Way set fair for Hurling knockouts after scoreline clarification
By Shane Brophy
Controversy has been avoided going into the knockout stages of the FBD Insurance Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship after a scoreline error threatened to impact the relegation playoffs.
As disconsolate Toomevara players, mentors and supporters left MacDonagh Park, Cloughjordan on Sunday following their poor showing in defeat to Nenagh Eire Og which saw them miss out on progressing to the knockout stages, there was some element of relief that they had avoided finishing bottom of the group and being dragged into a relegation battle.
However, twenty minutes later, all that changed as the final scoreline from the JK Brackens v CJ Kickhams Mullinahone game in Cashel was altered from a six-point margin to four, which left Toome and Mullinahone tied on score difference but with the North side having scored less in their three games, therefore finished bottom of the table.
However, as the evening progressed, it quickly became clear that something was amiss as Clubber coverage of the game, County Board and JK Brackens twitter feeds, plus local media, all had the final scoreline of 3-23 to 0-26 in favour of Brackens, rather than the referee’s tally of 3-22 to 0-27.
Referees have 72-hours to submit their report from games, in which they can amend details such as the final scoreline with referee Willie Fitzharris’ report submitted to Tipperary CCC on Monday night having the scoreline at 3-23 to 0-26, thereby returning Mullinahone to bottom of the group.
The adoption of the referee’s report is deemed final, although it remains to be seen if CJ Kickhams Mullinahone look to challenge any aspect of the process with the relegation semi-finals delayed due to Clonoulty/Rossmore playing in a preliminary quarter final, the draws for which can only take place once their quest for the Dan Breen Cup comes to an end, if at all, with Roscrea, Upperchurch/Drombane, and Mullinahone now playing a waiting game.
Nenagh Eire Og could speed up that process if they were to take down the West champions after they were drawn together in one of the preliminary quarter finals, fixed for Sunday week in Borrisoleigh at 3.30pm.
Te previous day at The Ragg at 5.00pm will see Mid champions Loughmore/Castleiney face off against Holycross/Ballycahill in a repeat of their divisional final with one of the top two pre-championship favourites being eliminated before the quarter final stage.
The winners from both games will progress to the quarter-finals a week later, along with Kiladangan and Borris-Ileigh, who will be drawn against group winners Thurles Sarsfields, Moycarkey/Borris, Cashel King Cormacs and JK Brackens.
The draw for the preliminary quarter finals of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship also took place on Monday night where Mid champions Thurles Sarsfields will face Sean Treacys in Drombane on Saturday, 5th September at 3.00pm, while the following day will see North champions Silvermines take on Boherlahan-Dualla in Templemore at 1.00pm, while West champions Éire Óg Annacarty/Donohill come up against Moneygall in Littleton at 1.30pm.
The three winners will progress to the quarter finals a week later joining the unseeded St Mary’s who will be up against group winners Moyne-Templetuohy, Killenaule, Lorrha, and Golden Kilfeacle.
The premier intermediate relegation semi-final draws have also been delayed as Silvermines can play their way out of them if they go on and win the title, with Carrick Swan, Templederry Kenyons and Ballina now in limbo.
The Intermediate Hurling Championship is more settled with one preliminary quarter final required for South champions Skeheenarinky who will face Newport on Sunday, 6th September in Tipperary Town at 2.00pm.
The winner will progress to the quarter finals joining the unseeded Portroe, Clonakenny, and Cappawhite who will be up against group winners Kilsheelan/Kilcash, Arravale Rovers, Ballingarry, and Borrisokane.
The Intermediate relegation semi-final draws have taken place with Clonoulty/Rossmore taking on Carrick Davins on Saturday 5th September in New Inn at 2.00pm, while the following day at 1.00pm in Golden, Holycross/Ballycahill face Ballybacon/Grange.