Evening slot for football final

News Round-up: The GAA have made the unprecedented move of arranging an evening throw-in time of 5.30pm for this Sunday's Allianz National Football League final, clearly to avoid a direct conflict with the European Cup rugby semi-final between Munster and Leinster.

The Central Games Administration Committee (CGAC) met last night and first decided the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick would be the venue for the meeting of Kerry and Galway.

Croke Park had been ruled out as the final venue because of the geographical considerations of the counties involved. The rugby has a 3pm start at Lansdowne Road, arranged two weeks ago. Given the significance and interest in that game, the CGAC felt it was only right to avoid the direct conflict.

It is understood Kerry had raised some concerns about the late throw-in, but at least the Munster and Leinster supporters among the GAA fraternity now have the chance to catch both matches, one via television and the other perhaps in person.

Should be a lively afternoon around Limerick next Sunday.

The All-Ireland under-21 football semi-final between Laois and Cork will act as the curtain-raiser at the Gaelic Grounds, with a 3.30pm start, while the other semi-final in that competition between Mayo and Tyrone has a 1.45pm start at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan, where the GCAC also decided the Division Two football final between Donegal and Louth would take place at 3.30pm.

In hurling, the two semi-finals were also drawn last night and will take place as another double-header at Semple Stadium in Thurles, with Clare taking on Limerick at 1.30pm and Kilkenny meeting Tipperary at 3.15pm.

Limerick had an easy win over a poor Waterford at the same venue yesterday, while Tipperary held off the strong challenge of Offaly.

Meanwhile, Ireland and Australia have drawn the second Test of the International Rules Youth Series in Australia. As in Thursday's first Test, Ireland were forced to come from behind, overturning a seven-point Australian advantage in the last minute to level the game and the series.

This morning's game was played at Football Park in Adelaide and finished on a scoreline of 35-35. The outcome of the series now rests on the final Test in Perth on Wednesday.