Clonmel 1650, pure Irish lager, has teamed up with GAA stars, JJ Delaney and Diarmuid O'Sullivan to bring hurling fans live commentary, analysis and opinion on all the Championship games through their 'Moments of the Championship' campaign. Follow @clonmel1650 and #Clonmel1650hurling

While the Leinster final is the big hurling fixture this weekend, there are also four do-or-die All-Ireland first round qualifiers down for decision.

JJ Delaney doesn't hold fond memories of the last Leinster final meeting of Kilkenny and Galway in 2012 (the Tribesmen romped to a 2-21 to 2-11 victory), but is nevertheless confident the Cats will be able to turn the tables.

"Kilkenny were very impressive against Wexford the last day, so expectations are high for Sunday," the nine-time All-Ireland winning defender says.

"But there is a fair bit of pressure on Galway as well after their big wins over Dublin (replay) and Laois. They've had more game-time than Kilkenny and that has to be worth something to them.

"It's going to be a massive battle around the middle third. Galway are packing that area by bringing their half forward line back, and it remains to be seen if the Kilkenny half back line will follow them.

"It has the makings of a great game, but I'm hoping Kilkenny's experience will get them over the line. They will be looking to go for the jugular early on like they did against Wexford, but I'd still expect it to go down to the wire and there won't be any more than four or five points in it at the finish."

Unimpressed with the fare of a fortnight ago when three very one-sided provincial semi-finals were played out, Diarmuid O'Sullivan is hoping Sunday's big showdown will finally bring the championship to life.

"This could be the game that will set the summer alight," the former Cork full back says.

"Let's face it, the championship has been disappointing so far, but that could all change at Croke Parkthis weekend. Both teams are bang-in-form and have a lot of talent. I didn't fancy Galway at the start of the championship, but their performance in the replay against Dublin made everyone sit up and take notice. Young Cathal Mannion scored a hat-trick of goals in the first 11 minutes and he will take a lot of watching.

"History and tradition would make you side with Kilkenny, but you could also make a very good case for Galway. Kilkenny were at their devastating best against Wexford and all of the newcomers did really well. Ger Aylward grabbed his chance with both hands by scoring 3-5. His impact once again highlighted the strength in depth in Kilkenny. They have players for every position."

Three of the four All-Ireland qualifiers throw in at 7pm tomorrow. Clare host Offaly in Ennis, Laois welcome Dublin to O'Moore Park and Wexford are at home to Cork.

"It's very hard go against Clare," JJ says of the Banner's meeting with Offaly.

"Their reaction to the Limerick defeat will be interesting to see. Colm Galvin is back from Boston and I'm sure we'll see him at some stage. Brendan Bugler is also back from suspension. Offaly were very disappointing against Laois, so they need to go down to Cusack Park and put in a performance. They are a proud county, but this could be a bridge too far for them."

'The Rock' can't see past Davy Fitzgerald's charges either.

"It's a shame to see Offaly where they are. This would have been a huge fixture 15 years ago. Colm Galvin is back for Clare and they should come through with plenty to spare," he predicts.

If there is to be an upset this weekend, Delaney believes it could come in the Laois v Dublin game.

"Peter Kelly is still out with a hamstring and that's a big blow to Dublin," he opines.

"Moving Liam Rushe back to centre back would be a wise move at this stage because I think it's his best position. Both teams will have been bitterly disappointed with how they played against Galway and will be eager to bounce back. Laois don't fear Dublin and are difficult to beat in Portlaoise. They've had a good year overall and will give Dublin a right rattle."

Having spent a couple of days this week in the company of Danny Sutcliffe at the recording of the GAA/GPA Freestyle Hurling "I am Hurling" advert in Co. Antrim, Diarmuid is very much aware of how seriously Dublin are treating this game.

"Danny is under no illusions about the task facing the Dubs," he explains.

"There is a lot of pressure on them and their manager Ger Cunningham after the beating they took from Galway. Galway also blew Laois away. It was a timid enough effort from Laois considering how well they had played against Offaly in the previous round. This is a must, must win game for Dublin and I think they will prevail by eight-to-10 points."

JJ is really looking forward to the Wexford v Cork clash at Innovate Wexford Park, which he will be covering for Sky Sports.

"It's 50/50 - I wouldn't be putting money on either team," he says.

"It's crazy to think that one of these teams will be out of the championship in the first week of July. The early goals killed Wexford against Kilkenny, but this is a good game for Liam Dunne to refocus minds. This time last year Wexford's season really kicked off. If they get off to a good start, the crowd will get behind them and that will make it difficult for Cork.

"Apart from the first 20 minutes, Cork were disappointing against Waterford. You always felt that Waterford were going to come out on top. Cork have had a terrible year with injuries and Shane O'Neill will be a big loss. Their forwards will need to up their work-rate and intensity. If they don't, it will be a short summer for Cork."

O'Sullivan admits he's nervous about which Wexford will turn up.

"There's always a big game in Wexford. They're always capable of pulling out a big performance and I'm obviously hoping it won't come on Saturday night.

"It's a very difficult game for Cork. Going to Wexford Park is never easy. The only tougher draw they could have got was Dublin in Parnell Park.

"Cork will be missing Shane O'Neill and Luke O'Farrell, who is suspended. Apart from Pa Cronin, the attack failed to spark against Waterford. It's going to be all hands to the pump. If Cork can come out with a one or two-point win, I'll be happy. But they will need to do a professional job."

Unsurprisingly, both JJ and Diarmuid are going for a Limerick win over Westmeath in the fourth of the weekend's qualifiers in Mullingar on Sunday.

JJ comments: "It's a great game for Westmeath and they won't make it easy for Limerick. But Limerick need to get back to winning ways after their heavy defeat by Tipperary and they should pull away in the last 20 minutes."

Diarmuid says: "Limerick will be raging hot favourites and I expect them to win comfortably in the end. Westmeath are missing Eoin Price through injury and that won't help their cause at all."

Clonmel 1650, pure Irish lager, has teamed up with GAA stars, JJ Delaney and Diarmuid O'Sullivan to bring hurling fans live commentary, analysis and opinion on all the Championship games through their 'Moments of the Championship' campaign. Follow @clonmel1650 and #Clonmel1650hurling

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