Kickhams and Rovers favoured to reach final

Shannon Rovers v Borris-Ileigh at the Camogie Grounds at 12 noon

In the first Intermediate semi-final, Shannon Rovers take on Borris-Ileigh and with the Rovers having reached last year’s final many had them as 2021 favourites. In the group stages, ‘Rovers’ scored 6-16, 3-16 and 2-16 in three of their games so their scoring ability is clear. Their game against Borris-Ileigh was a very close one up until the second water break so this semi-final is difficult to predict.

Shannon Rovers have the very experienced Sabrina Larkin in defence and Aoife Moloughney back to her best after a 2020 injury. Current full forward Celine Guinan starred in this year’s Tipp Under 16 campaign is recovering from injury.

Borris-Ileigh have had good wins over Newport, Cahir and Kilruane and will hope to have main scorer Nicole Walsh back after missing the final round with a hand injury.

Knockavilla Kickhams v Kilruane MacDonaghs at the Camogie Grounds at 3.00pm

Knockavilla Kickhams remained unbeaten throughout the compact 6-team group stages of this competition. What a great start to Intermediate ranks for Knockavilla who have not had a close test yet. Their three County Senior panellists Caoimhe McCarthy, All-Star nominee Ereena Fryday and Emer Heffernan have shown real leadership with this young side. Heffernan plays at corner forward, near enough to goals to make every possession a scoring opportunity. In defence, Beth Ryan is centre back and Sheena Ryan has moved from forwards to goalkeeping duties.

Kilruane were runners-up in the league and welcomed back Roisin Cahill to wing forward since. 2021 Tipp Senior panellist Laura Shinners has moved from defence to midfield. Ten points separated Kilruane and Knockavilla in their last game but Knockavilla will not have the advantage of ‘home’ venue on this occasion.