Kilkenny to open 2013 Championship with clash against Offaly

All-Ireland hurling champions Kilkenny will open their campaign in 2013 with a clash against Offaly in the quarter-finals of the Leinster Championship.

Defending Leinster champions Galway will not be in action until the semi-final stage, where they will meet which ever side can come through a series of games between Antrim, Westmeath, Laois, Carlow and London.

It will be the first year in Leinster for the Exiles who have traditionally plied their trade in Ulster.

Dublin had a disappointing 2012, but Anthony Daly and his charges will be hoping for better fortunes in the New Year. The Metropolitans will face Wexford in the quarter-finals, with the winners securing a last four clash against Offaly or the Cats.

Down in Munster, Clare and Waterford will get proceedings under way in the quarter-finals, with the winner to progress to a semi-final meeting with Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s Cork. The other semi will see defending Munster champions Tipperary face Limerick.

2013 Leinster Championship

Preliminary Round:
Antrim v Westmeath

Round 1:
Antrim/Westmeath v Laois
Carlow v London

Quarter-finals:
Antrim/Westmeath/Laois v Carlow/London
Offaly v Kilkenny
Wexford v Dublin

Semi-finals:
Galway v Antrim/Westmeath/Laois/Carlow/London
Offaly/Kilkenny v Wexford/Dublin

2013 Munster Championship

Quarter-final:
Clare v Waterford

Semi-finals:
Tipperary v Limerick
Cork v Clare/Waterford