Matchday Guide: Cork v Galway – All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final

🏟️ Matchday Guide: Cork v Galway – All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Cork GAA supporters are set for another huge occasion as the Rebels take on Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final at Croke Park on Saturday, 4 July.

With a capacity crowd expected at GAA headquarters, supporters are encouraged to plan their journey, arrive early and familiarise themselves with the key matchday information below to ensure a safe and enjoyable day.

Match Details

Fixture: Cork v Galway
Competition: All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin
Date: Saturday, 4 July
Throw-in: 3:30pm
Referee: James Murphy (Limerick)

Following their impressive All-Ireland Quarter-Final victory over Offaly, Cork return to Croke Park aiming to secure a place in a third consecutive All-Ireland Final. Galway arrive as Leinster champions after an outstanding victory over Dublin, setting the stage for another memorable championship encounter.

📺 TV Coverage

The match will be broadcast live on:

  • RTÉ One
  • RTÉ Player
  • BBC Two Northern Ireland
  • BBC iPlayer

RTÉ’s live GAA coverage begins at 12:45pm, with the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Quarter-Final between Waterford and Kilkenny preceding the hurling semi-final.

📻 Radio Coverage

Supporters unable to attend can follow the action with:

  • C103 – Live match commentary
  • RTE Radio 1 Live match commentary
  • Cork’s RedFM – Match updates throughout the afternoon
  • Cork’s 96FM – Live updates and reaction

📱 Follow Cork GAA

Keep up to date throughout the day by following @OfficialCorkGAA across X, Facebook and Instagram for:

  • Team announcements
  • Live match updates
  • Half-time and full-time scores
  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Post-match reaction

🎟️ Tickets – Important Information

All supporters, including children, must have a valid match ticket to enter Croke Park.

There will be no ticket sales at the stadium on matchday. Tickets must be purchased in advance through official GAA sales channels.

Please have your ticket ready before arriving at the turnstiles.

📱 Digital Tickets

To ensure quick and efficient entry, supporters are encouraged to prepare their tickets before travelling.

Accepted formats include:

  • Apple Wallet
  • Google Wallet
  • Printed PDF ticket

Tickets stored in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet can be scanned directly at the turnstiles.

If using a printed ticket, ensure the QR code is clear and undamaged.

⚠️ Screenshots Will Not Work

For security reasons, screenshots or photographs of tickets will not be accepted.

Please ensure:

  • Your phone is fully charged.
  • Screen brightness is turned up.
  • Your ticket is downloaded before arriving, as mobile reception may be limited around the stadium.

🚶 Arriving at Croke Park

Supporters are advised to arrive at least one hour before throw-in to allow sufficient time for entry.

Your designated entrance is printed on your ticket.

Please expect:

  • Ticket scanning
  • Security screening
  • Bag searches
  • Larger queues closer to throw-in

Stewards and An Garda Síochána will be on hand to assist throughout the day.

🎒 Bag Policy

To help speed up entry:

  • Only bags A4 size or smaller are permitted.
  • Large bags and backpacks are prohibited.
  • All bags are subject to search.
  • There are no bag storage facilities available.

Supporters are encouraged to travel light.

🚗 Travel Information

Croke Park is best accessed by public transport, walking or cycling.

If travelling by car:

  • Allow extra time for your journey.
  • Expect heavy traffic approaching Dublin.
  • Please avoid parking in residential areas.
  • Official parking is extremely limited.

⚠️ N20 Roadworks – Important Travel Notice

Supporters travelling from Cork should be aware of major roadworks on the N20 at Ballyfookoon, approximately 5km north of Croom.

A STOP/GO traffic management system will be in operation from 8:00pm on Friday, 3 July, until Monday, 6 July, to facilitate essential bridge replacement works.

Significant delays are expected throughout the weekend.

Supporters are strongly encouraged to:

  • Allow additional travel time.
  • Plan their journey in advance.
  • Consider alternative routes where possible.

🍔 Food & Drink

A range of food and beverage outlets will be available throughout Croke Park.

Supporters should note:

  • Sealed soft drinks (500ml or smaller) are permitted.
  • Empty reusable water bottles may also be brought into the stadium.
  • Alcohol cannot be brought into the stadium.
  • Alcohol is available to purchase inside for patrons aged 18 and over (ID may be required).

♿ Accessibility

Croke Park offers a wide range of accessibility services, including:

  • Accessible seating
  • Sensory room facilities
  • Audio descriptive commentary
  • Dedicated steward assistance

Supporters requiring assistance should speak to a steward upon arrival.

🌤️ Weather

Current forecasts suggest dry conditions with temperatures between 18°C and 21°C, providing excellent conditions for hurling.

As always, supporters should check the latest forecast before travelling and dress appropriately.

Please note that umbrellas are not permitted within the stadium bowl.

🔁 Stadium Reminders

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:

  • No re-entry is permitted once you leave the stadium.
  • Follow all steward instructions.
  • Prohibited items, including flares and smoke devices, are strictly forbidden.
  • Please respect fellow supporters and stadium staff throughout the day.

🚩 Cork Flags

Our supporters are reminded that while we welcome displays of colour in support of our team, the Confederate flag should not be used in this way. The Confederate flag is a symbol of division and of support for racist views, and has been historically invoked to express support for beliefs that Cork GAA firmly opposes. The flag is banned from our own grounds and our supporters are urged not to use this flag as it does not represent the values of the Cork GAA community. Your support in keeping this flag away from Cork matches is requested.

 

❤️ Enjoy the Day

Croke Park provides the perfect stage for another memorable championship occasion.

Whether you’re travelling from Cork, elsewhere in Ireland or overseas, thank you for getting behind the Rebels.

Travel safely, arrive early, enjoy the atmosphere and roar on Cork as they bid for another place in the All-Ireland Final.

Corcaigh Abú! ❤️🤍