The final set of round robin matches take place in the provincial hurling series in both Munster and Leinster this weekend.
The provincial series in both Munster and Leinster are set to near a conclusion this weekend with the final round robin games destined to provide clarity on which counties will be stepping out in the provincial finals on the second weekend in June.
Kilkenny are assured a place in the Leinster decider, with Dublin and Galway set for a Parnell Park shootout to join the Cats.
In Munster, Limerick have all but taken their place in the Championship match and Cork will join them if they take the measure of Waterford in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday. Here are our GAA betting tips for the best of the action.
Sunday hurling selections
Dublin to beat Galway 9/4
Cork -5 vs Waterford 8/11
Dubs can make their mark
Galway recovered from their opening round loss to Kilkenny to chalk up good wins over Offaly, Wexford and Antrim and now the Tribesmen head for Parnell Park on Sunday to face the Dubs in what is essentially a Leinster semi-final showdown, despite coming at the end of a round robin phase.
A year ago, Galway’s 2017 All-Ireland winning manager Micheál Donoghue master-minded the exit of his native county in Pearse Stadium. The hosts were hurt badly by David Burke’s red card after 16 minutes, a key factor in their demise.
Donoghue has of course traded places since and is back for his second stint as bainisteoir in the western county. They scored 6-27 last weekend in taking care of Antrim, but this is a different challenge.
Dublin meanwhile had a rollercoaster clash with Kilkenny in Nowlan Park last time. They trailed 4-12 to 0-10 at half-time in searing heat, but rallied in the second period, notching 2-04 in a bumper 10 minutes to get within a score of Derek Lyng’s side.
Billy Ryan’s late goal got the Cats to safety, but Dublin stood up to the challenge. Cian O’Sullivan excelled, scoring 1-05, while Seán Currie chipped in with 2-06.
Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s first season as Dublin boss is progressing nicely and Parnell Park will be packed on Sunday. Galway are favourites but Dublin have some momentum and could send to a preliminary quarter-final.
Rebels should fight back
Cork were left stunned last Sunday in the Gaelic Grounds as Limerick brought the ferocious intensity and clever, intricate and accurate hurling that has defined John Kiely’s side in recent times.
They dished out a painful defeat to Pat Ryan’s side, who now return home to Páirc Uí Chaoimh knowing a win over Waterford will tee them up for a rematch against Limerick in the Munster decider next month.
It was almost too bad to be true from Cork last weekend. The Leesiders were favourites for All-Ireland glory starting out and haven’t become a poor side overnight.
Waterford started with a credible draw against Clare, though the Banner’s subsequent early Championship exit has poured scorn on that result.
The Deise were six-point losers at home to Limerick in round three and eventually succumbed by nine to Tipperary in Thurles last Sunday.
Patrick Horgan has tapped over 1-09 in his last two starts for Cork and will be a constant thorn in Waterford’s side.
The Rebels are as short as 1/5 to win and they make appeal to overcome a five-point handicap as they bid to get their season back on track.
