1. Wexford’s time to stand up at quarter-final stage
Liam Dunne’s post-match comments in Páirc Uí Rinn last Sunday hinted where his priorities lay. Wexford may have had a stab at claiming promotion but Dunne decided to whip off players struggling with injury at the interval. Preparing properly for next Sunday’s quarter-final was his focus.
The draw has handed Wexford a home tie against their near neighbours Kilkenny in a game that will provide a barometer of where they stand after a spring in Division 1B. Dunne has been one of the most vocal supporters of the introduction of the quarter-final system. Now is the time for his team to perform at that stage.
2. Laois get set for the visit of the All-Ireland champions
Recollections of Clare’s 2013 success largely focuses on their dazzling shows in Croke Park. But it’s worth noting that it was on home soil against Laois where they took the first rehabilitation step after the Munster setback against Cork. Their 1-32 to 0-15 win notably featured a goal from Shane O’Donnell while Domhnall O’Donovan was the only outfield player not to score. That duo ended up leaving their mark come September.
On Sunday, they travel to Portlaoise to renew acquaintances with Laois. It’ll be interesting to see if Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett’s side have learned from last year and prevent Clare from racking up as many points. Their defending helped frustrate Cork and Limerick for long stretches already during the league and they’ll need to repeat that.
3. Tipperary try to shine in front of home support again
The mood before throw-in Thurles last Sunday was uneasy on the back of Tipperary suffering three successive defeats. Relegation was to the forefront of the local supporters minds yet they managed to survive by scraping to a three-point win over Dublin.
They prevailed due to scoring difference and that’s why they’re looking forward to a quarter-final rather than a relegation final this Sunday. Eamon O’Shea needs his side to show some consistency now and ensure last Sunday was a fillip for them. In front of their home support, Tipperary will want to shine once more.
4. Cork unveil new full-back line for Tipperary test
Cork shipped 1-20 last weekend against Wexford but were able to cope and triumph due to an attack where Patrick Horgan, Conor Lehane, Seamus Harnedy and Alan Cadogan all chipped in to put 2-24 on the board. Their attack carries plenty menace this Sunday but the opposite end of the field is where their team selection catches the eye.
St Finbarr’s duo Damien Cahalane and Eoin Keane along with Midleton’s Killian Burke form a full-back line heavy on promise but light on experience. Cahalane was involved in 2012 with the hurlers, spent last year playing football and is now trying to juggle both. Keane starred for CIT in this year’s Fitzgibbon Cup while Burke is a product of last year’s county champions Midleton. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare.
5. Limerick aim to overcome promotion disappointment
There’s no concealing the fact that Limerick hurlers primary goal this spring would have been to clinch promotion from Division 1B. They looked on course to do so after clinching a creditable draw with 14 men away to Cork but letting a lead slip away late on against Offaly cost them their chance of going up to the top tier.
It was a grave disappointment but they need to try to put it behind them. Sunday sees them in quarter-final action at home to Galway. An extended run in the knockout stages would do wonders in lifting the spirits of TJ Ryan’s side.
6. Dublin need to arrest record in Waterford
Anthony Daly takes his Dublin team to Waterford on Sunday for a critical game with plenty at stake. Dublin’s three point loss in Thurles last Sunday proved damaging and sent them into a relegation decider. They desperately want to avoid a swift return to Division 1B – where they were promoted from last April.
If they are to achieve that, they must discover the winning habit in a county which they have not shone on their travels to. Dublin’s last four league trips to Waterford – 2010, 2011, 2012 and three weeks ago – have seen them defeated three times and draw once. This Sunday would be a timely chance for them to dig out a victory in Walsh Park.
