GAA Preview: All you need to know ahead of the start of the hurling championship
Michael Bolton
The hurling championship gets underway this weekend, with a repeat of the All-Ireland final in Munster.
All-Ireland winners Clare will take on Cork in a repeat of the 2024 decider, with Cork coming into the game having won Division 1A.
In what is always extremely competitive and entertaining, the Munster championship has delivered some incredible moments down through the years.
With their drive for a fifth straight All-Ireland stopped, Limerick will be aiming to get off to a strong start when they take on Tipperary, who showed encouraging signs in the league.
In Leinster, Kilkenny will hope for a first All-Ireland in 10 years when they get their championship underway against Galway, who exited the championship at the Leinster championship.
In football, Kerry will be favourites to reach another Munster final when they face rivals Cork.
In Connacht, Galway and Roscommon meet in the semi-finals, with Galway aiming for their third straight Connacht title.
In Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan will battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Here is all you need to know ahead of this weekend's action:
Saturday April 19th
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship round one
Dublin v Offaly, Parnell Park, 6.00 pm.
Kilkenny V Galway, UPMC Nowlan Park, RTE Two, 3.45 pm.
Wexford v Antrim, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2.00 pm.
Munster Senior Football Championship semi-finals
Cork v Kerry, Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, GAA+, 6 pm
Clare v Tipperary, Cusack Park Ennis, 2 pm.
Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final
Leitrim v Mayo, Carrick-on-Shannon, GAA +, 4:30 pm.
Joe McDonagh Cup round one
Laois v Westmeath, Portlaoise, 3 pm.
Carlow v Down, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2.30 pm.
Kildare v Kerry, Cedral St Conleth's Park, 2 pm.
Sunday April 20th
Munster Senior Hurling Championship round one
Tipperary v Limerick, FBD Semple Stadium Thurles, - GAA+ 4 pm.
Clare v Cork, Cusack Park Ennis, RTE, 2 pm.
Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final
Roscommon v Galway, Dr Hyde Park, RTÉ Two, 4 pm.
Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final
Monaghan v Donegal, Clones, GAA+, 2 pm.
