All-Ireland club hurling semi-finals: All you need to know

SUNDAY 15 December

Sarsfields (Cork) v Slaughtneil (Derry), Cedral St Conleth's, 1.30pm
Loughrea (Galway) v Na Fianna (Dublin), FBD Semple Stadium, 3.30pm

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Down to the last four in the AIB All-Ireland club hurling championship and, unlike their football counterparts, two sides will see their season end before the arrival of Santa Claus.

But which of the clubs will take the penultimate step towards the ultimate prize, and set up a date in Croke Park next month?

Newbridge will host the clash of the Cork and Derry champions from 1.30pm.

We haven't had a Cork winner of the competition in over 20 years, when Newtownshandrum claimed the title. Two years later, they made the final, and that was the last appearance by a club from the Rebel county in the decider.

Sarsfields' victory over Ballygunner in the Munster final was also a first provincial crown for a Cork participant in 15 years. All in all, it's been a real barren period for Cork clubs, so Sarsfields will be determined not to let the opportunity pass them by.

Don't feel too bad for followers of hurling in the south-west though because a Derry club has never reached the All-Ireland final. This is Slaughtneil's fifth Ulster title since 2016, but they've lost out in the semi-final on the previous four occasions.

They had a right old battle against Cushendall in the provincial semi-final this season, needing extra-time to see off the defending champions, but can they finally make the big day?

After that game, attention will turn to the home of hurling at Thurles.

In that other semi-final, we have the only one of the four teams involved today who've actually reached the final before, Loughrea, who got to Croke Park in 2007 but lost out to Ballyhale Shamrocks.

The Galway champion went on to lift the Tommy Moore Cup last season - St Thomas' - so can Loughrea make it back to back?

Na Fianna stand in their way having made up for last year's agonising Leinster final defeat by becoming the third club from the capital to claim provincial honours.

Only Cuala have ever reached the All-Ireland final before; can Na Fianna become the second Dublin club to do so this afternoon?