The biggest game of hurling at this time of the year is traditionally the relegation playoff and this Sunday is no exception; all eyes and ears will be on Pearse Stadium where Galway and Cork do battle for survival. This has become the game of the national league campaign and the last few years have brought titanic struggles. Whatever about the quarter-finals, this game will have a championship edge.

Strangely, it is actually set up for the Rebels. They’ve known for a few weeks now that this was the game to be right for. They weren’t at full strength against Tipp two weeks ago in Thurles and were definitely keeping their powder dry. Three weeks ago they gave a torrid display against Kilkenny and a repeat of that could get them over the line in Salthill.

The injustice this would be to Galway makes the narrative all the more appealing. The Tribe have only lost two games, Cork five, yet they start on Sunday at 3.45pm all square.

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The home side are somewhat invincible on this ground and were excellent here against Tipp a few weeks back in a thrilling draw. They were also very comfortable against Sunday’s opposition in the first round of the league back in February. But it’s a whole new ball game this time.

The suspicion that Cork found something against the Cats lingers, not to mention the smarting they have gone through having lost five on the spin. But they have a few players back to full fitness, especially Seamus Harnedy and Bill Cooper – big men who can dominate.

Galway can throw a few form players at them too, not least Joe Canning, who has given signs of resurgence this spring. On top of his game, he can get his side over the line but surely Cork have a detailed plan for him.

Most Leesiders think their backs are a little too standoffish in recent times and this would be the ideal game for them to prove their detractors wrong. There is no doubting Cork’s forward talent and they were the division’s second highest-scoring team, averaging over 22 points a game (conceding 29, mind you), so it isn’t hard to see where they must improve. It’s set up for them to go to Galway and make a mockery of the league playoff system. I have a sneaking feeling that’s what they’ll do.

Quarter-finals

On Saturday night, Limerick and Dublin offer up a tasty morsel to start the weekend’s hurling feast. Parnell Park is literally a fortress and I cannot see that changing having witnessed Limerick’s forlorn efforts against Clare a fortnight ago. Granted they will probably welcome back a Na Piarsaigh player or two, maybe Shane Dowling, but the outstanding Cian Lynch cannot do it all on his own, and that’s how it looks right now. The Dubs, on the other hand, thrive in the tight confines of north Dublin. Liam Rushe is a giant on that field – it appears nothing passes him at centre-back – and I can only see one result.

In fact, all of the quarter-finals look straightforward enough. Kilkenny will beat Offaly in Nowlan Park, while Waterford will be far too strong for a Wexford team that are struggling, despite them having home advantage.

That leaves the tastiest of the three games: Tipperary and Clare in Ennis. Potentially an explosive contest, Clare will be well below full strength and that’s a pity because this could have been a thriller.

We all like to talk up our squad depth but a Clare team lining out without Tony Kelly, David McInerney, Shane O’Donnell, Podge Collins, Seadna Morey and Jack Browne – to mention just six – is a weakened one. We’ll field a good side but Tipp, after five games in Division 1A behind them, should be too sharp. They are really shaping up well; their forward line possibly the best in the country right now. They have Seamie Callanan back, the two McGraths, Bubbles, Jason Forde and Bonner Maher all ready to go. That’s a formidable lineup and Michael Breen has been some addition at midfield too.

So we have no chance. Make sure to tell all your Tipperary friends – Sunday will be a soft day out for them. (Over to you, Davy and Donal Óg).

National Football League

The group phase of the football league draws to a close this weekend with a couple of crucial games down for decision, most below the top tier where the all-important promotions and relegations will be decided.

Kerry beating Cork in Tralee will resolve the semi-final pairings in Division 1. This should leave the Dubs, Donegal, the Kingdom and a somewhat chastened Roscommon in the last four. Promotion from Division 2 all comes down to a game to be played on Sunday in Breffni Park, Cavan having home advantage against a Galway side that might have only lost once in the league but have drawn three times. Only a win will do them on Sunday.

At the other end of that competitive group, Armagh take on Derry in what could prove to be a vital game for Kieran McGeeney. A late draw against Tyrone last weekend gave them a lifeline and they must grab it at home by beating Derry in the Athletic Grounds.

Division Three’s top two are all but decided, Clare will join the Lilywhites in Division 2 next spring barring a set of unusual (and tragic) results for the Banner. Departing downwards are definitely Limerick and Westmeath are favourites to join them, needing a win in Longford to save themselves and throw the last trapdoor spot to the mercy of scoring difference. Louth and Antrim have already secured promotion from Division 4 and light at the end of their respective tunnels.

Remarkably, there hasn’t been a draw in the first division all season long. That’s 24 matches without a referee making a draw out of it – there will surely be one this Sunday.

Fixtures

DIVISION 1 RELEGATION PLAYOFF

Galway v Cork

Sun 3.45pm Setanta

QUARTER-FINALS

Dublin v Limerick

Sat 7pm

Wexford v Waterford

Sun 3.30pm

Clare v Tipp

Sun 3.45pm

Kilkenny v Offaly

Sun 3.45pm