All to play for in hurling championship second round
GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Senior & Intermediate Hurling Championship Previews
By Shane Brophy
SENIOR HURLING – DAN BREEN CUP
Group 1
Roscrea v Kiladangan in Cloughjordan on Sunday @ 2.00pm.
Two sides who will come in under pressure after disappointing first round results with Roscrea giving up a winning position to lose to Drom & Inch while Kiladangan were held to a draw by JK Brackens. You would expect a response from Kiladangan who started well last time out but were wasteful in front of goal and they hope to have full back James Quigley back from a hamstring injury. Verdict: Kiladangan
JK Brackens v Drom & Inch in Semple Stadium on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
This all Mid affair is set to be a tight encounter. Drom were off the pace for long spells against Roscrea but they found their form in time to get the win and that character will have delighted manager James Woodlock. JK Brackens are in the middle of a busy period with hurling and football but they are match sharp at the moment and their footballing style will help curtail Drom’s attack and won’t fear their neighbours one bit. Verdict: Drom & Inch
Group 1
Roscrea v Kiladangan in Cloughjordan on Sunday @ 2.00pm.
Two sides who will come in under pressure after disappointing first round results with Roscrea giving up a winning position to lose to Drom & Inch while Kiladangan were held to a draw by JK Brackens. You would expect a response from Kiladangan who started well last time out but were wasteful in front of goal and they hope to have full back James Quigley back from a hamstring injury. Verdict: Kiladangan
JK Brackens v Drom & Inch in Semple Stadium on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
This all Mid affair is set to be a tight encounter. Drom were off the pace for long spells against Roscrea but they found their form in time to get the win and that character will have delighted manager James Woodlock. JK Brackens are in the middle of a busy period with hurling and football but they are match sharp at the moment and their footballing style will help curtail Drom’s attack and won’t fear their neighbours one bit. Verdict: Drom & Inch
Group 2
Holycross/Ballycahill v Eire Og Annacarty in Clonoulty on Sunday @ 2.00pm.
A clash of two first round losers and the defeated team here will be staring at the relegation playoffs. Neither side performed near their best in the opening round with Annacarty heavily impacted by injury and will be hoping Ronan O’Brien and Brian Fox can feature. Holycross lack the experience of Annacarty but they offered little against Nenagh and will need to show more if they are to reaffirm their status as a top tier team. Verdict: Eire Og Annacarty
Clonoulty/Rossmore v Nenagh Eire Og in Semple Stadium @ 7.00pm.
A repeat of the 2018 county final which Clonoulty/Rossmore won and one of the ties of the round. Both were convincing opening round winners with neither forced to find top gear. Apart from the 2018 final clash, Nenagh have had Clonoulty’s number in recent meetings and their play against Holycross was particularly slick if sloppy in in their finishing. Timmy Hammersley will be back for Clonoulty from suspension but Nenagh will be without centre back James Mackey who was red carded against Holycross. A rejigging of the defence will likely see Adam Gratton come into the side. Verdict: Draw
A clash of two first round losers and the defeated team here will be staring at the relegation playoffs. Neither side performed near their best in the opening round with Annacarty heavily impacted by injury and will be hoping Ronan O’Brien and Brian Fox can feature. Holycross lack the experience of Annacarty but they offered little against Nenagh and will need to show more if they are to reaffirm their status as a top tier team. Verdict: Eire Og Annacarty
Clonoulty/Rossmore v Nenagh Eire Og in Semple Stadium @ 7.00pm.
A repeat of the 2018 county final which Clonoulty/Rossmore won and one of the ties of the round. Both were convincing opening round winners with neither forced to find top gear. Apart from the 2018 final clash, Nenagh have had Clonoulty’s number in recent meetings and their play against Holycross was particularly slick if sloppy in in their finishing. Timmy Hammersley will be back for Clonoulty from suspension but Nenagh will be without centre back James Mackey who was red carded against Holycross. A rejigging of the defence will likely see Adam Gratton come into the side. Verdict: Draw
Group 3
Loughmore/Castleiney v Thurles Sarsfields in Semple Stadium on Friday @ 7.00pm.
