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Hurling

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Preview: Weekend's Leinster and Munster SHC action

Brian Cody and Henry Shefflin following the 2015 All Ireland SHC Final at Croke Park.

Brian Cody and Henry Shefflin following the 2015 All Ireland SHC Final at Croke Park.

Sunday May 1

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship

Galway v Kilkenny, Pearse Stadium, 2pm

Laois v Wexford, MW Hire O'Moore Park, 2.30pm

Westmeath v Dublin, TEG Cusack Park, 3pm

There will be no shortage of sub plots at Pearse Stadium on Sunday when Galway and Kilkenny collide.

The Henry Shefflin and Brian Cody factor has dominated much of the pre match discourse.

What happens between the white lines, though, carries deep importance because both Galway and Kilkenny want to secure the full complement of spoils.

With victories over Westmeath and Laois posted, Kilkenny's campaign enters a crucial phase.

Padraig Walsh has made a real impression in attack with TJ Reid nailing 0-10 in the Laois triumph.

Galway's draw with Wexford was followed up by an emphatic win over Westmeath, but a home loss would leave them under severe pressure.

Conor Whelan remains a significant doubt for Galway which is a key issue considering how integral the Kinvara clubman is for the Tribesmen.

Dublin manager Mattie Kenny.

Dublin manager Mattie Kenny.

In Mullingar, Mattie Kenny's Dublin will be eager to claim a third win on the spin.

Killian Doyle was accurate for Westmeath against Galway, but the midlanders still suffered a heavy loss.

Dublin, injected with confidence following a victory over Wexford, will hope Donal Burke can maintain his excellent form.

At MW Hire O'Moore Park Wexford need to secure a victory against Laois.

Darragh Egan's charges only managed to take one point from two home fixtures so the upcoming away assignments are loaded with importance.

Rory O'Connor and Conor McDonald have demonstrated their ability, while Lee Chin could also be set for inclusion from the start.

Defeats to Dublin and Kilkenny hurt Laois, who will be looking to PJ Scully and Paddy Purcell for leadership.

Shane O'Donnell impressed for Clare against Tipperary.

Shane O'Donnell impressed for Clare against Tipperary.

Munster Senior Hurling Championship

Cork v Clare, FBD Semple Stadium, 2pm

Suddenly all sorts of possibilities exist for Clare.

A stirring win over Tipperary in Thurles means Brian Lohan's outfit return to the same venue heartened.

For Cork a critical contest beckons, especially following the disappointing loss to Limerick at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Shane Kingston's early goal and a good start to the second half briefly illustrated Cork's potential, but Limerick were far too strong.

That will surely spark a reaction from Cork, who will need to deal with a pacy Clare attack.

Tony Kelly mined 1-7 against Tipp, while Peter Duggan and Ian Galvin also motored well.

Shane O'Donnell dashed about craving involvement too so how Cork approach this match will be worth monitoring.