Sevens event to kick-start All-Ireland weekend

The 2005 AIB Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens tournament takes place this weekend at the Dublin club's Stillorgan home.

Some of the country's top hurling clubs, including last year's winners Portumna of Galway, will battle it out on Saturday for AIB Cup honours.

Friday's Cup and shield competitions for local schools will mark the beginning of the tournament's 33rd year, while an Under-13 tournament will also be staged on Saturday.

A number of former All-stars have graced the All-Ireland Sevens since its inception in 1973, including Galway defender Ollie Canning, who will be otherwise occupied on Sunday.

72 teams from 26 different counties, including representatives from London, are due to converge on south Dublin for this weekend's 125-game schedule.

Saturday's senior action, spread across ten qualifying groups, takes place at six different venues - Glenalbyn, Stillorgan, Blackrock College, Deerpark, Silverpark and Clonkeen College - with games starting from 10.30am.

The throw-in for the final at Glenalbyn is 6.30pm.

Setanta Sports Ireland will also screen highlights of the Sevens weekend at the following times: (Saturday, Sept 10 - Quarter-finals - 7.50pm-9.50pm) (Sunday, Sept 11 - Semi-finals - 10.15am; Final - 11.15am).