The tie of the round between these two Mid Tipp rivals. The winners can take a giant step to the quarter finals, particularly Sarsfields whose final game is against Moycarkey. Thurles weren’t good for three quarters of the Kilruane game but found several higher gears to record a six-point win. The open expanses of Semple Stadium will suit them, but they will need more from their forwards to match the scoring power of Loughmore. However, Sars recent record against their rivals is good and they should continue it here. Verdict: Thurles Sarsfields
Kilruane MacDonaghs v Moycarkey/Borris in Templemore on Saturday @ 3.00pm.
The pressure is on Kilruane MacDonaghs in this one after their final quarter collapse against Thurles Sarsfields. How that happened will have concerned their management over the last two weeks to ensure they respond with a win and get back on track. Moycarkey were competitive against Loughmore but lacked a scoring punch with Kieran Morris scoring thirteen points and if Kilruane are defensively disciplined, they should get the win. Verdict: Kilruane MacDonaghs
Loughmore/Castleiney v Thurles Sarsfields in Semple Stadium on Friday @ 7.00pm.
The tie of the round between these two Mid Tipp rivals. The winners can take a giant step to the quarter finals, particularly Sarsfields whose final game is against Moycarkey. Thurles weren’t good for three quarters of the Kilruane game but found several higher gears to record a six-point win. The open expanses of Semple Stadium will suit them, but they will need more from their forwards to match the scoring power of Loughmore. However, Sars recent record against their rivals is good and they should continue it here. Verdict: Thurles Sarsfields
Kilruane MacDonaghs v Moycarkey/Borris in Templemore on Saturday @ 3.00pm.
The pressure is on Kilruane MacDonaghs in this one after their final quarter collapse against Thurles Sarsfields. How that happened will have concerned their management over the last two weeks to ensure they respond with a win and get back on track. Moycarkey were competitive against Loughmore but lacked a scoring punch with Kieran Morris scoring thirteen points and if Kilruane are defensively disciplined, they should get the win. Verdict: Kilruane MacDonaghs
Group 4
Borris-Ileigh v Burgess in Nenagh on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
On paper you would think Borris-Ileigh would be strong favourites to win this one but over the years one of the teams that has given them a lot of trouble has been Burgess. The sides produced one of the games of the championship last year with their double extra time North semi-final which Borris-Ileigh emerged victorious in but only after Burgess had opened up a six-point lead. The manner in which they fell away in injury time against Upperchurch will concern Burgess but Borris-Ileigh’s greater spread of forward options my prove to be the difference. Verdict: Borris-Ileigh
Upperchurch/Drombane v Toomevara in Semple Stadium on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Off the back of their first-round draw with county champions Borris-Ileigh, Toomevara suffered the blow of Colm Canning suffering a cruciate knee injury with the wing back now out of the remainder of the championship. It’s a major blow for the player but Toomevara do have options with Paul Ryan, Jack Delaney, or minor Kenny Ryan all capable of slotting in. Mark McCarthy should be good to go after limping off late with a hamstring injury. Upperchurch can book a quarter final spot with a win and with their final game being against Borris-Ileigh, they’ll be keen to get the job done here. Verdict: Toomevara
Borris-Ileigh v Burgess in Nenagh on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
On paper you would think Borris-Ileigh would be strong favourites to win this one but over the years one of the teams that has given them a lot of trouble has been Burgess. The sides produced one of the games of the championship last year with their double extra time North semi-final which Borris-Ileigh emerged victorious in but only after Burgess had opened up a six-point lead. The manner in which they fell away in injury time against Upperchurch will concern Burgess but Borris-Ileigh’s greater spread of forward options my prove to be the difference. Verdict: Borris-Ileigh
