Premier Intermediate and Intermediate Hurling Championships Round 2 Preview
By Shane Brophy
Premier Intermediate Hurling
Saturday, 23rd August
Group 1: Moyne-Templetuohy v Sean Treacys in Clonoulty @ 4.45pm.
A match-up between two first round losers but who came out of the losses to Gortnahoe/Glengoole and Thurles Sarsfields respectively in better shape than when they went in. Verdict: Draw
Group 2
Boherlahan-Dualla v Eire Og Annacarty/Donohill in Clonoulty @ 6.30pm.
A match-up of first round winners with a place in the knockout stage all but assured for the winners. Annacarty have a West championship secured and the return of Brian Fox from suspension strengthens their side. Verdict: Eire Og Annacarty
Silvermines v Templederry Kenyons in Nenagh @ 6.30pm.
If this derby clash didn’t require any more spice after several years without playing each other, it is also a virtual knockout clash with the loser potentially out of the championship. Both teams have performed well so far but have no wins to show for it.
Verdict: Templederry Kenyons
Group 3
Burgess v Upperchurch/Drombane in Toomevara @ 4.00pm.
Burgess are under the greatest pressure having lost in the first round while Upperchurch/Drombane have a point but if they can tidy up their shooting, they can take a big step towards the quarter finals. Verdict: Upperchurch/Drombane
Ballina v Moneygall in Nenagh @ 4.15pm
Ballina are riding the crest of a wave as the North champions took their form into the senior football last weekend. The likely battle of Tipp teammates, Michael Breen v Sean Kenneally could be worth the admission fee alone. Verdict: Ballina
Group 4: Clonakenny v St Mary’s in Cashel @ 2.30pm.
St Mary’s haul of eleven points in the loss to Killenaule is a massive concern whereas Clonakenny performed well in the loss to Carrick Swan. Verdict: Clonakenny
Sunday, 24th August
Group 1: Gortnahoe/Glengoole v Thurles Sarsfields in Templetuohy @ 5.00pm.
A repeat of a Mid semi-final where Gortnahoe/Glengoole rallied late to defeat Sarsfields, going onto win the title impressively. They’d fancy their chances of a repeat. Verdict: Draw
Group 4: Carrick Swan v Killenaule in Clonmel Sportsfield @ 5.30pm.
A repeat of the South Final of three weeks ago which Carrick Swan won more comfortably than the five point margin suggests. Killenaule responded well against Mary’s and will be fired up to show better of themselves. Verdict: Carrick Swan
Intermediate Hurling
Friday, 22nd August
Group 2: Clonoulty/Rossmore v Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams in Cappawhite @ 6.45pm
A match-up of two first round winners with Kickhams victory over Ballingarry one of the eye-catch results. Verdict: Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams
Saturday, 23rd August
Group 1: Cappawhite v Skeheenarinky in New Inn @ 6.00pm
Cappawhite have pushed themselves into contention with a West title and an impressive 31 point haul against Portroe and should edge closer to a quarter final with a win here. Verdict: Cappawhite
Group 3: Golden Kilfeacle v Kilsheelan/Kilcash in Cahir @ 6.00pm.
The clash of the round between two of the leading title contenders. Golden are under the greater pressure to get the win after failing to win the West title and that extra need could be decisive. Verdict: Golden Kilfeacle
Sunday, 24th August
Group 1: Moyle Rovers v Portroe in Boherlahan @ 3.45pm.
Portroe will be fancied to pick up their first win of the campaign against last years Junior ‘A’ champions who have found the step up in grade steep so far. Verdict: Portroe
Group 2: Ballingarry v Drom & Inch in Boherlahan @ 5.30pm.
The injury picked up by Dylan Walsh in the first round is a major concern for Ballingarry if he fails to line out, but they should have too much for the Mid side. Verdict: Ballingarry
Group 3
Borrisokane v Carrick Davins in Golden @ 4.00pm
A match-up of round 1 winners with Davins having an upset win over a Newport side who also lost to Borrisokane in the North semi-final, the margin of which suggests the Lower Ormond side should prevail. Verdict: Borrisokane
Arravale Rovers v Newport in Kilcommon @ 6.30pm.
Newport are in a real slump after their relegation from premier intermediate and the loss to Davins is a concern. Arravale were good in a narrow loss to Borrisokane and will fancy their chances here. Verdict: Arravale Rovers
Group 4: Ballybacon/Grange v Shannon Rovers in Borrisoleigh @ 2.15pm
The curtain-raiser to Cashel v Nenagh in senior should see Shannon Rovers bounce back following the second half non-performance last time out against Kilsheelan/Kilcash, however, beware Ballybacon/Grange’s ability to spring a surprise every campaign. Verdict: Shannon Rovers