Kildare hurlers to host neighbours Meath in 2018 National League opener

Kildare will open their 2018 National Hurling League campaign with a home tie against 2016 Christy Ring Cup Winners Meath.

The Lilywhites have been afforded just two home games out of five in the provisional fixture list for next year's league campaign, but manager Joe Quaid will be hoping for further improvements from his side. Last year, Kildare finished third in the division and missed out on a playoff place for promotion on scoring difference to Antrim, while they also achieved a notable win over Westmeath and a draw with last year's Christy Ring Cup winners Carlow.

Kildare's first away game is in Mullingar against Westmeath, while they will also travel to Carlow and London and host Kerry at St Conleth's Park in round three.

Provisional NHL Division 2A fixtures:

Sunday 28 January: Carlow v Westmeath, Kildare v Meath, London v Kerry

Saturday 3 February: London v Meath

Sunday 4 February: Kerry v Carlow, Westmeath v Kildare

Sunday 18 February: Kildare v Kerry, London v Carlow, Meath v Westmeath

Sunday 25 February: Carlow v Kildare, Kerry v Meath, London v Westmeath

Sunday 4 March: London v Kildare, Meath v Carlow, Westmeath v Kerry