Upperchurch/Drombane v Toomevara in Semple Stadium on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Off the back of their first-round draw with county champions Borris-Ileigh, Toomevara suffered the blow of Colm Canning suffering a cruciate knee injury with the wing back now out of the remainder of the championship. It’s a major blow for the player but Toomevara do have options with Paul Ryan, Jack Delaney, or minor Kenny Ryan all capable of slotting in. Mark McCarthy should be good to go after limping off late with a hamstring injury. Upperchurch can book a quarter final spot with a win and with their final game being against Borris-Ileigh, they’ll be keen to get the job done here. Verdict: Toomevara
SENIOR HURLING – SEAMUS O RIAIN CUP
Group 1
Ballingarry v Cashel King Cormacs in Clonmel Sportsfield on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Ballingarry were one of the surprise packages of the opening round with their five-point win over Carrick Swans with manager Nigel Cleere getting a good tune out of his team. Cashel were six-point losers to Killenaule in round 1 but will fancy their chances here. Verdict: Ballingarry
Killenaule v Carrick Swan in Clonmel Sportsfield on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
These South Tipp derby’s take on a life of their own and after contrasting performances and results in round 1, it should lead to a mouth-watering tie. With an uninterrupted preparation, Killenaule should benefit but they do not like playing Carrick Swans and with their need greater, Swans might just clip Killenaule’s wings once more. Verdict: Carrick Swan
Group 1
Ballingarry v Cashel King Cormacs in Clonmel Sportsfield on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Ballingarry were one of the surprise packages of the opening round with their five-point win over Carrick Swans with manager Nigel Cleere getting a good tune out of his team. Cashel were six-point losers to Killenaule in round 1 but will fancy their chances here. Verdict: Ballingarry
Killenaule v Carrick Swan in Clonmel Sportsfield on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
These South Tipp derby’s take on a life of their own and after contrasting performances and results in round 1, it should lead to a mouth-watering tie. With an uninterrupted preparation, Killenaule should benefit but they do not like playing Carrick Swans and with their need greater, Swans might just clip Killenaule’s wings once more. Verdict: Carrick Swan
Group 2
Kiladangan v Lorrha in Borrisokane on Friday @ 7.00pm.
Lorrha will be bitterly disappointed with their first-round performance in the loss to Thurles Sarsfields. They left it too late to get to the pitch of the game and the pressure is now to get what would be their first championship win since 2017. Kiladangan will come in under no pressure and were competitive for long spells against Portroe before fading late on. Verdict: Lorrha
Thurles Sarsfields v Portroe in Dolla on Sunday @ 2.00pm.
Thurles Sarsfields produced one of the best performances in the opening round and the fact they train with and are managed by the same group as their senior ‘A’ certain aids their preparation. This should be an open game as both sides like to move the ball into space but Portroe should have enough quality to avoid being another scalp for Sarsfields second senior team. Verdict: Portroe
Kiladangan v Lorrha in Borrisokane on Friday @ 7.00pm.
Lorrha will be bitterly disappointed with their first-round performance in the loss to Thurles Sarsfields. They left it too late to get to the pitch of the game and the pressure is now to get what would be their first championship win since 2017. Kiladangan will come in under no pressure and were competitive for long spells against Portroe before fading late on. Verdict: Lorrha
Thurles Sarsfields v Portroe in Dolla on Sunday @ 2.00pm.
Thurles Sarsfields produced one of the best performances in the opening round and the fact they train with and are managed by the same group as their senior ‘A’ certain aids their preparation. This should be an open game as both sides like to move the ball into space but Portroe should have enough quality to avoid being another scalp for Sarsfields second senior team. Verdict: Portroe
Group 3
Mullinahone v Newport in Golden on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Newport were hugely impressive in their opening round win over Clonakenny, but we will know more about this side when they come up against Eoin Kelly and co from Mullinahone. A big name win for Newport could see them kick on and contend in the championship and they have more than enough talent to go toe to toe with the South men. Verdict: Draw
Clonakenny v Sean Treacy’s in Templederry on Sunday @ 7.00pm.
