Junior Hurling Championship Decision Time
A very interesting and exciting weekend of knockout games in the junior hurling championship are down for decision. Obviously this is the serious business end of the junior hurling season as teams strive to move towards Nowlan Park and further afield with the rest of the season’s silverware already accounted for —-All- County League & Northern Championship honours gone toLisdowney, County League Trophies won by Clara&Piltown, Southern Championship & Paddy Cahill trophies residing in Thomastown.
Sat. Sept. 22nd 5 p.m.
Graiguenamanagh V Slieverue, PáircnaRatha, Glenmore.
This encounter doubles as a relegation semi-final as well as a first round game with Graignamanagh, just down from the intermediate ranks, fighting to keep their junior status and they will be favourites to win against the Kevin FennellyCup finalists, Slieverue, who will endeavour to have a big impact in this tie and maintain their own place in the junior ranks.
Referee: Raymond Byrne, Glenmore.
Bennettsbridge V Piltown, Ballyhale
This game could prove to be the most intriguing of Saturday’s games as County League winners, Piltown, take on Bennettsbridge with both teams having contested the Northern & Southern Championship finals. It promises to be a very open game with a high number of young players on both sides. Piltown will be favoured to progress but it would not surprise if Bennettsbridge, boosted by their squad from last year’s minor A 2011 championship winning side, were to prevail here. Referee: John Walsh, Rower Inistioge.
Mooncoin V O’Loughlin Gaels, moved from Hugginstown to Thomastown.
These sides are battle hardened, having played knockout games already. League finalists, Mooncoin, may have the form this year to edge this tie against last year’s semi-finalists, O’Loughlin Gaels.O’Loughlin Gaels will make this a difficult game for their opponents if they rediscover their form of the previous year.
Referee: John Bennett, TullogherRosbercon.
Sunday Sept. 23rd 1 p.m.
Kilmacow V Lisdowney ,Gowran.
This contest promises to be a thrilling encounter and the one to watch on Sunday with Northern Championship & All-County League winners, Lisdowney, putting their year on the line against a Kilmacow team that has threatened for a while to make the break. Lisdowney to win after a terrific contest and continue their bid for junior honours.
Referee: Michael O’Sullivan, Ballyhale Shamrocks.
Black & Whites V Cloneen, Clara.
Table toppers & County League finalists, Cloneen, will be really tested by the Black & Whites, who will fancy their chances to advance. Cloneen’s magnificent form of this year would indicate they will have a huge say in this encounter. Referee Domo Connolly
Clara V Dicksboro , St. John’s Park.
League champions, Clara, will be fancied to win againstDicksboro, their more experienced opponents at this level. The fine run of form of this enthusiastic and skilful team couldcontinue against the city side who have kept their best displays in the past for the knockout ties. Referee Denis O’Sullivan
Sunday September 23rd 12 noon.
Thomastown V Windgap, Dunnamaggin.
Thomastown, South Junior Championship & Cahill Cup winners, will be firm favourites to advance here against Windgap who relish these encounters at this stage of the championship. Their strength in depth should see Thomastown through and maintain their serious championship bid for ultimate honours. Referee: Patrick Dunphy, Carrigeen.
