Four elite hurling teams converge on Croke Park this weekend for the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals. Cork and Galway clash on Saturday at 15:30 BST, followed by Clare against Limerick on Sunday at 16:00. BBC coverage begins thirty minutes before throw-in for both matches, with expert punditry from former inter-county stars including five-time winner Seamus Flanagan and Galway's 2017 champion David Burke.
Cork enter as last year's finalists with momentum after dismantling Offaly 6-25 to 2-11 in their quarter-final. Despite losing the Munster final to Limerick, the Rebels topped their provincial group with a perfect record. Galway secured their semi-final spot by capturing a first Leinster crown since 2018, avenging an earlier defeat to Dublin with a commanding 4-29 to 4-15 victory at headquarters.
Clare's path has been less straightforward. The 2024 champions stumbled to third place in Munster after a heavy 2-30 to 1-18 loss against Limerick in May. However, they rebounded strongly to dismiss Dublin 0-29 to 0-16 in Thurles. Limerick arrive with confidence soaring following their Munster triumph and will aim to reach a first final since 2023.
Former Tipperary star Jason Forde favors Cork based on recent form, particularly their goal-scoring prowess against Offaly. Meanwhile, Flanagan warns that Clare and Limerick consistently produce compelling encounters regardless of expectations. The winners advance to the July 19 final at Croke Park.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing