Cork's 2024 fixtures confirmed with three Munster hurling ties on GAAGO

THE Cork senior hurlers’ schedule for 2024 has taken shape following the publication of the fixture-lists for both the Co-op SuperStores Munster Hurling League and the Allianz Hurling League.

First up in the provincial pre-season competition is a trip to Limerick on Sunday, January 7, with Clare visiting Cork a week later. Should Cork top their group, they would contest the final on Sunday, January 21.

Acquaintance will be renewed with Clare for the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A opener in Cusack Park on Sunday, February 4 (1.45pm). Six days later, Kilkenny come to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for a 7.30pm throw-in.

Cork are also at home for their third match, against Waterford on Sunday, February 25 at 3.45pm, before a trip to Tullamore to face Offaly on Sunday, March 10 (1.15pm). The last group-stage game is away to Wexford on St Patrick’s Day at 1.45pm.

With the league set to be formatted for 2025 into five seven-team divisions, placings in the 2024 league will determine the make-up for the following year’s competition.

In the Munster SHC, Cork’s first game is away to Waterford on Sunday, April 21 while there is a home clash against Clare seven days later. From there, there is a fortnight’s break before the Saturday evening clash at home to Limerick on May 11 and the Rebels’ last round-robin game is away to Tipperary on Sunday, May 19.

Pat Ryan’s side will be the first county to complete their programme, with the last round of fixtures a week later.

Three of those four Munster ties featuring the Rebels will be streamed on the GAA platform GAAGO.

Along with the Waterford-Tipperary round 3 meeting in Walsh Park on Saturday, May 4, Cork’s opening weekend trip to Waterford on April 21 and their rounds 2 and 3 home matches against Clare and Limerick on April 28 and May 4 respectively will be shown on the GAA's subscription service.

If the footballers beat Limerick in the provincial quarter-final, their semi against Kerry in Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday, April 20 will also be covered by GAAGO.

CONTROVERSIAL

Details of the streaming were confirmed at Monday's GAAGO 2024 launch in Croke Park. In total, 38 games will be carried by GAAGO – 22 Sam Maguire Cup, nine Liam MacCarthy Cup and seven Tailteann Cup fixtures. A new midweek show has also been announced.

The GAA and RTÉ, who jointly own GAAGO, came in for strong criticism, particularly from politicians last year when attractive hurling games weren't on terrestrial television.