Tipperary Club Hurling Championships Round 2 Preview
SENIOR
By Liam Hogan
FRIDAY
Borris-Ileigh v Kilruane MacDonaghs in Dolla @ 7.15pm
Notwithstanding their 2023 relegation semi-final win over Upperchurch/Drombane, Kilruane’s victory over Drom & Inch in round 1 was Kilruane MacDonagh’s first championship win, divisional or county, since their County final success in 2022.
Seamus Hennessy and Jack Peters remain doubtful through injury butthe return of Aaron Morgan and Willie Cleary plus Sean McAdams did provide the perfect tonic against Drom.
Meanwhile, the one point win over Toomevara was a blessing to Borris-Ileigh. In a game of two halves, Borris-Ileigh looked invincible based on their first half performance but the second was a different story and the dip coincided with the loss of Brendan Maher through injury in the 45th minute. The same happened against Kiladangan last year so Borris will be earnestly hoping for a fully fit Maher to compliment the very skilful set of forwards in Kieran Maher, Kevin Maher, and Eddie Ryan. James Devaney is unavailable due to suspension. Verdict: Borris-Ileigh.
SATURDAY
Clonoulty/Rossmore v JK Brackens in Borrisoleigh @ 2.00pm
The two teams met in last year’s relegation semi-final with Clonoulty/Rossmore winning 1-18 to 1-15.
The West side certainly impressed in their draw against Kiladangan and looked to have the game won as they led by eight points going into added time before they retreated and invited Kiladangan to take them on. Danny Slattery, Stephen Ferncombe and Cathal Bourke were on song as Clonoulty carved open the Kiladangan defence much easier than expected.
JK Brackens registered one of their biggest scoring tallies in their history against Templederry in round 1 with Paddy Cadell inspirational at midfield while Lyndon Fairbrother was very good on frees. Jamie Ormond was also on fire in attack as the six forwards scored. Verdict: Clonoulty/Rossmore.
Drom & Inch v Toomevara in Borrisoleigh @ 3.45pm
This game could not come quickly enough for Toomevara. Their ambition for 2024 would be to at least reach the last four, similar to last year, but their plans are temporary off course due to their recent run of defeats, firstly to Kiladangan in the North final and Borris-Ileigh in the opening round of the championship.
They might well have won against Borris-Ileigh but for a number of goal chances missed in the second half. Part of their trouble is that they depend very much on Darragh McCarthy on frees but the support of Kevin McCarthy, Adam Hall and Jack Delaney can come into play. They should have Mark McCarthy starting as he made a difference when introduced at half time against Borris.
Drom & Inch did well in the league, however, their championship form has been less than what is required as they lost to Kilruane.Verdict: Toomevara
Moycarkey/Borris v Thurles Sarsfields in Templemore @ 6.30pm
Thurles had too much in the tank in their seven point win over Mullinahone in the first round with Conor Stakelum inspired in their 0-29 to 1-19 win. They appear to have returned to the best form following a disappointing league run with Eoin Purcell, Seanie Butler and Aidan McCormack taking up the baton, but Darragh Stakelum is a concern having picked up an injury last time out.
Moycarkey displayed positive signs in last year’s championship but failed to reach the knockout stage. Their performance over Roscrea showed more of this promise as they ran riot against the North-men. That was enough to see them through but the fact that they allowed Roscrea fight back with a late surge will give cause for concern. In Rhys Shelly they have a great goalkeeper and there is a lot of quality in Max Hackett, Jack Fallon, and Kyle Shelly. Verdict: Thurles Sarsfields.
CJ Kickhams Mullinahone v Roscrea in Holycross @ 6.30pm
This is a fight to stay in the race for Dan Breen. The concession of 3-25 came as a surprise to many in the Roscrea camp. Remember, they reached the last eight in 2023 but lost narrowly to Loughmore. Many expect them to reach those heights again and they have the potential with players like Alan Tynan, Evan Fitzpatrick, and Conor Sheedy.
Mullinahone, who won two of their three group games in last year’s campaign, lost their preliminary quarter final to Clonoulty. They expected to win the South championship this year but that did not happen. Eoin Kelly continues his role in goal with Eoin Fennelly at six. Jack Shelly leads the attack. Verdict: Roscrea
Lorrha v Nenagh Eire Og in Cloughjordan @ 7.15pm
A repeat pairing following Nenagh’s high scoring win in the quarter final of the North Championship at the same venue seven weeks ago.
While scoring 4-27, the concession of 2-19 was the source of much disquiet. Nenagh then lost to Toomevara in the semi-final. They were favourites to get a win over Holycross, but a fired up Mid team kept Nenagh slightly out of reach. The return of Conor McCarthy should provide a boost.
Similarly, the return of Patrick Maher to the Lorrha colours should also be a boost. He missed the clash with Nenagh due to suspension after his dismissal in the Munster club championship. Later he learned that the suspension should have occurred at county championship level and Lorrha suffered. Despite conceding three quick-fire goals before half time against Loughmore they fought back to within four points. A save by Loughmore keeper Aidan McGrath and the concession of a fourth goal quelled Lorrha’s challenge for victory.
