Nowlan Park proposed for hurling league final

Nowlan Park in Kilkenny could stage the upcoming Allianz Hurling League Division 1 final if certain results occur in this weekend's semi-finals.

If Kilkenny overcome Clare in their semi-final clash in Thurles and Tipperary do likewise against Munster rivals Cork, then Nowlan Park is poised to host the decider in two weeks' time.

Kilkenny County Board secretary Ned Quinn told the Kilkenny People: "There is an arrangement between the two counties (Kilkenny and Tipperary) that when they next meet in the final the match will be in Kilkenny."

It would be a break in recent tradition as the Division 1 final has mostly been played at Croke Park, Semple Stadium or the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick this century.

If the game on Saturday, May 6, does take place at Nowlan Park, the Kilkenny County Board stand to earn at least €50,000 from the fixture.

However, Brian Cody's men will be firmly focused on the challenge that Clare will put up to them this weekend.

Richie Power is back in contention for the Cats after serving a one-match suspension, but Richie Hogan is an absentee due to the collapsed lung he suffered last time out against Galway.