J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Junior Hurling Championship Continues
Two J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Junior Hurling Quarter Finals and one outstanding first round tie are down for decision this weekend. Of the 22 junior teams in this year’s junior hurling championship only eight remain on course for this year’s honours and after this weekend’s games it will be down to five unless there is a draw.
Saturday October 6th
First up is the quarter-final clash between Bennettsbridge & Slieverue in Mullinavat at 2.m. Both of these sides performed extremely well in their first round games against more fancied opponents. Bennettsbridge, with seven minors starting and one coming on, outplayed Piltown in the first–half to lead by 7 points before having to withstand a great late rally and edge home by a point. Slieverue pulled off the shock of the first round ties by seeing off Graignamanagh, down from the intermediate ranks; this was due more to their 9 point margin of victory than the actual win. Who would bet against them continuing on their winning ways? Youthful Bennettsbridge may just edge this one. Referee: Thomas Duggan
Sunday October 7th
The second quarter-final clash of the weekend will be Black & Whites & Thomastown in Gowran at 2 p.m. Clearcut wins put these teams through against County League finalists, Cloneen, & Windgap respectively. Cahill Cup winners & Southern Champions, Thomastown, will be favourites, having overcome their opponents by 7 pts. in the league section of the championship and should be good enough to progress. The men from Skeaghvasteen will not go away easily and with a strong back line and a formidable midfield they will fancy their chances. The Noresiders’ greater balance, however, would indicate that they will prevail. Referee: Peter Burke
The final game of the weekend is the outstanding first round tie between Barrow Rangers & Galmoy in Jenkinstown at 3 p.m. Galmoy reached the semi-final of the All-County Junior Hurling League but recent news of injuries may hamper their prospects here. Junior Hurling Championship finalists 2010, Barrow Rangers, have been relatively quiet for the past two years. They reached the U-21 B final 2010 as well as going under by just two points in last year’s U-21 A Northern Final against eventual county champions, St. Patrick’s Ballyraggett. It would be fair to state that of late they appear to be under-achieving at this level but Sunday should see them kick-start their campaign and qualify to meet old rivals, Lisdowney, in the quarter final. Renowned battlers, Galmoy, will not make their task easy but may not have enough to succeed here. Referee: John Guinan
By Mary Morgan Wed 3rd Oct