Premier Intermediate and Intermediate Hurling Championship Previews
By Shane Brophy
PREMIER INTERMEDIATE QUARTER FINALS
Saturday 12th September
Killenaule v Boherlahan-Dualla in Cashel @ 3.00pm
A six-day turnaround is tough on Boherlahan-Dualla after their hard fought preliminary quarter final victory over Silvermines. That they came through it without injury will stand to them against a Killenaule side that are motoring nicely in both codes and hard to beat in this mood. Verdict: Killenaule
Sunday 13th September
Golden Kilfeacle v Thurles Sarsfields in Clonoulty @ 1.00pm
A real test of where Golden Kilfeacle are in their first year up at this level against a seasoned Thurles Sarsfields side with lots of previous senior experience. The West side have been scoring heavily and their forward strength might prove decisive. Verdict: Golden Kilfeacle
Moyne-Templetuohy v St Mary’s in Boherlahan @ 1.30pm
Moyne-Templetuohy have been the surprise package of the championship so far but had the potential to be better if Conor Bowe and Gearoid O’Connor clicked together which they have. South champions St Mary’s are another challenge and showed their quality and grit in beating Thurles last time out. Verdict: St Mary’s
Lorrha v Eire Og Annacarty/Donohill in Templederry @ 4.00pm
Lorrha are the last North team left standing in what is a match-up of two very experienced teams, the winner of which will take a big boost in momentum going into the semi-final. Eire Og were strong defensively against Moneygall although goalkeeper Darragh Mooney was busy and how they deal with Lorrha’s goal threat will be key. Verdict: Lorrha
PREMIER INTERMEDIATE RELEGATION SEMI-FINALS
Saturday 12th September
Ballina v Templederry Kenyons in Dolla @ 4.00pm
Ballina showed fight down to fourteen men against Boherlahan while Templederry showed similar in their draw with Lorrha. Verdict: Templederry Kenyons
Sunday 13th September
Carrick Swan v Silvermines in Dundrum @ 3.30pm
A game neither team wants to be in. The Swan after being in the last two finals while Silvermines will feel they should be playing a quarter final instead. Whose mentality is stronger will be decisive. Verdict: Silvermines
INTERMEDIATE HURLING QUARTER FINALS
Saturday 12th September
Ballingarry v Clonakenny in Templetuohy @ 2.00pm
Ballingarry were strong winners of their group but the manner of their win over Shannon Rovers last time out shows the threat Mid champions Clonakenny remain at their best. Verdict: Clonakenny
Kilsheelan/Kilcash v Cappawhite in Golden @ 4.00pm
Kilsheelan/Kilcash have been the most impressive team so far but such is their open style of play, they concede goals and Cappawhite have the firepower to punish them if they get the opportunities. Verdict: Kilsheelan/Kilcash
Sunday 13th September
Arravale Rovers v Portroe in Borrisoleigh @ 1.30pm
The naivety of a young and exciting Arravale Rovers side was evident in the dead-rubber loss to Carrick Davins in which they conceded five goals. Portroe will have seen that and look to target it. Verdict: Arravale Rovers
Borrisokane v Skeheenarinky in Dundrum @ 1.30pm
A week after eliminating Newport, another North opponent await South champions Skeheenarinky but Borrisokane are a level above the Mulcair men at the moment and should get back to the semi-finals for the second year in a row. Verdict: Borrisokane