The new season’s action beckons for the country’s hurlers with the launch of the Allianz Leagues next Sunday.

It promises to be quite a campaign, first in the group stages to decide who reaches the knock-out stages, and later in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals which will be played over successive weekends in April.

Commenting at the launch Brendan Murphy, CEO, Allianz Ireland said; “Last year’s Allianz Hurling League was outstanding from start to finish and anyone lucky enough to have been in Thurles witnessed a classic final between Waterford and Kilkenny. Allianz is delighted to be involved for our 16th season and we hope for more of the same excitement in 2008.”

Waterford, who last year won the Division One title for the first time since 1963, begin the defence of the crown with a home tie against neighbours Wexford in Walsh Park. Waterford ran a great League campaign last year, beating Tipperary, Cork and Kilkenny in the knock-out stages to win the title and set themselves up for a successful tilt at the Munster championship.

Kilkenny, who won four of the last six Division One League titles, are drawn to launch their campaign away to Cork but that fixture is in doubt, arising from the strike in Cork.

The Galway-Clare clash in Pearse Stadium holds a special significance as it pits Ger Loughnane and Mike McNamara against each other several years after they worked together as manager and trainer with the successful Clare teams that won All-Ireland titles in 1995-97. Loughnane is now in his second year in charge of Galway while McNamara is in his first season as Clare boss.

Tipperary and Offaly, who clash in Division 1A, are both under new managers with Liam Sheedy becoming the fourth manager to take charge in Tipperary since Nicky English’s departure in 2002 while former All-Ireland hero, Joe Dooley is at the helm in Offaly.

Antrim beat Offaly in the Walsh Cup final last Sunday, a result that will give the Ulster men a huge boost as they head for Parnell Park to take on Dublin next Sunday. Antrim beat Kilkenny in the Walsh Cup two weeks earlier so they will be in fine fettle for the demanding tie away against Dublin who are also extremely optimistic about the season ahead.

Limerick, who enjoyed such a great run in last year’s championship, launch their 2007 League campaign with a home tie against Laois.

This is the 16th successive season of Allianz’ backing of the National Leagues, making it one of the longest sponsorships in Irish sport. Six counties have won the Division One title in that period with Kilkenny leading the way on five, followed by Galway and Tipperary on three each, Cork on two while Limerick and Waterford have one each.

Pictured at the Allianz launch (l to r): Brian Cody (Kilkenny), Brendan Murphy (CEO Allianz), Richie Bennis (Limerick) and defending League title manager Just-In McCarthy (Waterford). Wonder did Just-In take the hurley away to put a proper 'shape' on it?

Pic by SPORTSFILE

Next Sunday’s fixtures are as follows (2.30)

Div 1A: Waterford v Wexford, Walsh Park; Dublin v Antrim, Parnell Park; *Cork v Kilkenny, Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Div 1B: Limerick v Laois Gaelic Grounds; Galway v Clare, Pearse Stadium; Tipperary v Offaly, Thurles.

Div 2A: Kerry v Westmeath, Tralee; Roscommon v Kildare, Athleague; Wicklow v Mayo, Arklow.

Div 2B: Down v Carlow, Ballycran; Meath v Derry, Pairc Tailteann; Armagh v London, Killeavey.

Div 3: Tyrone v Donegal, Omagh; Longford v Sligo, Pearse Park; Louth (bye).

Div 4: Fermanagh v Monaghan, Tempo; Leitrim v Cavan, Ballinamore.

* In doubt


ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE ROLL OF HONOUR (DIVISION ONE)


18 – Tipperary (1928-49-50-52-54-55-57-59-60-61-64-65-68-79-88-94-99-2001)

14 – Cork (1926-30-40-41-48-53-69-70-72-74-80-81-93-98)

13 – Kilkenny (1933-62-66-76-82-83-86-90-95-2002-2003-2005-2006)

11 – Limerick (1934-35-36-37-38-47-71-84-85-92-97)

8 – Galway (1932-51-75-87-89-96-2000-2004)

4 – Wexford (1956-58-67-73)

3 – Clare (1946-77-78)

2 – Dublin (1929-39)

2 – Waterford (1963-2007))

1 – Offaly (1991)




DIVISION ONE WINNERS DURING ALLIANZ’ SPONSORSHIP (1993 - )

5 – Kilkenny (1995-2002-2003-2005-2006)

3 – Galway (1996-2000-2004)

3 – Tipperary (1994-1999-2001)

2 – Cork (1993-1998)

1 – Limerick (1997)

1 – Waterford (2007)



2008 ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE – DATES TO REMEMBER

Feb 10 – Round 1

Feb 17 – Round 2

Mar 9 – Round 3

Mar 16 – Round 4

Mar 23 – Round 5

Apr 6 – Quarter-finals (Division 1)

Apr 13 – Semi-finals (Division 1); Finals: Divisions 3 and 4

Apr 20 – Allianz Hurling League Finals (Divisions 1 and 2)