Gaelic Games

NHL previews: Kilkenny poised to spoil Clare’s first home outing as dual champions

League and All-Ireland winners missing up to 10 of their All-Ireland final starters for league opener in Ennis

Cork manager Pat Ryan with Patrick Horgan. The Rebels will be keen to get their league campaign up and running with a victory in Wexford. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Cork manager Pat Ryan with Patrick Horgan. The Rebels will be keen to get their league campaign up and running with a victory in Wexford. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Seán Moran's picture
Seán Moran
Sat Jan 25 2025 - 06:00
Saturday
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Wexford v Cork, Chadwicks Wexford Park 5.0 – Liam Óg McGovern’s retirement was the last thing Keith Rossiter needed to hear given other absentees and injury concerns. Qualifying for the top division was a fair achievement but staying there will be even more demanding. Cork start the season with real prospects and although manager Pat Ryan wasn’t convinced of the need for a big league last year, Clare’s achievement was evidence that some national silverware can have a significant impact but also that it’s possible to give useful experience to up-and-coming panellists. Verdict: Cork

Division One B

Dublin v Antrim Páirc an Chrócaigh 5.15 – No rest for Niall Ó Ceallacháin. Within a week of taking Na Fianna to the All-Ireland with a sensational display, he’s back at Croke Park in his capacity as Dublin manager. The mood is upbeat even though Eoghan O’Donnell has been lost to the footballers but David Fitzgerald, getting the hang of the Antrim job, would love a win here. Verdict: Dublin

Offaly v Carlow, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 2.0 – Last year Carlow gave a good account of themselves in the Leinster championship, to which Offaly this year return after a gap of six years. Their dazzling under-20s are maturing and they had some good results in last year’s league. A good start will be important. Verdict: Offaly

Fionán Mackessy in action for Kerry against Wexford. He has made the switch to Kilkenny and lines out at wing back for the Cats against Clare in Ennis. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho
Fionán Mackessy in action for Kerry against Wexford. He has made the switch to Kilkenny and lines out at wing back for the Cats against Clare in Ennis. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho
Sunday
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Clare v Kilkenny, Cusack Park, Ennis 2.0 [TG4 deferred broadcast] – The All-Ireland champions come into this fairly understrength missing, as manager Brian Lohan points out, 10 of their All-Ireland starters. Winning last year’s league was achieved along with some useful game time for panellists and newcomers so more of the same beckons. A fair bit of rain has fallen but there is confidence that the match goes ahead. Kilkenny arrive in more recognisable form with nearly all of the All-Ireland semi-final team from when the counties met last July – Eoin Murphy, TJ Reid and John Donnelly the most obvious absentees. Fionán Mackessy completes the transition from Kerry and lines out at wing back. It’s a big event for Clare in their first match as champions but they may be missing a few too many. Verdict: Kilkenny

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Galway v Tipperary, Pearse Stadium, Salthill 3.45 [Live TG4] – Two teams rehabbing after ghastly seasons last year. Micheál Donoghue’s return is clearly intended to be a medium- to long-term refit although he will be glad that veteran David Burke has returned. Tipperary are in much the same position and manager Liam Cahill has been giving game time to a variety of younger players, such as Darragh McCarthy and Mikey Corcoran in preseason challenges. It’s a difficult time for rebuilding with the reformed league so strong. Verdict: Galway