Preview: AIB All-Ireland Club SHC Semi-Finals
St Martin's players Jack O’Connor and Barry O’Connor celebrate following the AIB Leinster Club SHC Final at Croke Park. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Sunday December 21
AIB All-Ireland Club SHC Semi-Finals
Sleacht Néill (Derry) v Loughrea (Galway), Parnell Park, 1.30pm, TG4
This promises to be a lively encounter at the Donnycarney venue.
Sleacht Néill have accumulated six AIB Ulster Club hurling titles since 2016 before delivering gritty displays on the national stage.
Reaching a Croke Park decider, though, remains the mission.
In the provincial final, Sleacht Néill were hugely impressive winners against St John's as Cormac O'Doherty and Sheá Cassidy carried a potent attacking threat.
Chrissy McKaigue, Brendan Rogers, and Ruairí Ó Mianáin supply plenty of quality for the Derry and Ulster standard bearers.
Loughrea demonstrated admirable composure to retain a competitive Galway SHC.
Darren Shaughnessy and the nifty Anthony Burns struck goals in the hard earned final victory over St Thomas' at Pearse Stadium.
Johnny Coen, Tiernan and Caimin Killeen are other influential figures for Tommy Kelly's well organised team.
Ballygunner (Waterford) v St Martin's (Wexford), FBD Semple Stadium, 3.30pm, TG4
Buoyed up by a remarkable Leinster triumph, St Martin's now face an accomplished Ballygunner outfit in Thurles.
Tough challenges are arriving thick and fast for Daithí Hayes charges, who finished with a flourish against Shamrocks Ballyhale.
Ben Stafford's sweet, last gasp point divided the teams at Croke Park as Martin's recovered from the concession of an early goal.
Jack O'Connor was immense, nailing six points from play, while Rory O'Connor was sharp, finishing with a 0-11 haul.
Such efficiency will be required once more because Ballygunner remain a slick side.
Dessie Hutchinson was at his brilliant best in the Munster final, clipping seven points against Éire Óg Ennis.
Patrick Fitzgerald and Peter Hogan were prominent too as Ballygunner enjoyed a comfortable success.
Ballygunner will be fully aware of St Martin's potential, and this could go the distance.
