Cork were unfortunate against Kilkenny but they'll need to repeat the performance against Tipp
Five time All-Star John Mullane is back with his tips for Sunday's NHL action
We already know who’ll finish bottom of Division 1A – Cork, but with Galway drawing against Tipperary, both those sides need a win in order to avoid joining the Rebels in the playoff. Cork can drag the Premier into the mire with them if they can win in Semple, while Galway head to Walsh Park. My bet of the week is Kilkenny, Galway and Limerick in a treble which will bring up odds of 5/1
Kilkenny v Dublin, Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, 14:00
The Cats used up eight of their nine lives in Pairc Ui Rinn last Saturday. How often will you see a side score 2-22 and lose a game of hurling? The amazing thing is – that was a below par Kilkenny performance. They are probably the only county that would be able to do that, and still rack up 2-23.
Dublin on the other hand surprised everyone by going down to Walsh Park and winning quite easily against Waterford. I was at it and they were good value for the victory.
As we all know, Nowlan Park is an incredibly hard ground to get two points from. I’m leaning towards the Cats on home turf, with the Hurler of the Year TJ Reid on form.
Mystic Mullane says: Kilkenny to cover the handicap
Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 14:00
Cork were the better team for 70 minutes in the match last week against Kilkenny, I felt they should’ve won the game, but they didn’t and are now consigned to a relegation playoff against either Tipperary or Galway.
Tipp had a great performance in Salthill and they did really well to hook it back in the last minute against Galway. There’s more at stake for Tipperary, if they win they’ll qualify for the last eight, and at home, I have to back the Premier.
Mystic Mullane says: Tipperary win at
Waterford v Galway, Walsh Park, Waterford, 14:00
Waterford will have been disappointed with their defeat to Dublin at home last weekend, so I’m expecting a reaction from them, even though they’ve already secured a quarter final place. Galway have to win, if they lose they’ll find themselves in that relegation final against Cork. The word coming out of Waterford is that there’s going to be a weakened team put out on the pitch. If that happens then back Galway to snatch a win. They’ll need a good start so look for the HT/FT market.
Mystic Mullane says: Galway/Galway HT/FT at
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Division 1B
Clare v Limerick, Cusack Park, Ennis, 14:00
A straight shootout as to who’ll be promoted. Winner goes up and gets to the NHL quarter finals, losers just get to the quarter finals. It’s hard to split both of them because we always knew Division 1B would come down to this.
Both sides put up high scores last weekend. But Clare are missing Tony Kelly and Podge Collins isn’t 100% against a stong Limerick defensive unit. Na Piarsigh were crowned club champions at the weekend and Limerick hurling is on a high. This is going to be a cracker, but I’d slightly favor Limerick to win in Ennis and take Division 1B.
Mystic Mullane says:Limerick to win at