Munster final and Leinster semi pick of weekend’s hurling action

Cratloe to face Kilmallock as Ballyhale visit the capital for clash with Crokes

There are a number of mouthwatering ties to look forward to this weekend in the AIB Club Hurling Championships across the country. We take a look at football here but keep reading below for a look to the hurling clashes of note this weekend.

AIB Munster Club Hurling Championship Final - Cratloe v Kilmallock - Gaelic Grounds 2pm

In Munster Cratloe will have less distance to travel than the supposed 'home' side as they play Kilmallock in the AIB Munster Club Hurling Championship Final on Sunday at 2pm in the Gaelic Grounds. The Clare side are just 8.5km from the venue for Sunday's match while Kilmallock are a whopping 36.3 km from the Ennis road setting. And in a strange twist of fate Clare hurling legend Ger 'Sparrow' O Loughlin is managing the Limerick champions against Cratloe who are appearing in a very first provincial club hurling finale.

AIB Leinster Club Hurling Championship  Semi final - Kilmacud Crokes v Ballyhale Shamrocks - Parnell Park 2pm

The red carpet will have to be rolled out for the arrival of 'The King' in town on Sunday as Ballyhale Shamrocks face Kilmacud Crokes in Parnell Park. TJ Reid scored 10 points for the Kilkenny outfit in their win over Clara last Sunday in Nowlan park and along with Henry Shefflin and Colin Fennelly the Kilkenny side boast a formidable starting 15. 'Crokes had to endure extra time before seeing off Rathdowney-Erril by 0-23 to 0-22 two weeks ago as Sean McGrath scored 15 points for the victors and they have the firepower to trouble the 'Shamrocks' rearguard in what should be a classic in the capital.