Saturday September 9

Bord Gais Energy All Ireland Under 21 Final

Kilkenny v Limerick, Semple Stadium, 3pm

This game could go the distance on Saturday afternoon. Two in form teams collide in Thurles and a lively match beckons.

Limerick have dealt adequately with every challenge so far, while Kilkenny’s first Leinster success at this level since 2012 brought a sense of satisfaction.

For much of the past decade Limerick have been busy preparing for the future, working diligently with Academy squads every Saturday morning at UL.

A new and exciting crop of players are emerging in the south west and they claimed All Ireland glory at this level two years ago.

Several of that panel remain involved so they will relish this stage, but Kilkenny, minor champions in 2014, have the cut of a serious outfit.

Former star Eddie Brennan is in charge and there has been a ruthlessness about Kilkenny have carried out their business in the competition so far.

Kilkenny, though, are fully aware that the most demanding assignment of the lot awaits because Limerick impressed when Galway came swinging late in a thrilling Semi-Final.

Thomas Grimes, Robbie Hanley and Aaron Gillane fired over the decisive scores for Limerick during that entertaining encounter.

Gillane is a talented performer, while Peter Casey and Barry Murphy both registered 1-2 each in that encounter.

Barry Nash is another enterprising attacker, while Cian Lynch remains one of the most exciting hurlers in the country.

The versatile Kyle Hayes is a key player for Pat Donnelly’s Limerick, who cruised to a facile win over Derry in their most recent tussle.

Shane Walsh and John Donnelly were in splendid scoring form, while Billy Ryan, Liam Blanchfield, and Richie Leahy are viewed as promising players in Kilkenny.

A year ago Kilkenny were beaten in Leinster by Westmeath, but they have responded in 2017 with a string of industrious displays.

Kilkenny haven’t sampled All Ireland Under 21 glory since 2008 and the Cats are keen to end that search for a title.

Limerick, featuring nine senior panelists, bring an accomplished team to Semple Stadium too for what promises to be an intriguing decider.

KILKENNY: Darren Brennan; Michael Cody, Conor Delaney, Niall McMahon; Huw Lawlor, Jason Cleere, Tommy Walsh; Luke Scanlon, Richie Leahy; John Walsh, John Donnelly, Sean Morrissey; Shane Walsh, Liam Blanchfield, Billy Ryan.

LIMERICK: Eoghan McNamara; Sean Finn, Darragh Fanning, Dan Joy; Ronan Lynch, Kyle Hayes, Thomas Grimes; Colin Ryan, Robbie Hanley; Aaron Gillane, Barry Murphy, Cian Lynch; Peter Casey, Tom Morrissey, Barry Nash.