THE SPOTLIGHT FALLS on Semple Stadium this weekend.

The Thurles venue hosts the semi-finals of Division 1 in the Allianz hurling league next Sunday.

Reigning champions Kilkenny, who have reached eight of the last 11 finals, will be aiming to return to that stage.

Their opponents Galway were last in the final in 2010 when they defeated Cork.

Dublin, the 2011 champions, are also in the last four following their Division 1B league final win over Limerick.

They will face Tipperary who last claimed the title in 2008.

Sunday April 21st
Allianz Division 1 HL semi-finals
Tipperary v Dublin, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 2pm, (Ref: Brian Gavin, Offaly), (TG4 Live)
Kilkenny v Galway, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 3.45pm, (Ref: Diarmuid Kirwan, Cork), (TG4 Live)

On Saturday there are places in the 2013 Cadbury’s All-Ireland U21 football final on the line.

Kildare, who last featured in the final in 2008, meet Galway, champions at this grade in 2011.

While Cork, the champions in 2009, face off against Cavan, beaten finalists two years ago.

Saturday April 20th
Cadbury’s All-Ireland U21FC semi-finals
Galway v Kildare, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 2pm, (Ref: Barry Cassidy, Derry), (TG4 Live)
Cavan v Cork, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 3.45pm, (Ref: Liam Devenney, Mayo), (TG4 Live)

There’s also plenty action in the ESB Munster and Leinster minor championships this week.

Wednesday April 17th
Leinster MFC first round
Laois v Longford, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 7.30pm, (Ref: Garreth Whelan, Wicklow)
Munster MHC playoff
Waterford v Clare, Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 7pm, (Ref: Anthony Sherlock, Tipperary)
Friday April 19th
Munster MFC quarter-final
Cork v Kerry, Páirc Uí Rinn, 7pm, (Ref: Alan Kissane, Waterford)
Saturday April 20th
Leinster MFC first round
Meath v Offaly, Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 3pm, (Ref: Stephen Johnson, Louth)
Leinster MHC first round
Kilkenny v Laois, Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, 3pm, (Ref: Paud O’Dwyer, Carlow)
Wicklow v Kildare, Aughrim, 3pm, (Ref: Brian O’Leary, Wexford)
Offaly v Carlow, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 7pm, (Ref: Peter Burke, Kilkenny)
Munster MFC quarter-finals
Waterford v Limerick, Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 2.30pm, (Ref: Kevin Murphy, Cork)
Clare v Tipperary, Cusack Park, Ennis, 7pm, (Ref: Brendan Stack, Limerick)

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