Intermediate Hurling Championship Previews
By Shane Brophy
Saturday, 14th September
Ballingarry v Knockavilla-D Kickhams in Cashel @ 5.00pm
Ballingarry have had a good year so far, winning division 3 of the county league, are South champions and won their group. However, they haven’t hurled competitively in five weeks after being handed a walkover from Skeheenarinky in the last round. However, that walkover proved costly as Ian Ivors suspension now carries over to this quarter final. Kickhams finished runners-up in a group to Moneygall and will fancy their chances. Verdict: Ballingarry
Moneygall v Portroe in Cloughjordan @ 5.00pm
A repeat of the North Final in July where Moneygall were convincing 2-21 to 0-11 winners. Moneygall haven’t missed a beat since rolling to group stage wins over Carrick Davins, Knockavilla Kickhams and Upperchurch/Drombane, but will be wary of a Portroe side that have picked up since, although the last gasp loss to Shannon Roverslast time out will have hurt. Provided they don’t hand John Sheedy too many opportunities from placed balls, Moneygall should still have too much firepower to progress. Verdict: Moneygall
Sunday, 15th September
Shannon Rovers v Cappawhite in Newport @ 12.00pm
Shannon Rovers also suffered at the hands of Moneygall in the North Championship but have responded well and are on a roll with three group stage wins over Arravale Rovers, Drom & Inch and Portroe with the help of Eamon Hough’s last gasp goal. They play a Cappawhite side that scraped into the knockout stage but can look to Golden Kilfeacle last year in how a team can still make an impact, plus have Tipp under 20 hurler Conor Martin back from injury. Verdict: Shannon Rovers
Borrisokane v Golden Kilfeacle in Borrisoleigh @ 5.00pm
After drawing the short straw in playing a preliminary quarter final, Borrisokane were out of luck again in drawing a Golden Kilfeacle side that have been impressive so far. However, Borrisokane come into this game off the back of another impressive win against Drom & Inch, and with momentum at their backs, are a dangerous side. Golden are a young side which Borrisokane can take advantage of. Verdict: Golden Kilfeacle
Intermediate Hurling Relegation Semi-Finals
Sunday, 15th September
Arravale Rovers v Ballybacon/Grange in Cahir @ 1.00pm
Ballybacon/Grange have a win over Cappawhite under their belt, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a relegation battle. Arravale have lost three games but performed well. Verdict: Arravale Rovers
Skeheenarinky v Upperchurch/Drombane in Bansha @ 1.00pm
The James Barry derby between his old side Upperchurch/Drombane and his new team Skeheenarinky who have struggled this year. Verdict: Skeheenarinky