The 2026 Munster Senior Hurling Championship kicks off with a highly anticipated clash as All-Ireland champions Tipperary host All-Ireland runners-up Cork at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles on Sunday, April 19th. The match marks a repeat of the 2025 All-Ireland final and serves as the opening fixture for both teams in the provincial campaign. Tipperary will look to build on their historic 2025 success, which ended a nine-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup, while Cork aim to avenge their final defeat and kickstart their bid for a first All-Ireland title since 2005. The game forms part of a double-header, with the Munster Senior Camogie Championship quarter-final between the same sides scheduled to initiate at 2:00pm, followed by the senior hurling contest at 4:00pm. Both matches will be broadcast live on RTÉ2, with comprehensive coverage also available via the Irish Examiner’s liveblog. Sean Stack of Dublin has been appointed as referee for the hurling encounter. Fans attending the double header are advised to download or print their tickets in advance, as screenshots will not be accepted for entry and no tickets will be sold on match day. A full Garda Traffic Management Plan will be in operation due to expected high attendance, with supporters urged to plan their journeys well ahead of time. The FBD Semple Stadium experience will include live music before the game, a screening of the Waterford v Clare camogie match in The Dome and a Kids Fanzone near the main entrance to the Ardan O’Riain New Stand, featuring fun activities for younger supporters.
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