Intermediate Hurling games are hard to call
GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Finals and Relegation Final Preview
By James Hayden
The Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship reaches its penultimate stage next Sunday with four teams from three divisions bidding for a place in the county final.
At 1.30pm in The Ragg, North champions Borrisokane face South representatives Ballingarry, while at 2.00pm in Dundrum, West rivals Arravale Rovers and Cappawhite go head to head.
With very little separating the four remaining sides, both encounters have the ingredients for intriguing and absorbing contests.
Ballingarry v Borrisokane
Borrisokane booked their place in the last four following a hard-earned 1-22 to 1-20 victory over South champions Skeheenarinky in the quarter-final.
Gary Ryan was outstanding in attack, contributing eight points from play, while Oisin Larkin proved highly effective from placed balls. At the other end of the field, Jack Larkin produced an impressive performance from centre-back, not only defending strongly but also acting as a major source of incisive possession for his forwards.
Captain Mike Heenan continues to lead the Borrisokane challenge from the front, while Jack Larkin's brothers Connal and Oisin have established themselves as key members of the side. The experience of the evergreen Philip Austin is another valuable asset for manager John Egan, while Ciaran Foley, Donal Cleary and Liam Cleary have added a welcome injection of youth to what is a well-balanced team.
Ballingarry, managed by Niall O'Donnell, produced one of the most impressive quarter-final performances when they accounted for Clonakenny on a 2-23 to 1-14 scoreline.
Ben Ivers found the net twice in a comprehensive victory, while Dylan Walsh emerged as their chief scoring threat. Simon Blackmore was also highly influential, producing an excellent display in the sweeper role.
Ballingarry will be hoping to return to the county final for the first time since 2024, when they suffered a narrow defeat to Moneygall. Borrisokane, meanwhile, are attempting to reach the decider for the first time since 2010, when they defeated Gortnahoe/Glengoole. Verdict: Ballingarry
Arravale Rovers v Cappawhite
Arravale Rovers, managed by Michael Heelan, advanced after overcoming Portroe 0-21 to 0-16 in their quarter-final. Jaye Cilvinas was particularly impressive, turning in an outstanding individual display and contributing five points from play.
Arravale are the only divisional champions remaining in the competition and will be keen to underline that status by securing a place in the county final. Their last appearance in the decider came in 2009, when they were defeated by Carrick Davins.
Standing in their way are a Cappawhite side managed by Eamonn Buckley who produced a notable quarter-final performance to overcome a fancied Kilsheelan-Kilcash outfit 1-16 to 1-12.
Cappawhite's defence was central to that success, while Dara McCarthy found the net for their only goal. McCarthy is also a significant threat in attack, where he is joined by Conor Martin and David Buckley, giving Cappawhite a potent forward line.
Cappawhite have never won the Tipperary Intermediate title, although the club can point to Junior successes in 1942 and 1948 with most of their subsequent time at senior level, county champions in 1987. Verdict: Cappawhite
INTERMEDIATE HURLING RELEGATION FINAL
Ballybacon/Grange v Clonoulty/Rossmore
Arguably the biggest game in the Intermediate grade will be on Saturday when Bansha hosts the relegation final between Ballybacon/Grange and Clonoulty/Rossmore at 4.15pm.
Ballybacon/Grange came up from Junior ‘A’ in 2017 but have struggled to contend while Clonoulty are in just their second season after coming up from junior level.
The greater pressure is on Ballybacon who were involved at this stage last year when they survived, beating Drom & Inch in a replay. Their knowledge of what they are preparing for might see them survive again. Verdict: Ballybacon/Grange