Semi-finals in Leinster and final in Ulster today

The line-up of the Leinster provincial final will be decided today as Kilkenny meet Offaly and Dublin clash with Wexford in a double-header at Semple Stadium in Thurles.

Dublin will have it all to do if they are to overcome Wexford in their semi-final clash.

The Dubs found it difficult to get past an inexperienced Meath side in the first round and will have to raise their game significantly to match a Wexford side led by free-scoring forward, Paul Codd.

The two sides will battle it out in the first game in Thurles which begins at 2.30pm.

Old rivals Kilkenny and Offaly will clash at 4.25pm with Kilkenny overwhelming favourites to advance to the final.

Despite not having DJ Carey throughout the campaign the Cats won the Allianz National Hurling League this season and have an array of brilliant forwards to call upon.

Carey is not expected to figure today but with the likes of Brian McEvoy, John Power, Charlie Carter and Henry Shefflin all playing, Kilkenny are expected to make light work of today’s match.

Meanwhile in Ulster, Antrim and Down play the first provincial final of the season at Casement Park where there is a 3.30pm throw in.

Antrim are traditionally the strongest hurling side in Ulster but have not won the title in three years now and this should prove a large enough incentive for them to overcome Down this afternoon.