Conal Cunning, Ciaran Clarke, and Seaan Elliott contributing handsomely.
Carlow endured a disappointing 3-21 to 0-15 home loss against Kerry.
Marty Kavanagh and Chris Nolan did carry a threat in attack, but Carlow will be hoping to produce a much improved display in Belfast.
Padraig Boyle, Shane Conway, and Niall Mulcahy inspired Kerry to an emphatic win over Carlow.
Kerry hurling manager Stephen Molumphy.
Now Stephen Molumphy's team face a crucial match against Meath, who were beaten by Offaly last weekend.
Not even the brilliance of Jack Regan, who scored 0-14 for Meath, could deny the Faithful.
Michael Fennelly's side make the trip to Ballycran on Sunday.
Eoghan Cahill and David Nally have impressed so far for Offaly, who know a second win in a row would leave them in a healthy position ahead of the closing rounds.
It has been an encouraging stint for Down, though, and they will want to respond following the Antrim reversal.
For Down, Daithi Sands is an effective corner forward, capable of delivering scores.
