There are a further 12 hurling matches down for decision over the weekend as four All-Ireland championships resume.

Saturday 29 April
Christy Ring Cup round 2A

Antrim v Down, Cushendall, 2pm

An all-Ulster clash here as title favourites Antrim look to impress against a Down side that struggled to overcome Roscommon in round one.

Down's reliance on Paul Sheehan from frees was evident as he hit 0-15 from placed balls last weekend and if Antrim can keep the free count down, then it is hard to see where their opponents' scores will come from.

Antrim's win over Carlow was a real confidence boost and they are strong favourites at 1/12 to advance to the knockout stages.

Verdict: Antrim

Kildare v Wicklow, Newbridge, 3pm

Kildare almost got a rude awakening in the opening round when they left it very late to snatch a one-point win over Mayo last weekend.

Manager Joe Quaid was far from happy with the performance of his charges in that game and has stressed that a big improvement is needed.

Wicklow go into the game having defeated London last weekend and when you have the likes of Christy Moorehouse and Andy O'Brien in your forward line, then you always have to give them a chance.

Verdict: Kildare

Christy Ring Cup round 2B

Carlow v Mayo, Netwatch Cullen Park, 3pm

The Barrowsiders will be bitterly disappointed to have lost out to Antrim but will have been pleased to get a home draw.

Denis Murphy's haul of 0-16 against the Ulster side shows that Carlow are not reliant on just Marty Kavanagh for scores.

Mayo pushed Kildare all the way last weekend, and their 'reward' for that is this clash. They will be looking for another good performance however, it is hard to see anything other than a home win.

Verdict: Carlow

Roscommon v London, Dr Hyde Park, 6pm

London were left reeling from their defeat to Wicklow and manager Fergus McMahon will be looking for a response on Saturday.

Kevin O'Loughlin is still their main forward and if they can get enough ball to him, then he will trouble any defence.

Roscommon have been buoyed by their performance against Down which was a real confidence booster for them. The Exiles still get the nod here though.

Verdict: London

Nicky Rackard Cup round 2A

Derry v Longford, Owenbeg, 3pm

Derry started off with a comfortable win over Louth and with the evergreen Ruairi Convery still on top of his game, they have a great chance of winning this championship.

Nonetheless, they will do well not to take any team for granted, especially Sunday's opponents.

Longford have lifted silverware already twice year when winning a NHL title. This is their first game in the campaign and they will have to produce a 70+ minute performance to cause an upset here.

Verdict: Derry

Tyrone v Donegal, Carrickmore, 3pm

What a result for Ardal McDermott's men last weekend as they saw off Armagh in round one.

Donegal produced an impressive display. Lee Henderson led by example as did former Armagh hurler Declan Coulter and ex-Tipperary intermediate player David Flynn.

Tyrone were made to work for their win over Monaghan and although they have had a decent year so far, Donegal should prevail in this one.

Verdict: Donegal

 

Nicky Rackard Cup round 2B

Armagh v Louth, Athletic Grounds, 3pm

Louth could be on the receiving end of an Armagh backlash in this one as the Orchard County look to maintain their interest in the championship.

The performance against Donegal was nothing short of poor and a marked improvement in their performance is expected this weekend.

Louth succumbed to Derry in round one and it is difficult to see any sort of upset here.

Verdict: Armagh

Lory Meagher Cup round 2

Leitrim v Cavan, Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, 2pm

There was no fairytale return to inter-county action for Cavan against Warwickshire as the exiles showed no mercy.

There were a number of positives for the Ulster side to take from the game and they still have plenty of room to improve.

Leitrim were on the wrong end of a narrow defeat to Fermanagh, but they should have the confidence to pick up a first win of the campaign at home.

Verdict: Leitrim

Warwickshire v Sligo, Páirc na hEireann, 2pm

The exiles have their own not so secret weapon in the form of former Antrim hurler Liam Watson in their ranks and any team that possesses a player of that calibre must be respected.

In fairness to the exiles, they are not over reliant on Watson for their scores as they are a well drilled outfit.

Sligo had a good win over Lancashire with Keith Raymond leading the line once again. This could be a close game, but Warwickshire should have enough fire power to get over the line.

Verdict: Warwickshire

Lancashire v Fermanagh, Old Bedians, Manchester, 2.30pm

Fermanagh manager Sean Duffy has targeted the championship all year and despite an indifferent league campaign, they seem to be hitting form at the right time.

The concession of 2-21 to Leitrim has to be a concern for the Fermanagh management and it is sure to be something that they have addressed this week.

Lancashire will be keen to make home advantage count, but Fermanagh look to be growing in confidence and are tipped to advance.

Verdict: Fermanagh
 

Sunday 30 April

Leinster SHC round 2

Westmeath v Kerry, TEG Cusack Park, 3pm

Both suffered defeat last weekend and a loss here will see either side in a dogfight to stay in the Leinster SHC for 2018.

That is a situation neither side will want to find themselves in come Sunday evening. Kerry never really got to grips with a confident Meath side and they struggled for the majority of the game.

Westmeath's lapse of concentration midway through the second half of their defeat to Laois cost them dearly as their late rally just fell short.

The Lake County probably have more to be positive about going into this game and with home advantage, they may just get their campaign up and running.

Verdict: Westmeath

Meath v Laois, Pairc Tailteann, 3pm

Meath are simply buzzing at the moment as their winning streak in league and championship continues from last year.

They were the better team against Kerry and a pleasing factor for their management team was that some of their lesser known players really stepped up to the mark.

Laois were almost caught napping against Westmeath, but the held on to win. They need to produce a better more consistent performance against the Royals.

If they can manage that then they should make it two wins from two, but anything else will see a confident Meath side march on.

Verdict: Laois

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