GAA Weekend Preview: Limerick and Tipperary go head to head

Division 1 of the National Hurling League is nicely poised as Round 4 approaches.

Limerick and Tipperary will put their 100% records on the line when they meet in the Gaelic Grounds, while the meeting of Clare and Kilkenny looks an intriguing clash in Ennis.

Cork have looked to have found their groove and they should take care of Offaly, while Waterford and Wexford will both be searching for wins at Walsh Park.

Here’s two of the best games this weekend.

Limerick v Tipperary
Gaelic Grounds
Saturday March 9th @ 6pm

Limerick and Tipperary are the only two sides in Division 1 with a 100% record going into Round 4 which should set Saturday evening’s tie up nicely.

Limerick put their mediocre performance in Mullingar to bed very quickly with a dominant display against Dublin in Round 3. They notched 3-30 in that win, a game which also saw Kyle Hayes return to the fray for the first time this season.

The home side, who are 1/2 favourites, have used a lovely blend of experience and youth so far with the likes of Cathal O’Neill, Donnacha O’Dalaigh (who scored 2-1 v Dublin) and Adam English relishing the opportunity presented to them by John Kiely.

While also operating at a 100% record, Tipperary have some work to do. They led by 14 points with 19 minutes to go against Westmeath and needed an injury time goal to avoid a late scare.

Collapses like that cannot happen at this level and will most certainly be punished by teams of Limerick’s standard. They are 15/8 to come away with a victory, which looks a tall order. Taking Limerick in the handicap at EVS -3 looks the pick here.

Clare v Kilkenny
Cusack Park
Sunday March 10th @ 1.45pm

Both these side’s have enjoyed identical starts to the League with two wins and a draw each and ironically, they both drew with Wexford.

Clare, who are 4/5 favourites, rued countless chances in last round’s draw with Wexford, especially in the second half, and if it weren’t for the exploits of debutant goalkeeper Cian Broderick it may well have ended in defeat.

Despite not being at their best a fortnight ago, Kilkenny got the job done against Offaly. They trailed by 6 points at the break in a game where the weather played a big factor, but a devastating third quarter ensured back-to-back wins.

They outscored Offaly 0-10 to 0-1 just after half time and once Eoin Cody had the ball in the net a few minutes later the tie was over.

They are 5/4 to emerge from Ennis with a win on Sunday and that could be the pick. The home side must overcome a disappointing draw and it might just be set up nicely for Kilkenny to nick it. Just.