A few of the older patrons in the South Stand in Páirc Uí Chaoimh last night may remember the old Buddy Starcher classic ‘History Repeats Itself’. And, had they also been in Thurles last Sunday, the song must surely have resonated with them as this Munster U21 hurling semi-final unfolded.

It seems like a lifetime ago Cork football was riding the crest of a wave after winning the All-Ireland title in 2010, followed up by five Munster U21 titles in the next seven years, writes Mike Quirke.

Former Waterford star Eoin Kelly believes the Déise need “two or three goals” to beat Kilkenny in Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final — but fears they are set up too defensively to get them.

Tipperary’s historic Munster semi-final win over Cork last month will see them awarded with a last four bye next year but Peter Acheson still has a problem with the provincial structure.

Champions Kilmallock remain unbeaten in their Limerick SHC title defence.

The all-too-familiar criticism surrounding Cork hurling’s underage plight was yet again dragged front and centre in the wake of the county’s Munster semi-final defeat to Waterford earlier this month.

The mini-truck carrying close to 30 Tipperary U21 footballers edged through the town of Templemore close to midnight.

Aliance Football League Division 1

ALL-IRELAND JFC FINAL:

Clare hurling coach Paul Kinnerk has labelled the county’s three-in-a-row Munster U21-winning team as a "once in a lifetime group".

MUNSTER SFC QUARTER-FINAL:

You can’t help thinking Eoin Cadogan is playing a blinder as the big brother when he perceives his younger sibling Alan and the rest of the Cork U21 footballers are being hyped up ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland U21FC semi-final.

A high level of experience is set to benefit new Cork minor hurling manager Denis Ring.

Kerry 2-19 Tipperary 0-08

Munster Council chairman Sean Walsh insists the provincial body’s hands are tied with the timing of U21 Hurling Championship and admits it is unfortunate that the tie clashes with the Leaving Cert exams.

WATERFORD are to become the latest county to instal floodlights with a €500,000 investment on the cards for Fraher Field in Dungarvan.

WITH an All-Ireland SFC medal, an All-Star and the Young Footballer of the Year on his résumé, one would imagine Cork midfielder Aidan Walsh would be happy with his sporting lot in 2010.

NOEL McGRATH insists he has no problems with the hectic playing schedule facing himself and his Tipperary hurling teammates over the coming weeks.

MOUNT MERCY will be keen to evoke memories of a golden era when they face down Crescent College Comprehensive in today’s Munster Senior Schoolgirls Cup final at Rosbrien in Limerick (3pm).

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE will be hoping history repeats itself almost a quarter of a century on as they face the daunting task of toppling unbackable favourites Cork Church of Ireland in Saturday’s Peard Cup final at Rosbrien (1pm).

GALWAY hurling sensation Joe Canning will not be part of his county’s senior squad for Saturday’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final against Kilkenny in Thurles.

Munster U21 24 Penn State 10

The Munster ladies U21 and senior teams are set to play two games against a top American touring side this week in Cork.

THE IRFU have appointed three new members to the management of the national team.

The following is the Leinster Under-21 team to meet Munster in Rosbrien, Old Crescent on Friday (KO: 5.45pm):

The following is the Connacht U21 15 to play Munster at The Sportsground on Friday (6pm):

ANTHONY FOLEY, described by former Munster coach Alan Gaffney as one of the most astute brains in rugby, will lead Munster again this season.

Munster U21 23 Leinster U21 17

The following is the 25-man Munster U21 squad that will travel to take on Newport in Wales next weekend:

Dublin University 23 UL Bohemian 22

Dublin University 3 UL Bohemian 15

Garryowen 15 Co Carlow 14

Munster are in pole position in the Under 21 Interprovincial championship and they will meet Ulster for the first of two times in a week at Thomond Park on Saturday (2.30pm).

Bryan Hyland (UCC) will coach the Munster U21s next season with Phillip Danagher (Garryowen) as his assistant and Niall O'Shea (Shannon) continuing as team manager.

WINGER Jonah Lomu has angered some of New Zealand’s most famous rugby union players for refusing to sign a book commemorating the 100 greatest All Blacks.