Kilkenny-Galway tie goes south

The All-Ireland SHC quarter-final that has drummed up the most interest - the mouth-watering clash between Kilkenny and Galway - will be held on Saturday, July 22 as part of a double header at Semple Stadium.

The GAA has decided to pair up the quarter-finals with two of them going south to Thurles, and the other two games being held at Croke Park on Sunday, July 23.

The game between All-Ireland champions Cork and their Munster rivals Limerick will kick off proceedings at Semple Stadium in Thurles on Saturday week - throw-in time is at 5.15pm.

At 7pm, the repeat of last year's epic nine-goal SHC semi-final between Kilkenny and Galway will go ahead.

Croke Park will be the venue on Sunday week as Wexford attempt to gain revenge on Clare, who knocked the Models out of the All-Ireland quarter-finals last year with a 1-20 to 0-12 defeat. That game will have a 2.15pm throw-in.

The second game at headquarters will see Tipperary, conquerors of Waterford in this summer's Munster championship, lining out against the Deise again - throw-in time is at 4pm.

Meanwhile, the All-Ireland SHC Relegation play-off between Dublin and Westmeath will take place in Tullamore next Saturday (throw-in 2.00pm). The losers will drop down to Tier 2 for next season.

2006 GUINNESS ALL-IRELAND SHC QUARTER-FINALS:

Saturday, July 22 -

Cork v Limerick, Semple Stadium, 5.15pm

Kilkenny v Galway, Semple Stadium, 7.00pm

Sunday, July 23 -

Clare v Wexford, Croke Park, 2.15pm

Tipperary v Waterford, Croke Park, 4.00pm

2006 ALL-IRELAND SHC RELEGATION PLAY-OFF:

Saturday, July 15 -

Dublin v Westmeath, Tullamore, 2.00pm