Two titanic tussles are earmarked for ‘Croker’ this weekend as 18,000 fans are allowed in to watch the Hurling final between Dublin and Kilkenny on Saturday.
A similar crowd number is permitted for the last four of the Leinster Senior Football Championship as Dublin face Meath and Kildare take on Westmeath as the sides bid for a final spot.
In the hurling final, Kilkenny and Dublin are expected to go right to the wire as both sides bid to get their hands on some silverware as restrictions continue to ease despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Limerick referee Johnny Murphy will be the man in the middle as he has been appointed to oversee the final which is set to be broadcast live on RTE for those unable to get tickets.
Murphy refereed the 2018 All-Ireland minor hurling final between Galway and Kilkenny but will make the step up to Senior level this weekend.
Tickets are expected to sell out fast due to the limited number and any fans wishing to get their hands on one can do so here.
Leinster Senior Football Championship semi finals
Meath and Dublin met in last year’s final and the Dubs will be hoping it is a case of lightning striking twice as they will bid to defend their crown when the sides battle it out at the weekend.
Both semi-finals will take place on Sunday, July 18.
Meath will know they will have to bridge the gap with a better performance this time around as they suffered a heavy 21-point defeat at the same junction last year.
The draw for the semi-finals has finally been decided after the outcome of the quarter-finals last weekend.
Earlier this year the Leinster Council had counties, clubs and supporters in suspense as they announced that the draw was not going to be made until the last minute due to the fluid situation regarding coronavirus and crowd restrictions.
Dublin were pushed all the way by Wexford whilst Meath dispatched Longford without any issues.
Westmeath enjoyed a routine win against Laois and Kildare won against Offaly which should setup two grandstand semi-finals this weekend.
Munster Hurling Championship final
A 7,000 strong crowd will be cheering on Tipperary and Limerick at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the Munster Hurling Championship final this weekend.
That is more than double the amount of fans that were present in the semi-finals recently and will come as a welcome boost for both players and fans alike.
Limerick defeated Cork as two first half goals from Darragh O’Donovan and Patrick Collins helped the Shannonsiders book their place in the final whilst Tipperary fended off Clare by a goal and a point to progress at LIT Gaelic Grounds.
Wexford’s James Owens will referee this weekend’s clash as both Tipperary and Limerick look to get their name etched on a piece of silverware.
Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-finals
Tyrone will meet Donegal in Brewster Park this weekend as Armagh look to overcome the might of Monahan to secure a final spot.
Tyrone showed their mettle last weekend as they sent defending champions Cavan home with their tail between their legs with a 1-18 – 0-13 point victory at Healy Park, Omagh on Saturday, July 10.
The Red Hands had Darren McCurry to thank for their success as he produced a scintillating performance on his debut to ensure Tyrone’s progression.
Ballybofey was the venue for Donegal and Derry on Sunday, July 11 and what an encounter it proved to be.
A last minute effort from Paddy McBrearty settled the scores in what proved to be the tightest meeting between the sides in recent years.
The Hills ran out 0-16 to 0-15 winners in the end but Derry boss Rory Gallagher seems to have turned things around for the Oakleafs judging by last weekend’s game.
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