Premier Intermediate and Intermediate Hurling Championship Previews

By Shane Brophy

Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Finals

Boherlahan-Dualla v Carrick Swan at FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday @ 1.30pm

There has been a remarkable consistency to the sides that remain standing in the race for the Seamus O Riain Cup.

Carrick Swan being back at the semi-final stage is no surprise considering they narrowly lost last years final to Cashel King Cormacs. Boherlahan-Dualla will wonder could that have that been them as they led Cashel in the preliminary quarter final before the West side won late and took the momentum all the way to the county title.

The pressure is on Carrick Swan as they were among the contenders since the start of the campaign, and to their credit, they worn it comfortably, winning the South senior title, before winning all four games in the county championship so far.

Boherlahan are surprise semi-finalists, having emerged from a difficult group that contained Silvermines, Eire Og Annacarty and Templederry. Not only that they topped it and the manner of their quarter final win over Moneygall was impressive, particularly defensively holding the North side to 1-14. They won’t lack for belief under manager Conor Gleeson but the Swan might be too hard of a nut to crack. Verdict: Carrick Swan

Gortnahoe/Glengoole v Upperchurch/Drombane at FBD Semple Stadium on Sunday @ 1.30pm

Two teams that suffered semi-final disappointment in 2024. This all-Mid Tipperary affair has the potential to be a cracker with a rising Gortnahoe/Glengoole side against a seasoned Upperchurch/Drombane team.

Since being promoted as intermediate champions in 2020, Gortnahoe/Glengoole have been developing incrementally and of the four teams left have arguably the most potent attack with Keane Hayes, Ronan Teehan and Damien Corbett leading the way.

Upperchurch/Drombane appeared to have lost their way a little after being relegated from senior level in 2023, despite getting to the premier intermediate semi-final last year, conceding six goals in an extra time defeat to Cashel.

A now committed dual club, and through to a senior football semi-final, they are a team rising the winning momentum and their quarter final win over Killenaule was arguably their best performance of the campaign. They will need to find more to slow down Gortnahoe/Glengoole. Verdict: Gortnahoe/Glengoole

Premier Intermediate Hurling Relegation Final

Burgess v Clonakenny in Cloughjordan on Saturday @ 3.45pm

Arguably the biggest game in the premier intermediate grade this weekend is Burgess and Clonakenny fighting to retain their status in the grade.

Burgess have played senior or second tier hurling (intermediate or premier intermediate) for almost fifty years since they won the county junior title in 1976. A drop back to the third tier would be a blow for a club that have picked things up at underage level in recent years so any kind of a win would be welcome. Getting Stephen Murray to play after sitting out most of the semi-final defeat to Templederry would be vital, particularly his dead-ball striking as every score in games like these matters.

Clonakenny have played in the second tier for almost quarter of a century and after contending at the top end of premier intermediate in recent years after winning the intermediate championship in 2015. They remain a very seasoned outfit, much like Burgess so neither would lack for leadership. Burgess won a relegation final in 2021 and understanding the pressure of such a game might stand them in good stead. Verdict: Burgess

Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Finals

Borrisokane v Knockavilla-D Kickhams in Templetuohy on Saturday @ 2.30pm

These are good times to be from Borrisokane. Last weekend saw their ladies football team win a county junior title while their men’s junior football team progressed to a semi-final, and this Saturday they look to stay on course for a double.

Borrisokane haven’t been in an intermediate final since 2010 and they have a great chance to get there again, playing a lovely brand of hurling under coach Niall O’Meara. Their forwards are extremely potent, led by Gary & Conor Ryan and Michael Heenan. Defensively, they concede a lot which is a concern but you play to your strengths.

Opponents Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams have been building slowly under the radar, but this is their toughest test to date by far. County under 20 star Adam Daly will come up against Ciaran Foley in one of the likely key matchups. Verdict: Borrisokane

Cappawhite v Golden Kilfeacle in Cashel on Saturday @ 2.30pm

This all-West match-up is a repeat of the remarkable divisional final when Cappawhite scored three late goals to stun Golden.

Golden shouldn’t want for motivation and responded by winning four games in a row in the county championship, posting big totals in the process.

Defeated semi-finalists last year, Cappawhite’s run in the county series hasn’t been smooth, starting off with an impressive win over Portroe before edging out Skeheenarinky and drawing with Moyle Rovers. They needed a last gasp Conor Martin goal to beat Ballingarry in the quarter final so they have a strong mentality. Verdict: Golden Kilfeacle

Intermediate Hurling Relegation Final

Ballybacon/Grange v Drom & Inch in Bansha on Saturday @ 2.00pm.

Ballybacon/Grange last played juniorin 2017 while for Drom & Inch, their second team has been playing in the intermediate grade since 2005. Drom were unlucky to lose to Newport in extra time in the semi-final and the fact their seniors are still training is a bonus to their second team to have them primed. Verdict: Drom & Inch