Busy weekend of hurling finals in south and west Tipperary

It will be a busy weekend on the GAA playing fields in south and west Tipperary, with Senior and Intermediate Hurling Championship finals scheduled for both divisions.

At 4pm on Sunday, Clonmel Sportsfield will host the Clonmel Oil South Senior final, a game that will be contested between the clubs with the most titles in the division, Carrick Swan (24) and Killenaule (22).

The holders Swan left it late to book their place in this year’s decider, when they relied on a late goal from goalkeeper Kieran Lonergan, of all people, and a converted free from Gavin O’Halloran to help them pip St Mary’s by 1-16 to 0-15 in last weekend’s semi-final in Monroe.

The only goal of the game also played a crucial role when Killenaule beat Mullinahone by 1-15 to 0-15 in the other semi-final.

Tom Stakelum’s three-pointer, scored in the 17th minute, gave The Robins a lead that they held all the way to the finish and at half-time they were in front by 1-9 to 0-9.

The final is a repeat of the 2019 decider, which Killenaule won by two points (1-18 to 1-16) and another close contest is in store on Sunday.

The Martins Fruit and Veg Intermediate final between Kilsheelan/Kilcash and Carrick Davins goes ahead in Cahir at 7pm on Saturday evening.

Davins reached the decider thanks to a 1-17 to 1-14 win over Ballybacon/Grange in the semi-final.

In the other semi-final, played last weekend, Kilsheelan/Kilcash proved too strong for Ballingarry, winning by 2-14 to 1-12.

Meanwhile, for just the third time time in 28 years defending champions Clonoulty/Rossmore and Cashel King Cormacs will meet in the 94th Tipperary Co-op West Senior Hurling Championship showpiece.

The newly-recoated O’Dwyer Cup awaits the winners of a clash that will be played in Golden this Saturday at 7.15pm.

Clonoulty/Rossmore have won thirteen of the last sixteen West Senior Hurling Championship titles and on Saturday will be trying to win their 24th title, the most of any club.

Cashel are second in the honours list with 18 titles, the last of which was won way back in 1995.

They have to go back to 1999 for their last west championship win over Saturday’s opponents, having been defeated in the last ten meetings.

Meanwhile, the 44th Tipperary Credit Union West Intermediate Hurling Championship final takes place this Sunday at 1pm in Annacarty, where Arravale Rovers and Cappawhite will meet in the decider for the first time.