The return to the top tier has been difficult on the Premier Intermediate champions but they face a Nenagh team unsure of what they can achieve, and Maher plus Eoin McIntyre and his brother Niall will provide a stern test for the light blues. Verdict: Nenagh Eire Og
SUNDAY
Kiladangan v Templederry Kenyons in Nenagh @ 3.15pm
The concession of 4-20 against Clonoulty/Rossmore is not what county championship holders are made off. On the other side of the coin, Kiladangan’s ability to pull games right out of the fire has few equals. Perhaps that is why they are county champions. Billy Seymour is fast becoming their lead forward with Paul Flynn in support. Sean Hayes remains a doubt but expect more from Alan Flynn and Tadgh Gallagher.
Buoyed by their North quarter final win over Kilruane MacDonaghs, Templederry suffered two championship defeats, first in the semi-final to Kiladangan and then the loss to Brackens when conceding 6-26. On their day, Templederry can have rich picking from Gearoid Ryan, Eanna Murray and Sean Ryan who is playing great stuff with his club as 2-5 against Brackens showed. Verdict: Kiladangan.
Holycross/Ballycahill v Loughmore/Castleiney at The Ragg @ 4.30pm
A repeat of last year’s County championship meeting when one point separated the teams.
Holycross/Ballycahill still made progress and reached the quarter final and presented Kiladangan with one of the more difficult games. They are a club making steady ground following their successes at underage level over the last few years and their win over Nenagh Eire Og two weeks ago included nine under 21 players on the starting team. Goalkeeper Euan Bourke produced a match winning save towards and Holycross followed up with three unanswered points in the dying minutes to seal the victory.
Loughmore/Castleiney come into this game with an impressive start to the year. Firstly, they regained the Mid title before securing a big win over Lorrha in the first round of the county championship. Eamon Kelly is their manager and the performances have caught the eye. Brian, Noel & John McGrath, and Liam Treacy certainly lend to their vast experience and that against a young team could be the difference. Verdict: Loughmore/Castleiney
PREMIER INTERMEDIATE
By Shane Brophy
SATURDAY
Silvermines v Upperchurch/Drombane in Templederry @ 2.00pm
After their surprise loss to Carrick Swan, Silvermines could face a backlash from Upperchurch, but the Mid side are under pressure and the ‘Mines can score. Verdict: Upperchurch/Drombane
Killenaule v Sean Treacys in Dundrum @ 4.00pm
Both first round losers but Killenaule performed much better in their defeat to Burgess and should get off the mark. Verdict: Killenaule
Eire Og Annacarty v Gortnahoe/Glengoole in Cashel @ 4.45pm
Two of the most impressive round 1 winners and will come in with confidence and a share of the spoils wouldn’t be a bad result for either. Verdict: Draw
Burgess v St Mary’s in Dundrum @ 5.45pm.
Both sides can book a knockout berth with a win and considering Burgess beat a Killenaule side that defeat St Mary’s in the South, they’ll go in as favourites. Verdict: Burgess
Ballina v Carrick Swan in Cashel @ 6.30pm.
There is a little more pressure on Ballina to get the win as the Swan have the South title to fall back on, but injuries could hamper the North side. Verdict: Carrick Swan
SUNDAY
Cashel King Cormacs v Moyne-Templetuohy in Littleton @ 4.45pm
The pressure is on two sides littered with players with inter-county pedigree, but Cashel should have too much scoring. Verdict: Cashel King Cormacs
Boherlahan-Dualla v Thurles Sarsfields in Littleton @ 6.30pm.
Sarsfields won the Mid semi-final clash, but Boherlahan will feel they can turn this around. Verdict: Draw
Clonakenny v Newport in Toomevara @ 6.30pm.
These two sides are very familiar with each other having met in two of the last three championships and with both having lost in round 1, it should be do or die. Verdict: Clonakenny
INTERMEDIATE
By Shane Brophy
FRIDAY
Knockavilla-D Kickhams v Moneygall at The Ragg @ 7.15pm.
Moneygall’s should get their toughest test to date but should overcome the West side. Verdict: Moneygall
SATURDAY
Ballingarry v Kilsheelan/Kilcash in Davin Park, Carrick-on-Suir @ 6.00pm.
A repeat of the South final which Ballingarry won but Kilsheelan should have Mark Kehoe back from the US and might sway it their way. Verdict: Kilsheelan/Kilcash
Arravale Rovers v Portroe in Newport @ 6.30pm.
Portroe’s last gasp draw with Drom will have given them a boost and their greater recent pedigree might see them past the West men. Verdict: Portroe
Cappawhite v Ballybacon/Grange in Golden @ 6.45pm.
Cappawhite were much improved against Golden in round 1, despite the loss and should have too much for the South side. Verdict: Cappawhite
SUNDAY
Drom & Inch v Shannon Rovers in Nenagh @ 1.30pm
A big opportunity for Shannon Rovers to take a giant step towards the knockout stage with a win but Drom’s second team are potent. Verdict: Shannon Rovers
Clonoulty/Rossmore v Golden Kilfeacle in Bansha @ 2.00pm
A local derby and Clonoulty would love nothing more than for their second team to beat Golden’s first, but the latter are flying at the moment. Verdict: Golden Kilfeacle
Borrisokane v Skeheenarinky in Cappawhite @ 4.00pm
Borrisokane will hope to put a sixty minute performance together than just a fifteen minute one. Verdict: Borrisokane
Carrick Davins v Upperchurch/Drombane in Cahir @ 6.00pm.
Davins gave Moneygall a right good go in round 1 and should have enough to get the better of Upperchurch who lost heavily on the opening weekend. Verdict: Carrick Davins