GAA: All-Ireland Hurling semi-finals to renew old rivalries

The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship has reached its penultimate weekend, bringing together familiar foes at Croke Park.

First up on Saturday, Brian Lohan's Clare will be hoping third time proves to be the charm as the Banner men face Kilkenny in their third consecutive All-Ireland semi-final.

Derek Lyng's side came out on top in the previous two encounters, and have had a nice respite since securing their semi-final spot after a convincing win over Dublin in the Leinster final.

Clare, on the other hand, found their way here after another stinging Munster final defeat to neighbours Limerick, followed by a comfortable win over a 14-man Wexford.

After a shaky start in the provincial championship, Cork staged the comeback of the season to beat Limerick in the Munster round-robin stages.

Although the resurgence proved insufficient to see them into the Munster final, Cork fought past Offaly in the preliminary quarter-final before their five-point win over a defiant Dublin side.

John Kiely's men, fresh after their historic five-in-a-row Munster title win, await the Rebels on Sunday, looking to stay on track for their fifth successive All-Ireland title.

Two All-Ireland Senior Camogie quarter-finals are also on the agenda, with Dublin coming up against Kilkenny on Saturday before Galway take on Waterford on Sunday.

The winners will go on to face group-toppers Tipperary and Cork in the semi-finals on July 27th.

And finally, only eight counties remain in the running in the TG4 All-Ireland Championship, with the quarter-finals being played off over the weekend.

Three of the fixtures are set for Saturday; Cork v Waterford, Kerry v Meath, and Dublin v Galway, before Armagh v Mayo decides who take the last semi-final spot.

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