SATURDAY 22 MARCH
Galway v Dublin, Kilbeacanty, 2pm (Live on Camogie Association You Tube)
Galway suffered their first setback of the campaign a fortnight ago, when Tipperary left Kilbeacanty with full points, and while they will be favoured to bounce back in a bid to return to the final, having lost by a point to the Premiers 12 months ago, they have been pushed hard by Dublin on a number of occasions in recent years.
Indeed, on a linear line of form through Tipp, the Dubs would really fancy their chances, as they finished with a late goal and point to snatch a draw against the champions in Round 1 a month ago.
They have been well beaten by Cork and Waterford since, but though like everyone else, they are balancing blooding new players with the unavailability of some key personnel, Gerry McQuaid's charges will not want to make a quick return to Division 1B.
For his part, Cathal Murray has given game time to 25 players already but has always looked to win games and silverware while immersed in this type of process.
Kilkenny v Waterford, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm
These neighbours are keen rivals but the game has far more importance than local bragging rights. Kilkenny are currently propping up the table and facing the prospect of not being in the top tier for the first time in their history.
There is still a way to go and Waterford would be drawn into the relegation mix were they not to win, so we can expect a thunderous battle.
The Cats, with a number of young guns brought into the fray by new manager Tommy Shefflin, lost narrowly to Galway in the first round but were second best against Tipperary and Cork.
Waterford, blooding members of the minor teams that reached the last two All-Ireland finals, shipped defeats to Galway and Cork too before getting off the mark in impressive style against Dublin two weeks ago.
Tipperary v Cork, The Ragg, 2pm
One suspects that both managers welcome this tie at this stage of the season. It has been plain sailing for Cork to this juncture after three rounds and Ger Manley would surely want his charges to be asked some questions down the stretch of a game.
After what Denis Kelly would have termed a touch of carelessness that saw three points reduced to one by a late Dublin rally in the opening round, the League champions have responded notably well with wins over Kilkenny, and a fortnight ago, in Galway.
They have lost some legendary players and are short a few more injured – as are Cork, with Izzy O'Regan ruled out for the season by a torn cruciate - but Tipp have All-Ireland-winning minor and premier junior teams from last year to mine from.
Playing the in-form All-Ireland champions, who are anxious to end a dozen year famine in this competition, will tell them a lot about where they are.
