Offaly's Ben Conneely pictured beside the Joe McDonagh Cup this month.
Joe McDonagh Cup
Saturday April 23
Carlow v Kerry, Netwatch Cullen Park, 1pm
Offaly v Meath, O'Connor Park, 2pm
Sunday April 24
Down v Antrim, Ballycran, 2pm
Crucial matches arrive thick and fast in the Joe McDonagh with three attractive fixtures scheduled for the weekend.
Having suffered a defeat last Saturday, Kerry want an improved display at Netwatch Cullen Park against Carlow, who made a blistering start to the competition.
Carlow scored 4-30 when defeating Meath at Páirc Tailteann with Marty Kavanagh, Seán Murphy, Chris Nolan, Kevin McDonald, and Conor Kehoe prominent.
Fiachra Fitzpatrick also made a significant contribution for Carlow, who will afford Kerry the utmost respect.
Losing to Down in Tralee was a blow for Kerry, who continue to be inspired by Shane Conway.
At O'Connor Park Offaly and Meath will both be eager to summon a response following opening day reversals.
Antrim edged out Offaly at the end of a thrilling tussle at Corrigan Park, but Michael Fennelly's charges had plenty of encouraging moments.
Antrim manager Darren Gleeson.
The prolific Eoghan Cahill finished with a 0-14 haul, while David Nally struck 1-3 for the Faithful.
Jack Regan continues to impress for Meath, who know that another defeat so early in the group will have serious implications.
Optimism surrounds the fortunes of Down and Antrim hurlers, who commenced with victories on Saturday.
This Sunday's Ballycran encounter should be a lively affair, especially considering Down's dramatic improvement in recent years.
Winning in Tralee illustrated Down's development as Paul Sheehan and Daithí Sands nailed vital scores during the triumph.
Darren Gleeson's work with Antrim means the Saffrons are a respected outfit and they eked out a narrow win over Offaly on home turf.
Conal Cunning, Conor Johnston, Conor McCann, and Ciarán Clarke contributed handsomely for Antrim, who will be primed for a battle.
