Cork v Kilkenny

We will also be keeping an eye on Cavan v Waterford (6pm) and Tipperary v London (7pm) in Division 4 of the Football League.

Kilkenny survive but do give away the 65 that is badly misstruck by Horgan but it ends up going to Alan Connolly who clips it over from close range. And it's that man Keoghan again! 36 mins gone They take a four point lead into the break. 36 mins gone A great pick-up from Alan Connolly has the crowd purring before Robbie O'Flynn is fouled. 59 mins gone It's all over and Cork are through to the League final. 64 mins gone The hosts couldn’t move ahead though and Murphy and David Blanchfield had points as Kilkenny moved back in front. With Cork labouring, Kilkenny were able to keep their noses in front, Eoin Cody and Billy Ryan on target for them, but Cork drew level at 0-9 to 1-6 after 22 minutes. Despite trailing by six points in the early stages of the first half, Cork managed to win by four, with a 65th-minute goal by Darragh Fitzgibbon putting them into a lead that would not be lost.

Cork manager Kieran Kingston was delighted with his side's efforts as they came from behind to beat Kilkenny.

“That was very important for us, to be competitive tonight, given the occasion that was in it. “But I suppose for us really, the key things were that we showed great character from six down to win by four. “Obviously a very pleasing victory in the end.

Cork have a fine record in Páirc Uí Chaoimh against Kilkenny; if Cork are in the mood, they should win.

Silverware isn’t in abundance in either county but it all depends on who considers a title shot the springboard to the championship. Nevertheless, it has been a great few weeks for The Exiles and Tipperary can’t afford to be complacent when they are so close to promotion. Waterford don’t appear to need it as much as Wexford given their manager is well settled at this stage. If Cork are in the mood, they should win. There is a growing expectation that Limerick will do the necessary here but they have to be mindful that Fermanagh have been dreadfully unlucky and can sting. Meath look to be shaking off the problems that beset most of their spring but they face a Derry side who will at least want to live up to their side of the bargain in the hunt for second place. The word is Sligo turned down the chance to move this game to Saturday, which might have added a few thousand more to the gate. Kildare should be full of intent in Carrick-on-Shannon as they hope to avoid the drop but they have been pulling on a lot of the same personnel in recent weeks while Mayo have rotated quite a bit. The championship starts here for both counties and on a day for the old dogs Cork may rue not having so many of those who soldiered in recent years only to be told they were surplus to requirements this season. Tyrone were the last team to beat Kerry in the league back in 2019 and they can repeat the trick. Armagh will prefer to keep their powder dry for Ballybofey and April 24 as much as they have a chance of making the final. Likely to be the battle to avoid finishing second last, Wexford have been marginally better to this point.