SHC Group 1
Murroe/Boher v Ahane. Friday 6.30pm in Gaelic Grounds
Time for one of these teams to emerge from the pack of 4, all sitting on 2 points after 2 rounds. Ahane have had the tougher fixtures so far and were impressive in defeating Patrickswell. M/B struggled against a dogged Knockainey the last day albeit in terrible weather conditions. A fully fit Seamus Hickey is a big boost for M/B but I fancy Ahane to come through narrowly
Verdict - Ahane
Doon v Patrickswell. Friday 8pm in Gaelic Grounds. Referee: Donal Enright
Doon have been the form team so far and will be looking to make in 3-in-a-row. These teams previously played out a brilliant minor final and much of the talent from that game will be on show tonight. Doon look the more settled but The Well are under pressure to perform with qualification on the line in the harder of the two groups.
[B]Verdict - Doon
Adare v Knockainey. Saturday 7.30pm in Mungret. Referee: Eamonn Phelan[/B]
Knockainey are in make or break mode as they sit pointless after two games and another defeat will almost certainly condemn them to relegation. Hard to see past a reasonably comfortable win for the Maiguesiders.
[B]Verdict - Adare
SHC Group 2
South Liberties v Granagh/Ballingarry. Friday 7.30pm in Bruff. Referee: Richard Moloney[/B]
Like Knockainey, G/B are under serious pressure in this group. You’d feel there’s a performance in them and they’ll target this game to get off the mark. Liberties have been quietly impressive and will feel they have a great chance of making the quarter-finals. If they don’t let complacency creep in they should have enough.
[B]Verdict - South Liberties
Na Piarsaigh v Effin. Saturday 7.30pm in Bruff. Referee: Denis Richardson[/B]
Effin are back in contention following a good win over Ballybrown the last day. They’ve moved a few players from their traditional positions in an effort to get a better balance and will battle hard. Na Piarsaigh are going about their business efficiently and will take the points here.
[B]Verdict - Na Piarsaigh
Kilmallock v Ballybrown. Sunday 7.30pm in Newcastlewest. Referee: Jason Mullins[/B]
These two played out a cracker in last year’s competition and Ballybrown need to get back on the horse after a poor display versus Effin. Kilmallock recovered from a first round hammering to easily dispose of G/B but will find this one a tougher nut to crack.
Verdict - Kilmallock
Senior
Adare vs Knockainey Mungret Sat 14-Jun 7:30
Doon vs Patrickswell Gaelic Grounds Fr 13-Jun8:00
Murroe Boher vs Ahane Gaelic Grounds Fr 13-Jun 6:45
Kilmallock vs Ballybrown Newcastlewest Su 15-Jun 7:30
Na Piarsaigh vs Effin Bruff Sa 14-Jun 7:30
South Liberties vs Granagh Ballingarry Bruff Fr 13-Jun 7:30
Premier Intermediate
Bruree vs Blackrock Kilmallock Fr 13-Jun 7:30
Bruff vs Croom Kilmallock Sa 14-Jun 7:30
Dromin Athlacca vs Knockaderry Feenagh Su 15-Jun 1:00
Garryspillane vs HospitalHerbertstown Kilmallock Sa 14-Jun 4:00
I’m going to go for:
Adare
Doon
Ahane
Kilmallock
Na Piarsaigh
Souths
Blackrock
Croom
Dromin
The Bouncers
Premier IHC
Bruree v Blackrock. Friday 7.30pm in Kilmallock. Referee: Declan O’Driscoll
This competition has proved hugely competitive since it’s inception. Bruree have a single point after 3 rounds and will need to make something happen if they’re to avoid a relegation dogfight. Blackrock are scrapping for qualification for the semi-finals which are effectively a promotion decider. It should see them home.
[B]Verdict - Blackrock
Garryspillane v Hospital/Herbertstown. Friday 7.30pm in Kilfinane. Referee: Jason O’Mahony[/B]
The Bouncers are well in the mix for a quick return to the senior ranks. Their opponents, sadly, only look to be headed in another direction.
[B]Verdict - Garryspillane
Bruff v Croom. Saturday 7.30pm in Kilmallock. Referee: Patrick O’Carroll[/B]
Should be the game of the weekend in this grade. Croomhave been excellent so far whilst Bruff have mixed the good with the bad. Croom’s greater consistency should pay off and go close to guaranteeing them top spot in the qualifiers.
[B]Verdict - Croom
Knockaderry v Dromin/Athlacca. Sunday 1pm in Feenagh. Referee: Padraig Power[/B]
The West’s only representatives got a much needed win last day. D/A have also been inconsistent and are carrying a few injuries from what I hear. A repeat of the excellent county final from last year, it’s a tough one to call and I wouldn’t rule out a draw.
Verdict - Dromin/Athlacca
IHC Group 1
Newcastlewest v Feenagh/Kilmeedy. Friday 7.30pm in Cooleyroe. Referee: Ger O’Dowd
NCW have been the surprise packet of this group and could move to 5 points with a win here. Feenagh had a good opening round victory over Caherline but were hammered by Glenroe last time out.
[B]Verdict - Newcastlewest
Mungret v Claughaun. Saturday 7.30pm in Clarina. Referee: Mike Mann[/B]
Winner take all here in terms of qualification as Mungret seek to get their campaign kickstarted after a below-par beginning. Claughaun have gone with youth in recent games and it seems to be paying off for them. Only a puck of a ball between them last year.
[B]Verdict - Claughaun
Caherline v Glenroe. Sunday 7.30pm in Hospital. Referee: Paddy Lyons[/B]
Probably the easiest game of all 16 to call this weekend. Glenroe are easing toward the semi-finals, Caherline are careering toward Junior hurling.
Verdict - Glenroe
IHC Group 2
Cappamore v Pallasgreen. Friday 7.30pm in Caherconlish. Referee: Liam O’Sullivan
Two unbeaten sides put their 100% records on the line in the game of the round. Both have been impressive to date with Pallas notching up the scoring difference in the last round. Cappamore have lost some key men overseas for the summer and it could cost them in what’s sure to be a fiery encounter.
[B]Verdict - Pallasgreen
Killeedy v Monaleen. Saturday 7.30pm in Croagh. Referee: Justin Daly[/B]
Killeedy need points soon to avoid being cut adrift at the bottom. They may not get them here.
[B]Verdict - Monaleen
St. Kieran’s v Kildimo/Pallaskenry. Saturday 7.30pm in Askeaton[/B]
The men from Ardagh have performed creditably in the opening two games whilst K/P have yet to register a point. I feel they’ll get off the mark in this one though.
Verdict - Kildimo/Pallaskenry