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

FBD Insurance Intermediate Hurling Championship Quarter-Finals

Saturday, October 8

Drom & Inch vs Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams in Cashel 2.00

Kickhams come into this game on the back of a really encouraging late comeback win against west rival Cappawhite the last day, and they will be hoping that the win arrests the poor form they were showing in the previous rounds.

Drom have impressed in their campaign, and despite their senior team taking much of the attention this weekend, they have a group of players hurling to their best, and they will have nothing to lose.

Verdict: Kickhams

Borrisokane vs Lorrha in Nenagh 2.00

A feisty local derby will be the headline act in Nenagh for this quarter-final on Saturday. Lorrha have been described as playing below their level all year, but they got a real reality check after the Boherlahan game which was tighter than many expected, and that might dislodge any potential complacency.

Borrisokane have had a mixed bag all year, and really through the form book out the window in beating Kickhams back to back, with Gary Ryan a really big addition back in those games.

Lorrha though, have real scoring potential in Bonner Maher and Colm Fogarty, and that should give them enough.

Verdict: Lorrha

Sunday, October 9

Golden Kilfeacle vs Skeheenarinky in Clonmel Sportsfield 1.00

An exit from the intermediate football last weekend means that all the Golden eggs are in the hurling basket. They have been hampered all year without Jack Leamy, but they are well organised and a teak tough team.

Skeheen’ are in fabulous form though, and have a nice blend of athleticism and hurling and should Tómas Vaughan and Conor Sweeney play well, it could see the south men into the last four.

Verdict: Skeheenarinky

Moneygall vs Kilsheelan Kilcash in Clonoulty 1.00

Moneygall’s fate will depend a lot on the fitness of Joe Fogarty and Seanie Kenneally who have been carrying knocks in the last few weeks.

Kilsheelan haven’t hit the heights that qualified them for last year’s final, and the penalty shootout gave them a get out of jail card against Boherlahan.

Moneygall have more form though, and if their two best are available, they should see the job done.

Verdict: Moneygall