LAST UPDATE | 17 Mar

ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS Limerick will take on Kilkenny in a repeat of the last two Liam MacCarthy Cup deciders, in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at the semi-final stage of the hurling league next weekend.

Limerick finished top of Division 1B after yesterday’s action in the final round of games and  will face Kilkenny, who finished second in Division 1A. The pair will meet again at the Cork venue, where they clashed in last year’s league final, in a game that is fixed for Saturday 23 March at 4.30pm, live on TG4.

Clare, table-toppers in Division 1A, will face Tipperary, second in Division 1B in the other semi-final in Laois Hire O’Moore Park in Portlaoise on Sunday 24 March at 4pm, also live on TG4.

Limerick drew 0-17 apiece with Galway in Salthill, while Kilkenny enjoyed a successful trip to Walsh Park as they defeated Waterford 0-18 to 2-9.

• Two late Niland frees ensures draw for Galway against 14-man Limerick
• Kilkenny reel in Waterford to make league semi-finals

Yesterday’s other action saw Clare prevail against Offaly by 0-23 to 1-19 in Birr, while Tipperary had things more comfortable in Belfast, running out 2-21 to 0-12 victors against Antrim.

Jason Forde scored 0-12 for Tipperary, while Jake Morris netted 2-2 in a success that ensures they reached the last four instead of Galway. Aodhán O’Brien hit 0-8 for Antrim while Niall McKenna raised three white flags.

Elsewhere in Division 1B, the Dublin hurlers saw off Westmeath 2-22 to 0-15. The picture is now clearer for next year’s top-flight divisions in the hurling league.

2025 Division 1A

• Clare, Kilkenny, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Wexford.

2025 Division 1B

• Dublin, Waterford, Offaly, Westmeath, Antrim, Carlow, Semi-final winner (Laois/Down).

And here’s the state of play for the knockout stages of the GAA hurling league after the round-robin action concluded:

Division 1 

Semi-finals

• Saturday 23 March: Limerick v Kilkenny, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4.30pm.
• Sunday 24 March: Clare v Tipperary, Laois Hire O’Moore Park,  Portlaoise, 4pm.

Final (6-7 April)

Division 2A

• Semi-final (23/24 March): Laois v Down (Laois venue)
• Final (30/31 March): Carlow v semi-final winner (Carlow venue)

Division 2B

• Final round of fixtures to be played tomorrow

Division 3A

• Semi-final (23/24 March): Sligo v Cavan (Sligo venue)
• Final (30/31 March): Mayo v semi-final winner (Mayo venue)

Division 3B

• Semi-final (23/24 March): Longford v Warwickshire (Longford venue)
• Final (30/31 March): Fermanagh v semi-final winner (Fermanagh venue)