Christmas will be some time for these eight clubs.
Basking in county and provincial glory, Stephen’s and New Year’s nights out couldn’t be much sweeter.
But before 2019 is even a day old, you can bet your life on it that the eight of them will be focused on a date in February. They’ll be heading to their pitches and they’ll be running the turkey sandwiches and the pints out of themselves before they’ve even settled in their stomachs and it’s the only place they’ll want to be too.
And they’ve tunnel vision and they’ve a destination for where their journey now.
The venues for the All-Ireland club semi-finals were confirmed on Monday afternoon with the football and hurling taking place over successive weekends.
First up is the hurling on Sunday February 9. St Thomas’ and Ruairà Óg Cushendall will do battle for a place in the club hurling final in Parnell Park at 3.00. Just as that one finishes up, the battle of the Ballys, Ballyhale Shamrocks and Ballygunner will throw in about 80 miles across the country in Semple Stadium at 5.00. Both will be live on TG4.
St Thomas v Ruairà Og Cushendall, Parnell Park, Dublin 3.00.
Ballyhale Shamrock v Ballygunner, Semple Stadium, 5.00.
It means that there’s no chance of attending both of them.
There are plenty of hurling diehards out there who’d love to see the both of them in person and though they can watch both on TG4, it doesn’t seem the best idea for getting a big crowd and a booming atmosphere at these semis.
Surely, Parnell Park could have held both and if not, Croker?
It’s the same story for the football the following weekend with Gaoth Dobhair Corofin clashing in Carrick-on-Shannon at 1.30, followed by Dr Crokes Mullinalaghta in Thurles at 3.30.
The full list of fixtures, including the junior and intermediate ones can be viewed here.
