North Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Final Previews

GAA: Liam Buckley Car Sales North Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Final Previews

By James Hayden

MONEYGALL v SILVERMINES

MacDonagh Park, Nenagh

Saturday, 4th July

Throw-in @ 5.15pm

Referee: Ciaran O’Donovan (Burgess)

Moneygall continue to make impressive strides since their promotion from the Intermediate ranks at the end of the 2024 season and now find themselves just sixty minutes away from another North final appearance.

Willie Greene's side booked their place in the last four after surviving a comeback from Burgess in an entertaining quarter-final.

Moneygall looked to be cruising at half-time after producing a blistering opening thirty minutes to establish a commanding 2-14 to 0-9 lead. Two clinical first-half goals from Tadhg Whyte had them firmly in control, but Burgess responded superbly after the interval and reduced the margin to the minimum before Moneygall held their nerve to emerge victorious on a 2-22 to 1-22 scoreline.

That resilience will please Greene, although his side will know they cannot afford a similar lapse against an experienced Silvermines team.

The availability of Tipperary forward Seán Kenneally could prove pivotal. The talented attacker has been sidelined with a knee injury but would provide a significant boost if declared fit.

Even without him, Moneygall possess plenty of attacking firepower. Adam Hogan remains one of the division's most reliable free-takers and rarely wastes a scoring opportunity from placed balls, while the pace and finishing ability of Eoghan Doughan and Tadhg Whyte ensure they carry a constant goal threat.

Standing in their way is a Silvermines side that received a bye into the semi-finals and will be eager to build upon an encouraging county championship campaign last season.

The ‘Mines possess a blend of experience and quality throughout their team. Inter-county star Jason Forde remains their talisman and, if afforded space, is capable of deciding any contest almost single-handedly with his accuracy from both play and placed balls.

Equally significant is the return of captain Michael Corcoran. The teak-tough defender missed the entire club championship campaign last year after suffering a cruciate ligament injury while training with Tipperary in advance of the All-Ireland final victory over Cork. His leadership, physicality and organisational skills at the heart of the defence will be invaluable for a side hoping to reach their first North final since losing to Burgess in 2024.

Managed by the experienced trio of Declan Corcoran, David Young and Jody Harkin, Silvermines will arrive fresh after their quarter-final bye, although whether that proves an advantage over a Moneygall side already battle-hardened remains to be seen.

This contest appears evenly balanced. Moneygall's youthful energy and momentum will test Silvermines throughout, but the experience of players such as Forde and Corcoran may ultimately prove decisive in what should be a high-quality encounter. Verdict: Moneygall.

BALLINA v LORRHA

MacDonagh Park, Nenagh

Sunday, 5th July

Throw-in @ 2.00pm

Referee: Mark Gennery (Portroe)

Defending champions Ballina begin their title defence against a rejuvenated Lorrha side determined to continue their impressive start to Premier Intermediate level.

Ballina progressed directly to the semi-finals after receiving a bye and will be keen to maintain the consistency that saw them capture last year's North crown.

Experience remains one of Ballina's greatest strengths. Former Tipperary senior Michael Breen continues to be a hugely influential presence around the middle third, while Steven O'Brien brings composure and leadership in attack.

Captain Jack Collins has developed into one of the division's most dependable performers and will be central to Ballina's ambitions of retaining their title.

With championship-winning experience throughout their side, Ballina understand what is required at this stage of the competition and will relish the opportunity to move one step closer to another North title.

However, Lorrha arrive in excellent form following an emphatic quarter-final victory over Templederry.

Relegated from the senior ranks last season, they produced almost a complete performance in sweeping aside Templederry with an accomplished display that highlighted both their attacking ability and defensive solidity.

Leading the charge is the prolific Colm Fogarty, whose scoring exploits have once again underlined his importance to the side. Capable of scoring from both play and frees, Fogarty remains the focal point of the Lorrha attack and Ballina's defence will be fully aware that curtailing his influence could be the key to victory.

Lorrha also possess considerable experience and having settled well back into life at Premier Intermediate level, will believe they are capable of upsetting the defending champions.

With Ballina carrying the confidence of champions and Lorrha arriving with momentum, Sunday's clash has all the ingredients of another absorbing championship battle.

Verdict: Lorrha