Patrick Kennedy's Allianz NHL Division 1B previews
Galway v Limerick
Sunday, February 26, Pearse Stadium, 2.30pm
Limerick head to Pearse Stadium in the knowledge that a win against Galway will, virtually, ensure their passage to the latter stages of the league.
They were impressive against Tipp last week and have also been boosted by the return of Brian Begley. The Mungret clubman has been named on the starting team for Sunday and he should add to the physical presence in the side's forward division.
Galway will have been doing a lot of soul searching since their shock defeat by Antrim last weekend. They should bounce back with an improved display but will be unable to cope with a Limerick side that have been performing very well in the early season exchanges.
Verdict: Limerick
Laois v Antrim
Sunday, February 26, Portlaoise, 2.30pm
Laois will be hoping that Antrim have overdone it on the celebrating since their win over Galway last Sunday.
The men from the north need to pull off another win before they can be confident of surviving in the top flight.
However, Laois showed what they were capable of before Richie Power turned on his style in Nowlan Park last week. If they can reproduce their first-half form they should be more than capable of bringing Antrim back down to Earth with a bang.
Verdict: Laois
Tipperary v Antrim
Sunday, February 26, Thurles, 2.30pm
The biggest clash of the day takes place at Thurles as the old rivals square up to each other.
Tipp were fortunate to snatch a draw at Limerick last week. Resorting to high balls to big forwards will not prove as successful against Kilkenny and Babs will have to use another tactic if he is to thwart Brian Cody's side.
Richie Power could win this one on his own if he plays like he did last weekend. The Carrickshock youngster is going from strength to strength in the absence of Henry Shefflin and Martin Comerford. Eddie Brennan should prove quite a handful for Philip Maher as well, if he remains at full-forward.
The Cat's will also be boosted by the return of the James Stephens contingent following their loss to Portumna in the AIB SHC semi-final.
Verdict: Kilkenny
