Under-21 hurling final to go ahead in Thurles

The All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship final between Galway and Tipperary will proceed as planned at Semple Stadium on Saturday evening (throw-in 7pm).

The decision of the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee to fix the game for the Thurles venue drew opposition from Galway GAA officials.

Galway Hurling Board Chairman Joe Byrne argued that it is "very unfair on us to have to go and take on Tipperary not only in their home venue but where they train".

But with the GAA not budging and last night's emergency meeting of Galway clubs to discuss the matter not taking place, the Galway Hurling Board have agreed to play the game at the chosen venue.

Byrne admitted: "We are very unhappy with the way all this has been handled and we want all of that examined.

"We are very angry about the whole matter. But, for now, it's just about concentrating on the game on Saturday."

This weekend's clash marks the first All-Ireland U-21 hurling decider between the two counties since 1983.

Galway, who were last U-21 champions in 2007, beat Dublin in their recent semi-final, while Tipperary - facing into their second major final in six days - were far too strong for Antrim in the last-four.

Eight players who were part of last Sunday's victorious Tipp senior panel at Croke Park are set to be on duty for the U-21 final - they are Padraic Maher, Patrick Maher, Brendan Maher, Michael Cahill, Noel McGrath, Seamus Hennessy, Michael Heffernan and Brian O'Meara.

Tipperary last won an senior/Under-21 All-Ireland double in 1989.