THE FIRST WEEKEND of November sees some big hurling action in Kilkenny and Tipperary, while the provincial championships continue in Leinster and Munster.
Loughmore-Castleiney seek to defend their Tipperary SHC title against Thurles Sarsfields, who’ve won three of the last five finals. Let by county star Noel McGrath, they go head to head with Lar Corbett’s Sarsfields.
In the Leinster club championship, 2012 Leinster champions Kilcormac/Killoughey get their campaign underway as they take on Shelmaliers of Wexford, while Kilmacud Crokes and Raharney also host quarter-finals.
Holders Clara are looking to make it back to back Kilkenny SHC titles, but to reach the final they must overcome Richie Power’s Carrickshock, who they beat in last year’s final. Kingpins Ballyhale Shamrocks play St. Martin’s in the first semi-final.
Saturday is relatively quiet, with Walsh brothers, Tommy and Padraig, facing county team-mate JJ Delaney in the Kilkenny SHC relegation final.
SATURDAY
Kilkenny SHC relegation final
Fenians v Tullaroan, Freshford, 3pm
SUNDAY
Kilkenny SHC semi-finals
Ballyhale Shamrocks v St Martin’s, Nowlan Park, 1.15pm
Carrickshock v Clara, Nowlan Park, 3pm
Leinster Club
SHC quarter-finals
Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) v Rathdowney Errill (Laois), Parnell Park, 2.30pm
Raharney (Westmeath) v St Mullins (Carlow), Cusack Park, Mullingar, 2.30pm
Shelmaliers (Wexford) v Kilcormac Killoughey (Offaly), Wexford Park, 2.30pm
Munster Club
JHC quarter-finals
Skeheenarinky (Tipperary) v Feohanagh Castlemahon (Limerick), Cahir, 2pm
Kenmare (Kerry) v Castlemartyr (Cork), Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 1pm
Tipperary SHC final
Loughmore-Castleiney v Thurles Sarsfields, Semple Stadium, 3pm.
Ulster Club
SHC final
Portaferry (Down) v Ruairi Óg Cushendall, Owenbeg, 2.30pm
