It’s the fifth and final round of the Allianz Hurling League this Sunday and here we preview all of the games down for decision.

 

Sunday, March 3rd

Allianz HL Division 1A round 5

Clare v Limerick, Cusack Park, 2pm

This Munster derby comes to Ennis on Sunday afternoon as Clare look to seal a berth in the Division 1 quarter-finals with victory over already qualified Limerick.

The All-Ireland champions still lead the top tier division despite last weekend’s loss to Cork at the Gaelic Grounds and will be eager to make a quick return to winning ways ahead of the knock-out stages.

They’ll have Aaron Gillane back for this one after the sharpshooter missed the three-point defeat to the Rebels having been on Fitzgibbon Cup final duty with Mary I the previous day.

The Banner men, on the other hand, are now set to be without ace inside attacker John Conlon for the league’s remainder due to an ankle injury picked up against Wexford and could be sorely missed by the hosts this weekend.

Verdict: Draw

Cork v Tipperary, Pairc Ui Rinn, 2pm - TG4 (deferred coverage)

Tipperary are in need of a win here for a place in the last eight and head for Pairc Ui Rinn looking to lift themselves off the foot of the Division 1A table in the final round.

The Premier men are 13/10 underdogs to get the job done against a Cork side which defeated league-leaders Limerick last time out off the back of another impressive shooting display from Patrick Horgan.

The Rebels will get their UCC contingent back for this one too and know that a point will see them through to the quarter-finals.

Manager John Meyler highlighted his team’s “character” after the Round 4 win over the All-Ireland champions and we’re expecting their momentum to help carry them over the line here.

Verdict: Cork

Wexford v Kilkenny, Innovate Wexford Park, 2pm

These two are dead even in the table with four points and the same score difference after four rounds and Sunday’s meeting promises another fascinating showdown at Innovate Wexford Park.

Wexford were left to rue what manager Davy Fitzgerald described as “sloppy” goals against Clare last weekend, while Kilkenny managed to leak none against a lethal Tipperary attack.

In the end, a last-gasp point from goalkeeper Eoin Murphy made the difference for the Cats as they edged their old rivals by 0-18 to 0-17 in Thurles and don’t be surprised if the margin is something similar here.

Both these sides can still lose out on a place in the last eight on Sunday and it’s Brian Cody’s men – who are defending champions by the way – that get the nod to shade matters.

Verdict: Kilkenny

Allianz HL Division 1B round 5

Carlow v Offaly, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm

Defeat for Carlow in this one would see them missing out on the quarter-finals despite having gained a shock draw with Galway in the earlier rounds.

Offaly are winless after four rounds but could yet provide a sting in the tail when they go visit the Barrowsiders on Sunday afternoon.

Martin Kavanagh started in Carlow’s draw with Laois last weekend despite injury concerns over their marksmen and his expert shooting should see the hosts through this weekend.

Verdict: Carlow

Dublin v Laois, Parnell Park, 2pm

Dublin are through to the quarter-finals after defeating Waterford in Round 4 and Mattie Kenny will be keen for his players to keep the momentum flowing when Laois visit the capital this weekend.

It was Anthony Nolan’s 78th minute penalty save which sealed the Dubs a thrilling 1-26 to 4-15 victory over the previously-unbeaten Deise men, with Kenny quick to point out afterwards that their main objective with the league was to build for the championship.

His opposite number Eddie Brennan knows that a loss for the O’Moore men and Carlow beating Offaly would mean a relegation play-off with the latter for his side, so it leaves the stakes plenty high for the visitors this weekend.

Verdict: Dublin

Waterford v Galway, Walsh Park, 2pm

Division 1B’s big guns finally cross swords on Sunday at Walsh Park with passage through to the quarter-finals safely secured.

Indeed Waterford and Galway will merely be playing for a high placed finish above the other this weekend, with just a single point separating the sides in the table.

The Tribesmen went experimental against Offaly the last day and won with nine to spare and it’s safe to assume the margin won’t be that wide for them in Round 5.

Verdict: Galway

Allianz HL Division 2A round 5

Antrim v London, Corrigan Park, 1pm

London are fighting for survival in Division 2A and they visit west Belfast on Sunday as 7/1 outsiders with the bookies to spring the upset against Antrim.

The Saffrons can draw level on points with Kerry if they win here and the Kingdom lose out to Meath, but head-to-head confirms the Munster side’s final berth alongside Westmeath regardless.

Verdict: Antrim

Kerry v Meath, Fitzgerald Stadium, 1pm

Kerry head into this one knowing their final slot alongside Westmeath is assured while Meath look to be safe from the drop with three points.

Verdict: Kerry

Westmeath v Mayo, TEG Cusack Park, 1pm

Westmeath host Mayo before playing Kerry in the Division 2A final and the Lake men are whopping 1/50 favourites to maintain their 100 per cent record on Sunday afternoon.

Verdict: Westmeath

Allianz HL Division 2B round 5

Derry v Wicklow, Ballinascreen, 1pm

A win for Wicklow here and Down defeating Kildare would mean the top spots would come down to score difference with Derry and Down currently on +26.

The Garden men make the long trip to Ballinascreen as 6/4 underdogs and would require a 14-point win to make up for their score difference (+12).

Verdict: Derry

Donegal v Warwickshire, Letterkenny, 1pm

Boths sides meet at O'Donnell Park in a dress rehearsal of their relegation play-off next weekend and it's the hosts who are tipped to repeat last year's Nicky Rackard Cup final victory over the Exiles.

Verdict: Donegal

Kildare v Down, Newbridge, 1pm

Kildare must rely on other results to secure a place in the top two, but overall victory against Down is paramount for David Herity’s men this weekend.

It should make for a fascinating showdown at St Conleth’s Park on Sunday.

Verdict: Kildare

Allianz HL Division 3A round 5

Lancashire v Roscommon, Abbottstown, 1pm

Roscommon are already through to the Division 3A final and it’s their opponents Lancashire that require victory by more than four points to keep the heat on Louth in the relegation battle.

Verdict: Roscommon

Louth v Monaghan, Darver, 1pm

A draw will be enough for Louth to secure their Division 3A status for next season, while Monaghan are still within a shout for a final place if they can score a big win here and other results go their way.

Verdict: Monaghan

Tyrone v Armagh, Healy Park, 1pm

Victory for Armagh here will ensure them a final berth alongside Roscommon and we expect the Orchard men to get the job done when they visit Omagh on Sunday.

Verdict: Armagh

Allianz HL Division 3B round 5

Fermanagh v Cavan, Lisbellaw, 1pm

These two neighbouring sides are out of the race for league silverware with the Division 3B final already set in stone and it’s Cavan that get the nod to pick up their second win of the campaign in this dead rubber derby.

Verdict: Cavan

Longford v Sligo, Pearse Park, 1pm

This one’s a dress rehearsal for the Division 3B final as Sligo and Longford both have six points after three rounds with just a single point separating them in score difference.

Verdict: Longford

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