Both sides suffered disappointing opening round defeats but when the draw was made both sides would have eyed up this game as one, they could win. Clonakenny were off the pace for long spells against Newport while Sean Treacys stuck with Mullinahone but never looked like winning the game. Verdict: Sean Treacys
Mullinahone v Newport in Golden on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Newport were hugely impressive in their opening round win over Clonakenny, but we will know more about this side when they come up against Eoin Kelly and co from Mullinahone. A big name win for Newport could see them kick on and contend in the championship and they have more than enough talent to go toe to toe with the South men. Verdict: Draw
Clonakenny v Sean Treacy’s in Templederry on Sunday @ 7.00pm.
Both sides suffered disappointing opening round defeats but when the draw was made both sides would have eyed up this game as one, they could win. Clonakenny were off the pace for long spells against Newport while Sean Treacys stuck with Mullinahone but never looked like winning the game. Verdict: Sean Treacys
Group 4
Ballina v Templederry Kenyons in Nenagh on Saturday @ 3.00pm.
Templederry will be sweating over the fitness of Gearoid Ryan who limped out of their opening round win over Silvermines with a knee injury. With Odhran Murphy, who scored four points from play in that game, out through suspension, it will hamper the Kenyons men against a Ballina side that will be stung by their loss to St Mary’s and know if they fail to get a win here they won’t make the knockout stages for the second year in a row. Verdict: Templederry Kenyons
Silvermines v St Mary’s in Dundrum on Sunday @ 6.30pm.
The pressure is on for Silvermines this Sunday after their first-round loss, coming up against a St Mary’s team buoyed by their win over Ballina. The ‘Mines may have to rethink the positioning of Jason Forde to get more scoring in attack but all over the field they will have to adjust to St Mary’s possession game with his difficult to prepare for. Verdict: St Mary’s
Ballina v Templederry Kenyons in Nenagh on Saturday @ 3.00pm.
Templederry will be sweating over the fitness of Gearoid Ryan who limped out of their opening round win over Silvermines with a knee injury. With Odhran Murphy, who scored four points from play in that game, out through suspension, it will hamper the Kenyons men against a Ballina side that will be stung by their loss to St Mary’s and know if they fail to get a win here they won’t make the knockout stages for the second year in a row. Verdict: Templederry Kenyons
Silvermines v St Mary’s in Dundrum on Sunday @ 6.30pm.
The pressure is on for Silvermines this Sunday after their first-round loss, coming up against a St Mary’s team buoyed by their win over Ballina. The ‘Mines may have to rethink the positioning of Jason Forde to get more scoring in attack but all over the field they will have to adjust to St Mary’s possession game with his difficult to prepare for. Verdict: St Mary’s
INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Group 1
Ballinahinch v Drom & Inch in Templederry on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Ballinahinch were winners in the opening round against Moyle Rovers while Drom fell to Moyne-Templetuohy. The North men can take a giant stride to the quarter finals with a win and should just about get the job done. Verdict: Ballinahinch
Moyne-Templetuohy v Moyle Rovers in Littleton on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Moyne-Templetuohy served notice of their title credentials with their eight-point win over Drom in round 1. With their football semi-final spot booked, Moyle Rovers can go all in for hurling over the next two weeks, but they may fall short here. Verdict: Moyne-Templetuohy
Group 1
Ballinahinch v Drom & Inch in Templederry on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Ballinahinch were winners in the opening round against Moyle Rovers while Drom fell to Moyne-Templetuohy. The North men can take a giant stride to the quarter finals with a win and should just about get the job done. Verdict: Ballinahinch
Moyne-Templetuohy v Moyle Rovers in Littleton on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Moyne-Templetuohy served notice of their title credentials with their eight-point win over Drom in round 1. With their football semi-final spot booked, Moyle Rovers can go all in for hurling over the next two weeks, but they may fall short here. Verdict: Moyne-Templetuohy
Group 2
Carrick Davins v Knockavilla Kickhams in New Inn on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Kickhams didn’t have things all their own way against Galtee Rovers in round 1 but that scare will have shaken any notions they had about themselves and they will need to be fully focused to be ready for a Davins side that pushed Borrisokane all the way. Verdict: Knockavilla Kickhams
Galtee Rovers v Borrisokane in Kilcommon on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Borrisokane will go into this game as favourites but they will feel there is more in the tank following their two-point win last time out. Galtee’s form is much better this year but Borris should claim their second win a book a quarter final berth. Verdict: Borrisokane
Carrick Davins v Knockavilla Kickhams in New Inn on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Kickhams didn’t have things all their own way against Galtee Rovers in round 1 but that scare will have shaken any notions they had about themselves and they will need to be fully focused to be ready for a Davins side that pushed Borrisokane all the way. Verdict: Knockavilla Kickhams
Galtee Rovers v Borrisokane in Kilcommon on Saturday @ 7.00pm.
