Here are our previews for the 12 senior hurling fixtures taking place around the country this weekend.
 

Saturday, May 21st

Leinster SHC quarter-final

Dublin v Wexford, Croke Park, 7.15pm

The first of this year's All-Ireland SHC provincial quarter-finals get underway on Saturday when Dublin take on Wexford at Croke Park. In what is the fourth Leinster championship meeting in four seasons between these two sides, the Dubs are priced 1/3 favourites after having defeated the Slayneysiders in 2014 and 2013 (after a replay). Ger Cunningham's side scored some notable wins during their league campaign in the top tier and will again look to the likes of Eamonn Dillon, Mark Schutte and the recently returned Ryan O'Dwyer to inflict damage on the Slayneysiders. Likewise, the men from the Model County will need ace marksman Conor McDonald to be on top form, and plenty of back up alongside him, if they are to upset 3/1 odds at HQ.

Verdict: Dublin

Christy Ring Cup semi-final

Antrim v Down, Loughgiel, 3.30pm

Down's form has been impressive since the start of 2016 and Saturday sees them come up against their toughest test thus far this season. The Saffrons have been rejuvenated since new management came in after the league and will be fancied to oust their fellow Ulster men with home advantage. 

Verdict: Antrim

Christy Ring Cup relegation play-off

Derry v Wicklow, Pairc Esler, 3.30pm

Saturday sees Wicklow journey to Newry in a bid to maintain their status in hurling's second tier, with fellow strugglers Derry in the same boat. The Oak Leafers have had some improved display's in the competition from their league campaign, which suggests they could edge things here.

Verdict: Derry

Nicky Rackard Cup semi-finals

Donegal v Mayo, Letterkenny, 3.30pm

Donegal had a score to spare over Monaghan in their quarter-final victory, while Mayo's form has stayed hot since the league's conclusion. We fancy the Connacht men on Saturday.

Verdict: Mayo

Fingal v Armagh, Naomh Barrog, 3.30pm

Ryan Gaffney and Declan Coulter were on fire for Armagh against Longford last time out and Fingal will need to ensure they don't run riot again when they welcome the Orchard men to the capital this weekend.

Verdict: Armagh

Nicky Rackard Cup relegation play-off

Tyrone v Fermanagh, Dungannon, 7pm

Saturday's Ulster derby in Dungannon sees Tyrone and Fermanagh fighting for their lives in the Nicky Rackard Cup and going by form you'd have to fancy the home side to get the job done.

Verdict: Tyrone

Lory Meagher Cup round 5

Sligo v Leitrim, Markievicz Park, 2.30pm

Sligo's form in the competition thus far this summer sees them leading the pack and will be raging hot favourites when neighbours Leitrim come to visit on Saturday.

Verdict: Sligo

Warwickshire v Lancashire, Pairc na hEireann, 2.30pm

A battle of the exiles and anything but a Warwickshire win in Birmingham would be a major shock, going by respective performances so far.

Verdict: Warwickshire

 

Sunday, May 22nd

Munster SHC quarter-final

Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium, 4pm

The battle down south gets underway this weekend when Tipperary and Cork kick off the race for the Munster Cup in Thurles. Tipp have edged the great rivalry between these two counties in recent times, winning six of their last seven meetings since 2007 and Michael Ryan's team are priced as 4/11 favourites to continue that trend on Sunday. The most recent meeting back in March saw the Premier men stroll to a 2-27 to 2-15 win off the back of a dominant second-half display at Semple Stadium. Rebels boss Kieran Kingston will have to make do without captain Stephen McDonnell but otherwise reports a clean bill of health for this one. Should the Leesiders cause an upset then they'll have to limit the chances that the likes of John O'Dwyer and Seamus Callanan will surely take if presented with on the big stage. The winners here face Limerick in the last four on June 19th.

Verdict: Tipperary

Leinster SHC round 3

Carlow v Westmeath, Netwatch Cullen Park, 3pm

Westmeath's place in the quarter-finals is guaranteed after having won their opening two games, while Carlow are on the opposite end of the spectrum with no way through. It leaves Sunday's meeting at Netwatch Cullen Park as somewhat of a dead rubber affair and going on recent evidence, you'd have to fancy the Lake men to keep up their winning ways.

Verdict: Westmeath

Offaly v Kerry, O'Connor Park, 3pm

It's winner takes all in this one as Offaly and Kerry battle it out in Tullamore for a place in the Leinster SHC quarter-finals. Both sides are dead even on two points each after losing to Westmeath and defeating Carlow and home advantage on Sunday sees the Faithful men as 8/15 favourites with the bookies. When these two teams met in the league in March it was Ciaran Carey's side that edged a 2-18 to 2-17 win in Birr, marking Kerry's first win over Offaly since 1957. The stakes will be much higher this weekend though and should Shane Dooley and Joe Bergin step up to the plate for the hosts then the Midlanders could restore order.

Verdict: Offaly

Christy Ring Cup semi-final

Kildare v Meath, Newbridge, 2.30pm

The winners here take on either Antrim or Down in next month's Christy Ring Cup final and Kildare's form as of late sees them get the nod to advance over the Royals and reach the same stage they competed on in 2014. 

Verdict: Kildare

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