Allianz Hurling League 2014 Launched

The 2014 Allianz Hurling League is set for a spectacular launch this weekend with the clash of Clare and Kilkenny in Ennis among several highlights of a fascinating first round.

Cusack Park is certain to be thronged on Sunday for the eagerly-awaited meeting between Clare, the reigning All-Ireland champions, and Kilkenny, the Allianz League (Division 1) title holders. Clare had to survive a relegation play-off against Cork to remain in 1A last spring before going on to win the All-Ireland title in spectacular circumstances.

Kilkenny were very impressive winners of the Allianz League title in May 2013 but struggled in the championship before losing the All-Ireland title when they were beaten by Cork in the quarter-final. Next Sunday's clash has all the ingredients for a real thriller as Brian Cody goes head to head with Davy Fitzgerald in a tactical showdown. Kilkenny beat Clare by 3-10 to 1-15 in last year's Allianz League.

There are other major attractions too, starting on Saturday when Munster champions, Limerick visit Páirc Ui Rinn to take on All-Ireland runners-up, Cork. Former St.Finbarr's and Cork clubmates, Donal O'Grady and Jimmy-Barry Murphy will be in direct opposition as Limerick and Cork bosses in a game which is likely to have a major bearing on the eventual shape of the Division 1B table. Cork and Limerick did not meet in last year's Allianz League (Cork were in 1A, Limerick in 1B) but Limerick won convincingly in the Munster final.

Saturday also hosts the clash of last year's Division 1 runners-up, Tipperary and Waterford who meet in Semple Stadium. Waterford beat Tipperary by 1-14 to 0-16 in last year's Allianz League. On Sunday, Pearse Stadium will host a repeat of last year's Leinster final when Dublin take on Galway. Dublin easily beat Galway in last year's Leinster final but the sides did not meet in the Allianz League as they were in different divisions.

Commenting at the launch of the Allianz Leagues Brendan Murphy, CEO Allianz, said:

"The Allianz Hurling Leagues have gone from strength to strength over the 22 years that we've been involved and the level of intensity and talent on display year in year out never ceases to amaze us.This was certainly true last year with plenty of games keeping us on the edge of our seats and particularly last year's Division 1A final in a packed Nowlan Park when Kilkenny claimed their 16th Allianz League title, beating Tipperary in a seriously entertaining encounter. I have no doubt that the 2014 season promises plenty more excitement and entertainment."

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam O'Neill said:

"Rarely, if ever, have hurling supporters looked forward to the start of a season with such enthusiasm and excitement and it's not hard to understand why after the year that was 2013.

"Last year's Allianz League final at Nowlan Park was an occasion to remember capping an excellent competition but quality displays were not restricted to the top flight with both Dublin and Limerick underlining the strength of 1B as the year unfolded.

"It will be interesting to follow the fortunes of defending champions Kilkenny and also to see if the emergence of fresh contenders continues over what will no doubt be hugely entertaining league campaigns."

It's the start of a very busy period, leading to knock-out stages in late March. The Division 1 format has been changed this year so that the top four teams in Divisions 1A and 1B reach the quarter-finals with the pairings as follows: Top 1A v 4th 1B: Runners-up 1A v 3rd 1B: 3rd 1A v 2nd 1B; 4th 1A v Top 1B.

Photo: In attendance at the launch of the 2014 Allianz Hurling Leagues are Kilkenny's Tommy Walsh, left, and Clare's Pádraic Collins with the Allianz League Division 1A trophy. The opening weekend of the Allianz Hurling League will see the current Division 1A champions Kilkenny take on the All-Ireland title holders Clare in Cusack Park, Ennis, on Sunday. Croke Park, Dublin.