SENIOR PREVIEWS: Semple stage set for Tipperary’s final four

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.

SENIOR HURLING SEMI-FINALS

Nenagh Éire Óg v Thurles Sarsfields – Saturday, September 26th, 3.45pm, FBD Semple Stadium

Nenagh Éire Óg and Thurles Sarsfields arrive at the penultimate stage on the back of two of the most convincing quarter-final performances.

Nenagh have gathered considerable momentum through the knockout stages. After overcoming West champions Clonoulty Rossmore in the preliminary quarter-final, they dismantled Cashel King Cormacs 3-29 to 0-21 last time out. Sam O'Farrell was outstanding with 2-3, Tommy Heffernan added 1-3 and Michael Heffernan contributed 0-12 as Nenagh produced a slick attacking display despite the absence of Jake Morris through injury.

Thurles Sarsfields were equally impressive in seeing off Borris-Ileigh 3-22 to 1-18. Kieran Rossiter was the standout performer, hitting a superb 2-5 from play, while Darragh Stakelum contributed 1-3. Their spread of scorers was notable, with ten players getting on the scoresheet as they comfortably negotiated what had looked a potentially awkward quarter-final.

It sets up a fascinating contest between two teams carrying significant attacking threats. Nenagh's ability to find goals has been a feature of their recent performances, while Sarsfields have developed a greater scoring spread this year, with younger players complementing their more established names.

Verdict: Nenagh Éire Óg

JK Brackens v Moycarkey Borris – Sunday, September 27th, 3.45pm, FBD Semple Stadium

There is a strong Mid Tipperary flavour to Sunday's second semi-final, and plenty of familiarity between these sides after they also met in the divisional championship earlier this summer.

JK Brackens are breaking new ground after reaching their first County Senior Hurling Championship semi-final. They had to withstand a serious Holycross Ballycahill challenge in the quarter-final, edging through 2-23 to 0-28.

Jamie Ormond was hugely influential with 1-4, Lyndon Fairbrother contributed 1-8, and Andrew Ormond and Dean McEnroe both struck three points as Brackens showed considerable composure to survive a tense finish.

Moycarkey Borris produced one of the performances of quarter-final weekend to eliminate Kiladangan 3-23 to 2-22. They trailed 2-10 to 1-7 at half-time and remained behind entering the closing stages before an explosive late spell completely transformed the contest.

David Costigan was central to that comeback with 2-4, while Kieran Morris finished with 1-5. Moycarkey have now backed up an excellent group campaign, in which they won all three games, with a significant knockout victory and are bidding to return to the county final for the first time in decades.

They have been here before, and that experience may stand to them as they try to end a 42-year wait for a final appearance.

Verdict: Moycarkey Borris

SENIOR HURLING RELEGATION FINAL

Mullinahone v Roscrea – Sunday, September 27th, 3.15pm, Templetuohy

Mullinahone and Roscrea face a winner-takes-all battle for Senior Hurling Championship survival in Templetuohy on Sunday afternoon.

Mullinahone find themselves in the relegation final following defeat to Clonoulty Rossmore in their semi-final, while Roscrea were beaten by Upperchurch Drombane in the corresponding playoff.

Roscrea were abject in their loss, losing comprehensively despite playing with a man advantage after 20 minutes. They will need to improve their lot considerably to down a Mullinahone side who have experience of this stage, and have shown more consistent form.

Verdict: Mullinahone