Four Tipperary schools make it through to the knockout stages of the Harty Cup!

The hurling coaching going on in Tipperary secondary schools has to be commended. Week after week, teams are taking to the field daily in all sorts of weather and many of the players that hurled this week will represent their county in the years to come.

Nenagh CBS won their first Dean Ryan Cup final (beating St. Flannan's) last week and yesterday four Tipperary teams were in the mix for a place in the knockout stages as the group stages of the Harty Cup came to a conclusion.

Thurles CBS were already qualified for the quarter finals after Christmas before this week's match, but they still hit a whopping 1-31 to account for Youghal on the 4G pitch in Bishopstown yesterday.

County minor star Robbie Ryan was in top form for them and you can read a report of the game here: Thurles CBS vs Youghal match report

Carrick-on-Suir CBS won’t be progressing from their group however the school have made big inroads in the competition and were highly competitive this year. They boast players from clubs in Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary.

The bulk of the side hurl with Carrick Swans and Piltown. Going into the game, Carrick needed results to go their way but they were held to a draw by John The Baptist Community School at Fethard Town Park.

The Suir side team were leading in the game as the clock ticked on but faded as the clock ticked on and a storming finish from the Limerick side meant the experienced Baptist side saw it out to win on a scoreline of John The Baptist 2-22 Carrick 4-16.

Reigning champions Cashel Community School needed a win to qualify after losing their opening game to the Seán Óg Ó hAilpín managed North Monastery at Banteer, and they had enough eventually on Wednesday (this week) to see off a spirited challenge from Our Lady’s Templemore.

Cashel were well clear and cruising in the game but Templemore got organized, found their range and finished strongly.

Eventually the Brendan Ryan managed side - with many of last year's winning team - won the nervy game on a 4-18 to 2-21 scoreline. 

Cashel, who boast a number of last year's team including the talented county minor star Oisin O'Donoghue, progress as group winners while Our Lady's Templemore’s strong comeback means they finish in second place on scoring difference to make it through to the preliminary quarter final. 

Nenagh CBS, who are managed by the experienced Donach O'Donnell, are also through to the next round and they will be eager to push on with Dean Ryan cup medalist Eoghan Doughan and a quality finisher Darragh McCarthy in their forward arsenal. 

It is all to play for now with Nenagh CBS, Thurles CBS, Our Lady's Templemore and reigning champions Cashel Community School all still in the hunt for glory. Plenty more training ahead.