CORK’S Sarsfields are the only thing standing in the way of Derry’s Sleacht Néill and an All-Ireland final place in the new year.
Today’s semi-final between the champions of Ulster and Munster at Newbridge will see two distinct brands of hurling go head-to-head.
Sleacht Néill, a relatively new powerhouse in Ulster hurling, hope to reach their first-ever All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship Final, having reached this stage four times previously.
In an interview with the Irish News, backroom staff coach Barney McEldowney praised the improved club structures, the improvements to coaching and also “a few special players”, such as dual star Brendan Rogers and Cormac O’Doherty, that have given Sleacht Néill a seat at the top of the Ulster hurling mountain.
Their opponents, Sarsfields of Glanmire, Co Cork, are playing their first All-Ireland semi-final after their maiden Munster Hurling title.
The seven-time Cork champions defeated Ballygunnar to make their way to Newbridge this afternoon in an impressive display that shocked many in the hurling world.
Follow our live blog for the build-up and live score updates from the Sleacht Néill v Sarsfields All-Ireland semi-final.
