PREVIEW: Intermediate Hurling gets underway this weekend with several tasty ties

FBD Insurance Intermediate Hurling Championship Preview - Round 1

Group 1

Golden Kilfeacle V Cappawhite

Prior to last weekend’s West final between these two teams, you would have predicted this fixture to be a close run thing.
However, Golden Kilfeacle dispelled that notion, producing a dominant final win over Cappa’ with Jack Leamy the main man in a youthful and lively forward division which contains six players under 21 years old.

Despite that Golden performance, you would have to think that Cappawhite’s porousness was a case of Murphy’s Law, and they just didn’t seem to raise a gallop.

Regardless, this result will be an advantage to Golden who will be looking for a similar result in round one of the county championship.

Verdict: Golden Kilfeacle

Clonoulty Rossmore V Ballybacon Grange

This game could be billed as a relegation two-pointer with the sides surely eyeing this game from the outset.

Clonoulty’s second team are fresh up from the junior ranks and judging by their contest against Cappawhite, they have ammo to stay alive at this level and a good start here with be half the battle.

Ballybacon have been threading water for a while at this level and have always found a way out of the mire, and it might be a case of having to leave it late again this year.

Verdict: Clonoulty Rossmore

Group 2

Borrisokane V Ballingarry

This has the makings of a good tie with a clash between two teams who are developing nicely.
Dylan Walsh has been the main man once again and starred in their South Final win over Kilsheelan, hitting 0-13 in the process as his team have won league and divisional crowns so far.

Borrisokane come into this after a poor effort against Portroe in the North Championship, with concerns over the fitness of Gary Ryan and Seody Cleary.

Verdict: Ballingarry

Kilsheelan Kilcash V Skeheenarinky

Mark Kehoe’s absence was keenly felt in Kilsheelan’s divisional final loss to Ballingarry a few weekends ago with a meagre 1-14 to show for their efforts.

Barry Kehoe and Senan Butler will need to up their influence in his absence, as Skeheenarinky represent a sticky opener for them as the men in orange will be looking for revenge after the side’s met a few weeks ago.
Verdict: Kilsheelan Kilcash

Group 3

Drom & Inch V Portroe

Portroe have mixed the brilliant with the brutal so far this year, and they could end on either side of the coin in this one.
In fairness, they dug deep to beat Borrisokane in the North Championship last four when a man down, but they were outmatched against Moneygall in the decider.

The losses of Ruadhan Mulrooney and AJ Willis has been incalculable and with Darren Gleeson having to return due to numerous injuries, they are at their bare bones personnel wise; although Christopher O’Riordan and Mark Gennery’s return will be welcomed.

Drom have a nice blend of youth and experience, and the younger brigade in Paudie Kinane and Jack Johnston did real damage in the Mid Final win over Upperchurch.

Verdict: Drom & Inch

Shannon Rovers V Arravale Rovers

Two teams who will be worried about their form going into this year’s campaign face off in a must-win tie; even this early in the campaign.

The Moneygall mauling will have left big scars for Shannon Rovers who were hit for eight goals in that game, with a big injury crisis become critical at this stage.

Likewise, Arravale were abject for large spells of the loss to Golden Kilfeacle in the West Championship, and it points towards a tough year for the Tipp Town club.

Verdict: Arravale Rovers

Group 4

Carrick Davins V Moneygall

Moneygall come into this game as firm favourites after waltzing their way to a North title a few weeks ago.
They look like a team on a mission with Joe Fogarty and Seanie Kenneally leading the line, but they have a really balanced team and look likely to contest a county final later in the year, going on form.

Davins couldn’t have gotten a tougher opener and they are further handicapped by the loss of Lee Mackey for the year. Other games will define their year.

Verdict: Moneygall

Upperchurch Drombane V Knockavilla Kickhams

Judging by performances in their respective divisional competitions, most of the punters will be edging toward Kickhams for this one.

Upperchurch have lost the likes of Conor Fahey and Paul Ryan from last year and that could be fatal this year.

Verdict: Kickhams