Davy v Daly the pick of the Hurling Qualifier draw

The draw for Phase II of the Hurling Qualifiers have pitched two Banner legends head-to-head on the sideline as Clare will play Dublin.

While we were very impressed with Kilkenny at the weekend, the performance of Dublin was well below par. They only scored 0-9 and manager Anthony Daly was scathing of his side afterwards, saying “if we gathered up 20 at the Red Cow and came down this morning it could hardly have been worse”. Ouch.

Now the Dubs have to pick themselves up, travel to Clare and play Davy Fitz’s side. Clare were unlucky to be just pipped by Waterford last week and they look like a team that are on the upward curve. Dublin, with Conal Keaney injured again, face a tough task.

In the other game selected today, Jimmy Barry Murphy’s Cork will welcome Offaly to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on the weekend of July 7.

The Rebels put up a brave fight against Tipperary yesterday and just ran out of time against the more experienced side. Offaly suffered at the hands of Galway in the Leinster Championship so the home side have to be favourites.

As we know Wexford and Limerick came through Phase I at the weekend so they face Carlow and Antrim respectively next weekend. The winners of those games then face the winners of the games drawn this morning. Simples, eh?