Kilkenny, Derry, Limerick and Galway are all heading to Thurles. INPHO INPHO

SEMPLE STADIUM WILL host this year’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 hurling semi-finals on Saturday 19 August.

The Thurles venue has as expected been confirmed for the last four ties on Saturday week.

All-Ireland U21HC semi-finals

• Kilkenny v Derry, Semple Stadium, 4pm
• Limerick v Galway, Semple Stadium, 6pm

Semple Stadium hosts the U21 games. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

The curtain-raiser will see Kilkenny, victors in the Leinster final against Wexford, up against Derry, winners against Down in the Ulster decider.

It is Derry’s first appearance at this stage of the U21 hurling championship since 2008 while Kilkenny last featured in an All-Ireland U21 hurling semi-final in 2012.

The Eddie Brennan managed Kilkenny side will be heavy favourites to progress with this team having won the corresponding All-Ireland minor title in 2014.

The showdown between Galway and Limerick will be the second time in three years they have faced off at this stage, after Limerick won out by 1-20 to 0-17.

Ronan Lynch celebrates Limerick's goal in the 2015 U21 semi-final. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Limerick also won the 2014 All-Ireland minor semi-final against Galway by 1-27 to 2-9 in Croke Park.

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