History making is the goal for Slaughtneil in the All-Ireland semi-final

Slaughtneil will look to make history by becoming the first Derry club to reach the All-Ireland hurling club final on Sunday.

Munster champions, Sarsfield, stand in the way of this momentous occasion for the South Derry club.

Slaughtneil collected their 12th consecutive Derry club championship earlier this season before, a fortnight ago, overcoming a spirited Portaferry final performance to secure their fifth Ulster Club Championship.

Meanwhile, Sarsfield used their underdog tag in the final against Ballygunner, who had lifted the provincial title the previous three seasons, to collect their maiden Munster hurling Championship title.

Despite their victory in the Ulster final, Slaughtneil’s Jack Cassidy is looking for a better performance in Newbridge.

He said: “We didn’t play for 40 minutes, and that is obviously something we have to look at.

“There is a hell of a lot of improving to do, and we hope to showcase it on the biggest stage in an All-Ireland semi-final.”

Slaughtneil may want to use their experience of playing at this level when they face Sarsfield despite never winning at this round in the competition.

Clubs from Cork have claimed nine All-Ireland titles and have historically maintained a good record in the sport at the inter-county level, so Slaughtneil and their squad will know that this will be a difficult challenge as they look to make history, particularly when coming up against a side that overcame the 2021 All-Ireland club champions.

The throw-in for the fixture is at 1:30 pm in Cedral St Conleth's, Newbridge, with the match being broadcast live on TG4. 

Following this fixture in Thurles at 3:30 pm is the other semi-final between Loughrea (Galway) and Na Fianna (Dublin).

Both All-Ireland semi-finals must be decided on the day, meaning extra time and penalties are a possibility.