Saturday sees 10 hurling championship games taking place around the country as the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cup competitions get underway. Here are our previews:

Saturday, April 23rd

Christy Ring Cup round 1

Antrim v Kildare, Parnell Park, 1pm

A turbulent league campaign led to PJ O'Mullan's resignation as Antrim manager earlier this month, but the general feeling is that the new interim management of Terence McNaughton, Dominic McKinley, Gary O'Kane and Neal Peden can steady the ship and guide the Saffrons to a win here.

Verdict: Antrim
 

Meath v Wicklow, Trim, 3.30pm

Both theses sides finished dead even on points in the league and home advantage could well make the difference for the Royals when all is said and done.

Verdict: Meath
 

Down v London, Ballycran, 2pm

London head for Ballycran looking to inflict Down with their second defeat of the season after the Mourne men's impressive league campaign which saw them top Division 2B.

Verdict: Down
 

Roscommon v Derry, Athleague, 3.30pm

Derry lost all five of their league outings and will need to turn things around considerably this weekend if they are to mount another run like last year, which saw them losing to Kerry in Croke Park on final day. The momentum is undoubtedly with the Rossies, but this one is set to be their biggest test of 2016 to date.

Verdict: Derry

 

Nicky Rackard Cup round 1
 

Fermanagh v Monaghan, Brewster Park, 3.30pm

It's an Ulster derby in Enniskillen, where the Farney men will be fancied to do the business against the winners from Division 3B.

Verdict: Monaghan
 

Armagh v Donegal, Athletic Grounds 3.30pm

Armagh won the Division 2B title at the end of last month, while Donegal lost every game they played in the same section. A home win looks to be on the cards here.

Verdict: Donegal
 

Tyrone v Mayo, Carrickmore, 3.30pm

Mayo journey north looking to get their championship campaign off to a winning start and they'll need a strong performance if they're to see off Tyrone in Carrickmore.

Verdict: Mayo

 

Fingal v Longford, Naomh Barrog, 3.30pm

Fingal and Longford meet out by Kilbarrack on Saturday afternoon and the Midlanders will have their work cut out for them if they are to cause an upset against the capital men.  

Verdict: Fingal

 

Lory Meagher Cup round 1
 

Louth v Sligo, Darver, 2.30pm

Louth held their own in Division 3A this season and you'd expect the men from the Wee County to have enough for Sligo in their own back yard.

Verdict: Louth
 

Leitrim v Warwickshire, Ballinamore, 2pm

Warwickshire were the whipping boys of Division 3A, while Leitrim lost two of their three outings in the lower section, which makes this one too tough to call.

Verdict: Draw

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