Ballygunner and Shamrocks set for Croker rematch on Sunday week

Dessie Hutchinson of Ballygunner in action against Darren Mullen of Shamrocks in the All-Ireland final earlier this year. Pic: Piaras O'Midheach/Sportsfile

placeholder image — Dessie Hutchinson of Ballygunner in action against Darren Mullen of Shamrocks in the All-Ireland final earlier this year. Pic: Piaras O'Midheach/Sportsfile

It's set to be an early Christmas treat for hurling supporters with both AIB All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals commencing in Croke Park on Sunday week.

Taking centre stage will be the meeting of Shamrocks and Ballygunner as the two teams meet in a repeat of last February's dramatic All-Ireland final that saw Ballygunner snatch a late victory.

Under normal circumstances, the game would catch the eye of most neutral observers but this last four clash is set to go directly against the Fifa World Cup Final which begins at 3pm.

Prior to the meeting of the Kilkenny and Waterford neighbours will be the first semi-final as Galway champions St Thomas look to make up for a last four defeat at the hands of Shamrocks last January when they meet Antrim and Ulster kingpins Dunloy.

Both games will be screened live on TG4.

Sunday December 18

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Finals

St Thomas' (Galway) v Cúchulainns Dunloy (Antrim), Croke Park, 1.30pm, TG4

(E.T & Winner on the Day)

Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) v Ballygunner (Waterford), Croke Park, 3.30pm, TG4