Here are our previews for the nine hurling clashes across the country this weekend.

Saturday, May 7th

Leinster SHC round 2
 

Kerry v Westmeath, Austin Stack Park, 3pm

Both sides impressed in their respective victories last weekend and it makes for a mouth-watering clash down in Tralee on Saturday. Kerry will be looking to make it back-to-back championship wins on home turf after seeing off Carlow, while Westmeath are travelling south off the back of a remarkable scalp against Offaly in the opening round. The Kingdom should have just enough though.

Verdict: Kerry

Offaly v Carlow, O'Connor Park, 3pm

With home advantage, this one looks to be the perfect platform for Eamonn Kelly's side to bounce back after the catastrophe in Mullingar last weekend. Kelly admitted that Westmeath were more hungry than Offaly on the day and one would imagine that they'll have quite an appetite built up when Carlow come to visit tomorrow afternoon.

Verdict: Offaly

 

Christy Ring Cup quarter-finals
 

Kildare v London, Newbridge, 2pm

Kildare had a comfortable win over Wicklow last time out but will be facing stiffer opposition on Saturday in the form of the Exiles, who will be looking to make up for their four-point defeat to Meath.

Verdict: London

Down v Roscommon, Ballycran, 2pm

Both demonstrated strong league form in their respective divisions and Down seem to have carried it through to championship that bit better after their hard earned triumph away to provincial rivals Derry last Saturday.   

Verdict: Down

 

Nicky Rackard Cup quarter-finals
 

Monaghan v Donegal, Inniskeen, 3pm

This weekend's Ulster derby sees Donegal with a tough assignment in trying to book a place into the last four and although they'll relish the challenge, the hosts have to get the nod if you are to go by form all season.

Verdict: Monaghan

Longford v Armagh, Glennon Bros Pearse Park, 1.30pm

It's hard to look past Armagh here considering they're two divisions above the Midlanders in the National League and have marksman Ryan Gaffney firing on all cylinders this year.

Verdict: Armagh

 

Lory Meagher Cup round 3
 

Louth v Lancashire, Dunleer, 1pm

Louth were comfortable in their victory over Warwickshire last weekend and will be fancied to make it back-to-back wins over exiled opposition in Dunleer.

Verdict: Louth

Sligo v Warwickshire, Scarden, 2pm

Saturday afternoon's showdown in Scarden is a tough one to call but you'd have to lean towards the Yeats men given Keith Raymond's scoring prowess.

Verdict: Sligo

 

Sunday, May 8th

Allianz HL Division 1 final replay
Clare v Waterford, Semple Stadium, 3.30pm

Last weekend's league decider in Thurles turned into one of those treats late on for the small ball diehards and the general hope is that there are more thrills in store at the home of hurling this Sunday. Maurice Shanahan's late intervention in extra time saved Waterford a second chance to defend their crown and the intensity should be every bit as high when Clare meet them again. Davy Fitzgerald's side are humming at the minute, with marksman Conor McGrath in lethal form, and it's no secret that they'd love some silverware ahead of next month's championship opener against the same opposition. It could very well come down to the puck of a sliotar again this weekend at Semple Stadium.

Verdict: Clare

 

Don't forget to log on to our live match tracker on Saturday and Sunday as we bring you coverage from the NHL final replay, Leinster SHC, Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.

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