After an exciting 2017 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship, it all comes down to Kilkenny and Limerick, who will battle it out for the James Nowlan Cup this weekend.

The pair will go head-to-head in Semple Stadium, Thurles this Saturday, September 9 at 3pm.  The game will be preceded by the clash of Kerry and Wicklow in the ‘B’ championship decider at 1pm, with both games to be broadcast live on TG4.

The respective captains from three of the sides, Kerry’s Barry O’Sullivan and Limerick and Kilkenny managers, Pat Donnelly and Eddie Brennan were in Dublin today to mark the occasion.

Following disappointment at senior level for Limerick and Kilkenny this year, both teams will be in search of redemption for their respective counties in the form of a much-coveted U-21 All-Ireland title.

Eddie Brennan’s side had a smooth road to the final, which saw them see off Dublin, Westmeath and a Wexford in their provincial encounters.  The Cats also gave an outstanding display against Derry in the All-Ireland semi-final, scoring 8 goals in total to claim a 52-point victory over the Oak Leaf county.

For Kilkenny, the game represents their first appearance in a Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship Final since 2012.  The last encounter saw them take on Clare, who went on to win three U-21 All-Ireland titles in a row.

Limerick’s 2017 Munster campaign has seen the team produce wins over Tipperary, Clare and Cork, before a close All-Ireland semi-final encounter with Galway to secure their spot in the final two.

Limerick’s last All-Ireland title at this grade is a little fresher than Kilkenny’s, having sealed the deal just two years ago, in 2015.  The team will be sure to bring that experience into the game this Saturday.

Before the main event, The Kingdom will face Wicklow in the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland ‘B’ Final.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming finals, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “The Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Championship has enthralled fans all over the island of Ireland yet again this year.

"It has been fantastic to see the skill and dedication shown by players from this Championship over the years, and the 2017 season has been no different.”

“Many thanks to Bord Gáis Energy, for their continued passionate support and promotion of hurling at this grade.  I would like to wish each team, and all involved, the very best of luck in what should be two excellent games on Saturday."

Dave Kirwan, Managing Director at Bord Gáis Energy added: “At Bord Gáis Energy, we’re extremely proud of our association with hurling in Ireland.  2017 marked the 9th year of our involvement at U-21 level, but also our first year at senior level.

“I’d like to thank all at the GAA for their support in promoting the U-21 Championship, and their help in making it an integral part of the GAA calendar.  Best wishes to all teams involved on Saturday for what will no doubt be a fantastic day of hurling.”

Supporters in Thurles will also be able to visit the Bord Gáis Energy Family Fun Zone which will be located close to the Dome at Semple Stadium on Saturday, to try their hand with the hurling skills challenge as well as face painting and much more.

Fans unable to attend the game can catch all the action live on TG4, or follow #HurlingToTheCore online to stay up to date with all the action.