Hurling fans can be part of history next Sunday as the first ever Leinster GAA SHC game takes place in Galway.

A mouth-watering contest is in prospect as the reigning Provincial and All-Ireland Champions host Kilkenny at Pearse Stadium.

The other Leinster Championship game next weekend is a crucial duel between Offaly and Wexford at Bord na Móna O’Connor Park, which throws-in at 7pm.

With the new-look format providing two top-class games each weekend, there’s little time for teams to regroup and momentum counts for so much. Kilkenny now top the table with two wins out of two, after testing challenges against Dublin and Offaly. Galway’s only game to date resulted in a big win away to the Faithful County, with the highlight being their five goals after failing to raise a green flag in most championship games in 2017.

Meanwhile, nothing less than another Leinster final appearance will satisfy Wexford after making huge progress under Davy Fitzgerald last season. Dublin almost came away from Innovate Wexford Park with a victory on Sunday, but the home side dug deep and came through with two points to spare.

The Slaney-siders will be slight favourites against the Faithful County in what promises to be another full-blooded encounter at Bord na Móna O’Connor Park.

Tickets for these games are currently on sale at Centra & Supervalu shops and gaa.ie/tickets

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Round-Robin

Round 1: Galway 5-18, Offaly 2-15; Kilkenny 1-24, Dublin 3-16

Round 2: Kilkenny 2-19, Offaly 1-13; Wexford 0-22, Dublin 2-14