Borrisokane will go into this game as favourites but they will feel there is more in the tank following their two-point win last time out. Galtee’s form is much better this year but Borris should claim their second win a book a quarter final berth. Verdict: Borrisokane
Group 3
Cappawhite v Shannon Rovers in Newport on Sunday @ 12.00pm.
Shannon Rovers will be without the suspended Austin Tierney for this clash with a Cappawhite side who were disappointing in round 1 in their loss to Ballybacon. Rovers weren’t great in their draw against Boherlahan and can only improve. Verdict: Cappawhite
Boherlahan-Dualla v Ballybacon/Grange in Cahir on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
Ballybacon/Grange produced the upset of round one with their win over Cappawhite and can book a quarter final spot with a win over Boherlahan who let a three-point lead slip late against Shannon Rovers. Verdict: Ballybacon/Grange
Cappawhite v Shannon Rovers in Newport on Sunday @ 12.00pm.
Shannon Rovers will be without the suspended Austin Tierney for this clash with a Cappawhite side who were disappointing in round 1 in their loss to Ballybacon. Rovers weren’t great in their draw against Boherlahan and can only improve. Verdict: Cappawhite
Boherlahan-Dualla v Ballybacon/Grange in Cahir on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
Ballybacon/Grange produced the upset of round one with their win over Cappawhite and can book a quarter final spot with a win over Boherlahan who let a three-point lead slip late against Shannon Rovers. Verdict: Ballybacon/Grange
Group 4
Golden-Kilfeacle v Gortnahoe/Glengoole in Cashel on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
Golden-Kilfeacle have been badly impacted by injury and player unavailability this year and came up well short against Moneygall in round 1. They won’t get things much easier from Gortnahoe who were nine-point winners in their opening game. Verdict: Gortnahoe/Glengoole
Kilsheelan/Kilcash v Moneygall in Holycross on Sunday @ 7.00pm.
Moneygall’s performance in defeating Golden Kilfeacle will have forced their rivals to sit up and take notice and such is their attacking talent in the Fogarty’s and Hogan’s they should have too much for a Kilsheelan side minus the injured Bill Maher and may focus their attention on peaking for their final senior football game in two weeks’ time as they chase a semi-final there. Verdict: Moneygall
Golden-Kilfeacle v Gortnahoe/Glengoole in Cashel on Sunday @ 3.00pm.
Golden-Kilfeacle have been badly impacted by injury and player unavailability this year and came up well short against Moneygall in round 1. They won’t get things much easier from Gortnahoe who were nine-point winners in their opening game. Verdict: Gortnahoe/Glengoole
Kilsheelan/Kilcash v Moneygall in Holycross on Sunday @ 7.00pm.
Moneygall’s performance in defeating Golden Kilfeacle will have forced their rivals to sit up and take notice and such is their attacking talent in the Fogarty’s and Hogan’s they should have too much for a Kilsheelan side minus the injured Bill Maher and may focus their attention on peaking for their final senior football game in two weeks’ time as they chase a semi-final there. Verdict: Moneygall