We’re in for a few cracking games.

The under-21 hurling championship always produces. Kilkenny and Galway lived up to its billing on Wednesday night with a couple of favourable refereeing decisions just shading it for Galway in the end. Down in Munster, Waterford gave a fancied Cork side the fright of their lives before Darragh Fitzgibbon stood up again when it mattered for the Rebels.

Thursday

It will be Tipperary and Limerick’s turn on Thursday night. The two Munster hurling strongholds go at it in Semple Stadium in a Munster last four clash to be broadcast live on TG4. Limerick are down a number of the players who fired them to All-Ireland glory last year but they still pack a decent punch with the hard working Seamus Flanagan and the skilful Peter Casey leading the line for them. Kyle Hayes has lorded it for the Treaty County’s seniors at centre forward, recently giving Austin Gleeson the runaround, but he’s retreating to centre back this evening.

Here’s their starting XV.

1. Jamie Power (Monaleen)

2. Brian Timmons (Murroe-Boher)
3. Josh Adams (Ballybrown)
4. John Flynn (Patrickswell)

5. Willie O’Meara (Askeaton)
6. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry)
7. Thomas Grimes (Na Piarsaigh)

8. Paddy O’Loughlin (Kilmallock)
9. Mike Mackey (Adare)

10. Brian Ryan (South Liberties)
11. Barry Murphy (Doon)
12. Conor Boylan (Na Piarsaigh)

13. Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh)
14. Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh)
15. Mark O’Dwyer (Monaleen)

Tipperary have endured a few barren years at under-21 level but they won an All-Ireland minor two years ago and they’ll have high hopes this year. Nenagh Éire Óg forward Jake Morris is arguably their key man, while Clonoulty Rossmore’s Dillon Quirke, Kilruane McDonagh’s Jerome Cahill, Knockavilla’s Ger Browne and Killenuale’s Paudie Feehan have all shown well for their clubs in recent times.

Here’s their starting XV.

Tipperary U21 panel v Limerick for this Thursday night in Semple Stadium at 7.30pm – @BordGaisEnergy Munster Hurling Semi-Final pic.twitter.com/l5gQjGzp2z

— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) June 19, 2018

That promises a lot, and it throws in live on GAA Beo TG4 at 7.30 on Thursday evening.

Friday

On Friday, there will be under-20 football clashes across the country.

Two Munster semi-finals are taking place.

Cork v Clare, Pairc Ui Rinn, 7.30pm
Kerry v Waterford, Austin Stack Park, 7.30pm

And one Leinster under-20 quarter.

Carlow v Kildare, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7.30pm

Saturday

On Saturday, seven classic knockout football qualifiers are on the horizon.

The tie of the round will undoubtedly be the meeting of Tipperary and Mayo in Semple Stadium. The sides last clashed in the All-Ireland semi-final of 2016 when The Premier County gave Stephen Rochford’s men a serious scare before a Conor O’Shea goal edged Mayo over the line.

Tipperary are a wounded animal coming into this Round Two qualifier game, having been handed a walloping by old rivals Cork in Munster, so Liam Kearns’ men will be gunning for a response here, especially in front of a home Thurles crowd.

It will be a big ask for Tipperary, especially with Cillian O’Connor and Andy Moran in such red hot form but Michael Quinlivan and Conor Sweeney will trouble Mayo’s last line also.

That game will thankfully be broadcast on Sky Sports.

Then you’ve six other enticing fixtures.

Waterford v Monaghan, Fraher Field, 2pm

Cavan v Down.

Carlow v Tyrone, Netwatch Cullen Park, 5pm

Sligo v Armagh, Markievicz Park, 6pm

Leitrim v Louth, Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, 7pm

Longford v Kildare, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 7pm

The always exciting Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cup finals are also taking place, all of which will be live on TG4’s Youtube channel.

Christy Ring final
London v Kildare, Croke Park, 2pm – TG4 Youtube

Nicky Rackard final
Donegal v Warwickshire, Croke Park, 4pm – TG4 Youtube

Lory Meagher final
Sligo v Lancashire, Croke Park, 12pm – TG4 Youtube

Sunday

Then on Sunday you’ve the Leinster and Ulster football finals and another qualifier game. RTÉ and BBC step up to the mark here.

Leinster final
Laois v Dublin, Croke Park, 4pm – RTE

Ulster final
Fermanagh v Donegal, Clones, 2pm – RTE/BBC2 NI.

Qualifier game

Offaly v Clare, Bord Na Mona O’Connor Park, 1.30pm.

Bring it on.

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