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Against Laois, Dublin scored an impressive 2-31. In addition, they kept the goals out at the other end, conceding 0-23. This solidity in their own defence will be important when coming up against last year’s runners-up.

Donal Burke was the Dubs’ top scorer with a personal tally of 1-16. Furthermore, Eamon Dillon hit 1-1 off the bench. In total, the Sky Blues had ten different scorers, something Mattie Kenny will be very pleased about.

Kenny made a couple of interesting calls for this game. Firstly, Chris Cummey was handed a new role. Last year’s captain is best known for being a half-back. However, on this occasion he found himself in the half-forward line and justified the selection with two points.

Secondly, Kenny left ex-All-Star Liam Rushe on the bench alongside experienced performers like Dillon, Shane Barrett and Mark Shutte. All of these came on to make their mark. It will be interesting to see if Kenny decides to stick or twist for the Kilkenny game.

Last year, Dublin suffered a shock to Laois. This time around, such an upset never looked on the cards. But, with the absence of a group stage, Dublin need to hit take the game to their Leinster counterparts.

Cats Primed to Pounce

Kilkenny made it all the way to the All-Ireland final last year despite losing the Leinster finale to Wexford. In fact, they knocked out holders Limerick on the way to doing so.

Earlier in the year, Kilkenny had qualified for the League quarter-final but had been less than convincing in doing so. However, the return of the Ballyhale Shamrocks contingent is a major boost to Brian Cody’s squad. Likewise, Adrian Mullen’s return from injury makes him a solid offering.

The winter Championship has proved fruitful for Kilkenny before. In 1909, they won the All-Ireland Final on the 12th December. Currently, this year’s final is scheduled for the 13th of December. Hence, Kilkenny fans will be hoping history repeats itself.

Paddy Power aren’t expecting an upset for this one. Kilkenny are 3/10 as opposed to Dublin’s 3/1. A draw is 10/1.

The game is live on GAA GO.

Prediction: Kilkenny.

Leinster Hurling Championship Semi-Final: Dublin vs Kilkenny, Saturday, October 31st, 15:45 (Croke Park).

Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Dublin v Laois in the Leinster Hurling Championship here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Dublin: 2-31
Laois: 0-23 pic.twitter.com/t50khTlMcx

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 24, 2020

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Limerick manager John Kiely admitted to not giving much thought to the fixture’s status as a double-header. It is clear that the Championship is the priority for Limerick. In 2019, they fell at the semi-final stage of the Championship to Kilkenny.

Now, Kiely’s team are out to go one better and claim their second Championship in three years. Their League form earlier in the year was certainly cause for optimism.

On the other hand, Clare’s U20 defeat to Tipperary last Monday night has freed up a number of players who Brian Lohan can call upon. However, Aidan McCarthy remains out with a broken thumb.

Earlier in the year, Clare went unbeaten in the League. A draw on the road against Kilkenny was particularly promising. After getting knocked out of the Championship early last year, the Banner county are out with a point to prove.

The game is live on RTÉ 2 on Sunday.

The winner plays Tipperary a week later. Whereas, the loser enter into the All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers on November 7/8.

Prediction

Limerick. Despite the absence of a crowd, the home advantage is still a welcome one. Furthermore, Limerick will be aiming to go all the way this year and laying down a marker in their first game is a target. But, Clare are more than able to challenge and will be a good test for the 2018 Champions.

Team News

Limerick (Munster SHC v Clare): Nickie Quaid; Sean Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, Declan Hannon, Paddy O’Loughlin; Cian Lynch, Will O’Donoghue; Gearoid Hegarty, Kyle Hayes, Tom Morrissey; Graeme Mulcahy, Aaron Gillane, Peter Casey.

Subs: Barry Hennessy, Conor Boylan, Jerome Boylan, Adrian Breen, Ronan Connolly, Seamus Flanagan, Robbie Hanley, Darragh O’Donovan, Brian O’Grady, David Reidy, Pat Ryan.

Clare (Munster SHC v Limerick): Eibhear Quilligan; Jack Browne, Conor Cleary, Stephen O’Halloran; Seadna Morey, Patrick O’Connor, Aidan McCarthy; David McInerney, Tony Kelly; Diarmuid Ryan, David Reidy, David Fitzgerald; Ryan Taylor, Cathal Malone, Shane O’Donnell.

Subs: Donal Tuohy, Paidi Fitzpatrick, Rory Hayes, Domhnall McMahon, Aron Shanagher, Aaron Cunningham, Jason McCarthy, Gary Cooney, Colin Guilfoyle, Paul Flanagan.

Limerick vs Clare: Munster SHC Quarter-Final. Sunday, October 25th (Thurles). 

'Faith can come in different ways for different people, but it’s just looking at it as a light at the end of the tunnel and it can focus the mind and that too,' – @LimerickCLG Cian Lynch discusses ways challenges can be embraced #GAA

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 20, 2020

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CLICK HERE FOR DUBLIN V LAOIS LIVE SCORES

Dublin captain Chris Cumney is personally looking forward to the resumption of GAA Championships: “You realise how lucky we are and how massive an opportunity it is to play championship in the winter months. We’re very grateful for the GAA and public health authorities giving it the go-ahead.”

Cumney underwent surgery in February and was on tight schedule to return for the initial Championship dates. Now, he has had a chance to do is rehab and is looking forward to the knock-out format.

On the other hand, Laois have proven they can win this fixture and will be excited to try and replicate the feat. The defeated side enter the qualifiers. Therefore, any team has the chance to play off the cuff and teams like Laois will undoubtedly do so.

Both these counties’ U20 sides won in midweek. But, the remainder of that Championship has been postponed. Therefore, either management squad may make use of their youngsters.

The winner plays a week later in the Leinster semi-final against Kilkenny.

Team News

Dublin (Laois) Alan Nolan, Paddy Smith, Eoghan O’Donnell, James Madden, Conor Burke, Daire Gray, Cian O’Callaghan, Sean Moran, Rian McBride, Cian Boland, Chris Crummey, Danny Sutcliff, Donal Burke, David Keogh and Ronan Hayes

Laois (Dublin): Enda Rowland; Lee Cleere, Sean Downey, Donnchadh Hartnett; Ronan Broderick, Padraig Delaney, Ryan Mullaney; Fiachra C Fennell, Patrick Purcell; Aaron Dunphy, Willie Dunphy, James Ryan; James Keyes, Ross King, Stephen Maher.

Sky Sports are showing the game live.

Predition: Dublin. Last year’s defeat will be in the back of their mind and will be an extra incentive. However, Laois know defeat would mean a short season and they would love a crack at Kilkenny. It will be every bit as close as last year but we expect Dublin to qualify.

Dublin vs Laois: Leinster Hurling Championship. Saturday, October 24th, 6pm (Croke Park). 

.@DubGAAOfficial hurling captain, Chris Crummey, is grateful the 2020 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is still going to go ahead. #GAA #GAABelong

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 21, 2020

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