With the Limerick senior side in All-Ireland quarter-final action three days later and four players involved in both Limerick panels, manager Donal O'Grady was eager for the move.

Three of the Shannonsiders' most promising players - Kevin Downes, Graeme Mulcahy and Declan Hannon - will now be available to O'Grady for the quarter-final against Dublin, barring injury.

The Clare County Board agreed to the change of date prior to Limerick officials approaching the Munster Council with their request.

Depending on their exertions against Dublin, Downes and company might be able to play some part in the Under-21s' clash with Clare at Cusack Park in Ennis. The game will have a 7.30pm throw-in.

Speaking after Limerick's SHC qualifier win over Antrim last Saturday, O'Grady had warned: "If the GAA are serious about burnout, they'll put the (Under-21) game back.

"It's not my decision - it's a decision for the Munster Council - but maybe sense will prevail.

"From a medical, burnout and prevention of injury point, you wouldn't play a full match on a Thursday night and then go back out on a Saturday or Sunday and play a full match again."

The winners of the rescheduled U-21 semi-final will now have a shorter run-in to the final.

They will meet either Cork or Tipperary on the following Wednesday (August 3), unless a replay is required.