GAA preview: Hurling club semi-finals take centre stage

It is the semi-final stage of the All-Ireland club hurling championships, as four teams hope to book their place in Croke Park before Christmas.

In the senior club hurling Championship, Munster champions Ballygunner will hope to take a big step towards regaining their 2022 title when they face St Thomas.

The Galway side will be aiming to avenge their shock semi-final defeat last season, but will come into Saturday's game as underdogs against the Waterford champions.

In the other semi-final, Kilkenny champions O'Loughlin Gaels will face Ruairí Og. In an incredible season that has seen them knock out reigning All-Ireland champions Ballyhale, O'Loughlin Gaels will be full of confidence against the Ulster champions.

It is also a huge weekend in Ladies football, with the All-Ireland finals taking place this weekend.

In the senior final, Kilkerrin-Clonberne are aiming for their third All-Ireland title in a row when they face Waterford side Ballymacarby.

After overcoming Kilmacud Crokes in the semi-final, the Galway champions will be confident of keeping their All-Ireland streak going.

Despite incredible success at county and provincial level over the years, Ballymacarby are without an All-Ireland senior title since 1998, and will hope to end 25 years of heartbreak on Saturday.

In the intermediate final, Cork champions Glanmire take on Ballinamore from Leitrim.

Glanmire were crowned junior champions in 2018, and will be bringing the momentum of defeating Meath champions Na Fianna.

After defeating Eoghan Rua in the Connacht final, they reached Saturday's final through a dramatic semi-final victory over Derry's Steelstown Brian Ógs.

In the Junior final, Claremorris will be aiming to become Mayo's first ladies junior All-Ireland