PREM INTER PREVIEWS: everything on the line in Premier Intermediate title race

The FBD Insurance Tipperary Hurling Championships move into semi-final weekend with six games across the Senior, Premier Intermediate and Intermediate grades and no shortage of intriguing match-ups.

PREMIER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Killenaule v Éire Óg Annacarty – Saturday, September 26th, 2.00pm, FBD Semple Stadium

The opening Premier Intermediate semi-final brings together two teams whose quarter-final victories could scarcely have been more dramatic.

Killenaule needed a last-gasp long-range Podge O'Dwyer point to edge Boherlahan Dualla 0-21 to 0-20 in Cashel. The teams were level on eleven occasions and never separated by more than three points, making Killenaule's ability to grind out the victory particularly significant.

Éire Óg Annacarty also had to dig exceptionally deep against Moneygall and lately, Lorrha. Trailing for much of the contest and conceding three goals, Éire Óg eventually prevailed 1-27 to 3-19, with Kevin Fox's late goal and two closing Aidan Griffin points proving decisive. Griffin finished with 0-15, while Paudie Bradshaw and Dinny Crosse contributed four points apiece.

Éire Óg have already come through that additional knockout game, beating Moneygall 2-22 to 3-13 in the preliminary quarter-final, so their route to the last four has tested them considerably and they might just run out of puff against a well organised Killenaule team this time around.

Verdict: Killenaule

St Mary's v Thurles Sarsfields – Sunday, September 27th, 2.00pm, FBD Semple Stadium

St Mary's produced arguably the most emphatic performance of the Premier Intermediate quarter-finals when sweeping Moyne-Templetuohy aside 3-22 to 0-12.

The Clonmel side effectively decided the contest inside the opening minutes. Peter McGarry struck goals in the second and sixth minutes on his way to a superb 2-8, while Ruairi Leahy added their third goal.

Sarsfields faced a much tougher examination against Golden-Kilfeacle. Trailing by a goal at half-time, they responded strongly after the break, with Pa Bourke's goal helping them turn the game around and claim a 1-23 to 1-20 victory.

There is also a recent reference point between the sides. They met during the group stages of this year's championship, with St Mary's emerging five-point winners, giving Sarsfields an immediate opportunity to reverse that result with a county final place at stake.

St Mary’s are riding the crest of a wave at underage this year, winning numerous south titles and will contest the upcoming Minor A final, after winning the C title last week, so that momentum may help them carry through to the decider.

Verdict: St Mary’s

PREMIER INTERMEDIATE HURLING RELEGATION FINAL

Templederry Kenyons v Carrick Swan – Saturday, September 26th, 4.15pm, Boherlahan

The Premier Intermediate relegation final brings Templederry Kenyons and Carrick Swan together in Boherlahan on Saturday.

Templederry were dragged into the decider after losing an entertaining relegation semi-final to Ballina, going down 0-29 to 2-21 despite mounting a major second-half fightback.

Carrick Swan's presence in the relegation battle represents a dramatic change in fortunes after they reached last year's Premier Intermediate county final, but they now face Templederry with their status in the grade on the line.

Templederry Kenyons have been a sinking ship this year, and even with the return of Sean Ryan midway through the championship, and the likes of Christy Coughlan, they can’t seem to keep the scores out at the other end.

Swan will be disgusted with how their year has turned out, but with Stefan Tobin and co ably capable to do damage against a leaky Kenyons defence, they should at least see the year out on a winning note.

Verdict: Carrick Swan