Dublin clubs will feel at home for semi-finals at Parnell Park

Both the Dublin hurling and football champions are effectively at home in Parnell Park for a double-bill of Leinster club semi-finals this Sunday.

It was simply the luck of the draw for the Dublin teams. Kilmacud Crokes will host newly crowned Kilkenny hurling champions Ballyhale Shamrocks at 2pm, while St Vincent’s host Westmeath football champions Garrycastle at 4pm.

Offaly champions Kilcormac/Killoughey are already through to the hurling final, which will take place in Portlaoise on Sunday, December 7th.

The Leinster football final is set for December 14th, and will be played at a neutral venue. St Vincent’s, the reigning All-Ireland champions, are well fancied to beat Garrycastle, with the winners facing either Rhode or Moorefield, who meet in Tullamore in Sunday’s other semi-final.

By winning back their Kilkenny hurling title, Ballyhale are back on course for a fourth Leinster title in eight years. It also leaves Henry Shefflin continuing to defer a decision on his intercounty future.

“I said I would reflect when the club campaign was over, and isn’t it great to be able to put it off for another week?” he said, following Sunday’s seven-point win over Clara.

Kerry champions Austin Stacks and Waterford champions The Nire will meet in the Munster club football final at Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork on Sunday November 30th at 2pm.

Later that day, the Ulster club football final between Tyrone champions Omagh and Derry champions Slaughtneil will take place at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh, with a 3.30 throw-in.

Austin Stacks manager Stephen Stack believes his panel have the strength in reserve to win the provincial title.

“After missing out for 20 years on the trot [in the county championship], if we’ve to go until Christmas 12 months from now we’ll keep going,” said Stack. “I’ve no fear of them tiring now.