SATURDAY 7 JULY
Throw-ins
Carlow v Limerick, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7pm
Westmeath v Wexford, TEG Cusack Park, 7pm
Online
Live blog on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News Now App from 6.30pm.
Radio
Updates on Saturday Sport, RTÉ Radio 1.
TV
Highlights on The Sunday Game on RTÉ2, 9.30pm.
The Joe McDonagh finalists meet the third-placed sides in Leinster/Munster for the right to advance to an All-Ireland quarter-final.
Winners Carlow will replace Offaly in the Leinster championship next year but an amendment passed at last year's Special Congress ensures that both they and Westmeath have a potential pathway to Liam MacCarthy glory.
Victory for either however, would probably rank among the all-time hurling upsets.
Carlow v Limerick
The Joe McDonagh champions have already had a successful year, they'll be taking on the likes of Galway and Dublin in both Division 1B and Leinster in 2019.
Colm Bonnar's Carlow will have a tough task in their first ever Championship meeting with Limerick however.
The Treaty County were arguably seen as the form side in Munster until an 11-point defeat to Clare scuppered their provincial final ambitions.
They've beaten Tipperary and Waterford and drawn with Munster kingpins Cork so far, and John Kiely's side will be keen to re-establish their All-Ireland credentials.
Carlow bounced back from a second-round blip against Antrim to win four in a row and lift the inaugural McDonagh Cup last Sunday - they scored goals either side of half-time in a 2-26 to 1-24 victory over Westmeath.
The victors will play the losers of Sunday's Leinster final replay between Galway and Kilkenny.
"Carlow had a fantastic win in the Joe McDonagh last week, but it’s a very quick turnaround for them and I’m sure there was celebrating this week," says RTÉ hurling analyst Michael Duignan.
"They have achieved what they have wanted to achieve as they will play in the Leinster Championship next year.
"A home venue is a big plus, but Limerick have made three changes coming from the defeat to Clare last time out and they should win that with a big home crowd coming out to support Carlow."
Westmeath v Wexford
Michael Ryan's men must put the disappointment of Croke Park defeat behind them quickly as Davy Fitz's army come to Mullingar.
Westmeath stormed out of the blocks in the McDonagh Cup with four wins out of four but then lost two in a row to Carlow.
Wexford ensured their progression from Leinster early with wins over Offaly and Dublin but four games in as many weeks seemed to catch up with them in defeat to Galway and, in particular giving up a big second-half lead against Kilkenny.
They will be well rested compared to their opponents who are out for a third week in succession and haven't beaten them in the Championship since 1940.
Whoever wins will advance to face Munster runners-up Clare in the quarter-finals.
Michael Duignan: ""It’s very tough on Westmeath. After losing last weekend to Carlow, Wexford should come through and get the job done.
"Over the years Westmeath have had a good home record, but it’s hard to see past Davy Fitzgerald’s side this weekend."
Weather
Dry in most areas, with good sunshine and mostly light southerly or variable breezes. A few spots of drizzle, mainly in coastal areas. Very warm in Leinster with maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
Follow Galway v Kilkenny via our live blog on RTÉ.ie and the News Now App, watch live on RTÉ1’s The Sunday Game (from 2.20pm) or listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport.
