Hurling semi-final fixtures confirmed
By Shane Brophy
Following a dramatic weekend of hurling championship quarter finals and relegation playoff action, attention is already turning to the weekend of 28-29 September for the semi-finals and relegation finals after the draws and fixtures were made.
The senior championships last four teams are made up of the three aristocrats on the roll of honour, along with one of the best teams of recent times.
There will be a fresh look to county final day in recent context as it will contain one of Toomevara, not in a final for sixteen years, or Moycarkey/Borris, who haven’t been in a final since 1984.
Their semi-final has been fixed for Saturday, 28th September at FBD Semple Stadium at 4.45pm, preceded by the first premier intermediate hurling semi-final between Cashel King Cormacs and Upperchurch/Drombane at 3.00pm.
It will be the same format the following day, also at FBD Semple Stadium, when the second premier intermediate semi-final between Carrick Swan and Gortnahoe/Glengoole preceding the senior semi-final between Mid rivals Loughmore/Castleiney and Thurles Sarsfields at 4.00pm.
It will be busy Sunday as both senior and premier intermediate hurling relegation finals will be played at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh with neighbours Newport and Sean Treacys meeting in the premier intermediate decider at 2.00pm, followed at 3.45pm by the senior final between Lorrha and Templederry Kenyons. It has been confirmed that replays will take place if the games end level.
Both the intermediate hurling championship semi-finals will be played on Sunday, 29th September at 12 noon with North champions Moneygall up against Cappawhite at The Ragg while Golden Kilfeacle and Ballingarry meet in Leahy Park, Cashel. The intermediate relegation final between Ballybacon/Grange and Upperchurch/Drombane will meet in Bansha at 1.00pm.
The Junior ‘A’ hurling semi-finals have also been confirmed with North champions Kiladangan up against St Patrick’s in Templetuohy at 12.45pm, followed by Holycross/Ballycahill v Moyle Rovers in Cashel @ 1.45pm.
The Junior ‘B’ hurling quarter finals will also be played that weekend following the outstanding divisional finals, including the North final between Newport and Silvermines taking place this Saturday, to determine who plays Thurles Gaels or Holycross/Ballycahill in the last eight.
Kilruane MacDonagh’s under 19 ‘B’ hurling final against Arravale Rovers has been fixed for Saturday 28th September in Kilcommon at 3.00pm, although this may change if Kilruane qualify for a Minor ‘A’ final following this Sunday’s semi-finals.