Sean Murphy / 02 May 2009 Free Bet

Division 1 has been dominated by Kilkenny who handed out severe drubbings to traditional strong counties such as Cork, Tipperary, Galway and Clare during the course of their campaign. The Division 2 final predictably takes place between Wexford and Offaly with the winner being promoted to the top division next season.

Division 1 Final

Kilkenny v Tipperary : This Kilkenny side are rated by many hurling writers as the best hurling team of all time. That is some accolade and already this season they have shown that they are definitely the team to beat in 2009. The good news for Tipperary fans is that Richie Power and Derek Lyng definitely miss the match and there are some doubts about Cha Fitzpatrick and Noel Hickey. For most counties the loss of such talented players would be a major handicap but not in the marble county who seem to have a production line of players ready to stake their place in the side. This is the perfect scenario for manager, Brian Coady, with no player guaranteed his place for the upcoming championship.

Tipperary will be really up for this game with the 17 point hammering they got from the Cats in the league last March still fresh in the memory. Liam Sheedy will use this as a huge motivation for his side and with the added bonus of home advantage , I expect them to be a lot closer at the final whistle this time. Tipperary rightly feel that they are the side most likely to topple the Cats in the Championship and badly need a good performance to give them confidence for their quest to stop Kilkenny making it four in a row next September. Tipperary will be without their star forward Eoin Kelly but have 10 under 21's in their panel and will not fear the mighty Cats. Kilkenny to win but take the Premier County with a 7 point start on the Handicap.

Handicap Bet: 3pts Tipperary + 7 Points

Division 2 Final

Offaly v Wexford: This is a big game for both teams as each side will be keen to be playing Division 1 hurling next season. This league campaign saw many uncompetitive games for Offaly and Wexford and both sides feel they need to be playing in the top division to improve the standard of hurling within each county. Offaly were progressing nicely in this league campaign but the wheels nearly came off after a 12 point hammering from Wexford in early April. Wexford have been scoring goals for fun in this Division averaging four goals per game and rattled in five against Offaly on April 5th. The sides meet in the Championship on 30th May but many feel that this match is more important as the winners get to Division 1 next season. I strongly fancy Wexford and recommend the handicap bet at even money minus 1 point.

Recommend: Handicap Bet: 4Pts Wexford -1 point.