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07 Mar 2026
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07 Mar 2026
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PICTURE: Sportsfocus
Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams face An Rinn, the 2025 Waterford champions, in the final of the Safety Active Munster Intermediate Hurling Champions Challenge to be played this Saturday in Lacken Park, Newport at 2pm.
Kickhams laid down an early marker of their intentions for 2026 with an impressive semi-final display, defeating Clare champions Smith O’Briens of Killaloe by 3-15 to 0-13.
An Rinn qualified for the final by defeating Limerick champions Murroe Boher in the first semi-final by 2-12 to 1-11.
Having lost out narrowly to Golden Kilfeacle in the Tipperary Co Intermediate Final on October 25 last, Kickhams will be determined to salvage a trophy from their 2025 campaign and look firm favourites to win the Safety Direct trophy in this inaugural year of the competition.
This novel idea of a tournament for County Intermediate hurling champions was the inspiration of Newport GAA Club, who spotted an opportunity that existed following the decision of counties to send forward their Premier Intermediate winners as their representatives in the provincial Intermediate club championship.
Upperchurch Drombane proved worthy Tipperary representatives last year as they proudly won not only the Munster Intermediate championship but also went on to win the All-Ireland title.
Newport GAA Club sought approval from Munster Council and received permission to run this new competition for counties Intermediate hurling champions.
Precedents had already been set with Limerick clubs Killeedy and Knockaderry, running Junior B hurling and football tournaments successfully for many years.
For this inaugural year, Newport succeeded in attracting four of the Munster counties to participate, considering it was out of season and coming late after the counties' 2025 championships concluded. A bumper crowd is expected this Saturday.
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