(All matches 3.00)

Today

Division One A

Clare v Kerry, Cusack Park - A Reminder of one of the two great days Kerry hurling enjoyed in the 1990s. In the county's only season in the top eight, Kerry opened the 1995-96 Church & General NHL with a win over Clare, the recently-crowned All-Ireland champions. Then as now, Clare fielded an experimental side but unlike this afternoon, the experiment was a consequence of the need to cobble together a side after an epic summer. Today's selection is intended to give some of the hungrier young items in the Munster champions' panel a gallop. Kerry will be anxious to build on the heartening championship display against Waterford last summer. Whereas the more experienced Clare players are being given the opportunity of an extended rest until next month - and the St Joseph's contingent is otherwise engaged this weekend - a home win remains the likely outcome.

Tomorrow

Division One A

Limerick v Antrim, Gaelic Grounds, 2.0 - TWO teams who have a lot to do this League. The Ulster champions have been disappointing in recent years whereas Limerick are addressing some serious re-building. Seamus Elliott is the new Antrim manager, a reasonable appointment given the exploits of his club side Dunloy in recent club championships. Eamonn Cregan answers speculation about Mike Houlihan moving to full back by naming the Kilmallock man at full forward. Most home attention will focus on the youngsters in the full-back line and at corner forward - Begley, Geary and Butler. Antrim are fired up for what would be a surprise but Limerick get the nod.

Division One B

Cork v Kilkenny, Pairc Ui Rinn - BOTH teams are looking for a greater depth in their panel strengths and despite Kilkenny's status as Leinster champions and All-Ireland finalists, Cork look further down that road with twice-victorious under-21s coming on board. Kilkenny give DJ Carey a spin at centrefield in a career move reminiscent of Michael Cleary's later years in Tipperary. Henry Shefflin, a strapping youngster, could be a significant physical acquisition for Kilkenny's attack if he takes to the senior stage a little more confidently than some of his wunderkind predecessors. In the meantime, the home team are taken to get their title defence off to a positive start.

Laois v Wexford, Rathdowney, 2.0 - ALTHOUGH it was only the Walsh Cup and Laois were playing a shadow Offaly team, both of tomorrow's adversaries had impressive wins in the Leinster competition's semi-finals a fortnight ago. Wexford's long-term injury-list is clearing with Gary Laffan's comeback under way and Liam Dunne's about to commence. Martin Storey is also on the mend after his Christmas motor accident. Darragh Ryan has been making a good impression at centre back and the team looks strong throughout. Laois continue their momentum under Padraig Horan and have their best chance in a while of settling a long-standing jinx against Wexford.

Waterford v Down, Dungarvan, 2.0 - Waterford's fairly strong selection should start the season on the right note.