PREVIEWS: Compelling contests to come this weekend in club hurling championships

FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Finals

Saturday, October 8

Burgess vs Roscrea in Nenagh 3.30

An all north affair which has all the ingredients to be a cracker. Roscrea have been amongst the favourites, even before the draw was made, and they have lived up to that billing as the year has progressed, with each performance as good as the last.

It bodes well for the town team that their big players have hit form, with Shane Fletcher, Alan Tynan, and Evan Fitzpatrick in devastating form in the quarter win over Thurles Sarsfields.

Burgess on the other hand, have had a more turbulent passage through, but since they have reached knockout hurling they have flourished, and took a big scalp against Cashel the last day, albeit largely inspired by the ridiculous shooting of Stephen Murray.

However, Roscrea look like a team below their station at present, and they should have that greater spread of scorers to see them through.

Verdict: Roscrea

Gortnahoe Glengoole vs St Marys in Cashel 3.45

A novel pairing makes up the remaining semi-final here with two form teams facing off.
Gortnahoe have been in tremendous form to date, with their scoring feats a real standout with Keane Hayes and Ronan Teehan in fine form for them.

They have been so consistent in their performance levels so far, but they will be heading in against a St Marys team who have found their mojo after starting the year slowly.

They have a team with real pace and fitness, with Seamus Kennedy the real leader in the team, and such experience could be what stops the Gortnahoe train in its tracks.

Verdict: St Marys