WITH the defeat to Clare in the All Ireland semi final still fresh in the memory, a return to club action is exactly what both players and supporters are in need of.
The Hyundai Limerick Motor Centre sponsored Senior Hurling Championship returns this weekend with four quarter finals and four relegation finals.
With the championship being cut to two groups of six for next season, the losers of the relegation finals will automatically be relegated from the top tier.
The quarter finals themselves will no doubt produce some top quality hurling.
The surprise packets of the championship, Doon, face some people’s outside bet South Liberties. Champions Kilmallock face Knockainey, while Adare face Ballybrown. The tie of the last eight though is the meeting of Na Piarsaigh and Ahane, a repeat of the 2011 final.
Below are the previews and predictions. Best of luck to all the teams.
Saturday, 6.30pm, Caherconlish
Doon vs South Liberties
Liberties scraped through to this round and no matter what the result they will be pleased with their progress this year. Doon have been a surprise package this term, and will no doubt feel that they have a great opportunity to progress and will enter this affair as strong favourites. Doon have showed immense quality and this should prevail.
Prediction: Doon
Saturday, 6.30pm, Bruff
Kilmallock vs Knockainey
Its harsh to say but I can only see this tie going one way. Knockainey scraped through to this round and they have a mountain to climb if they are to beat the reigning champions. Kilmallock have been very impressive this term picking up where they left off last year. Expect a big win.
Prediction: Kilmallock
Sunday, 2pm, Gaelic Grounds
Adare vs Ballybrown
Potentially this could be the tie of the round. Both sides have impressed thus far and come Sunday afternoon expect very little to be separating these sides. Adare have the better side on paper, but Ballybrown have shown a resilience this year and have caused a few upsets. Expect this to go to the wire.
Prediction: Ballybrown to shade it
Sunday, 3.30pm, Gaelic Grounds
Na Piarsaigh vs Ahane
Another high profile tie. Ahane this year have rediscovered the form of old and have become serious contenders once more. However, they face a mammoth of a task against the City boys. Na Piarsaigh may have been caught on the hop once by Doon but don’t expect another slip up. Should be tight but the Parish should prevail unscathed.
Prediction: Na Piarsaigh
Relegation playoffs
Friday, 6.30pm,Kilmallock
Garryspillane vs Granagh/Balingarry
It has been a disastrous year for both sides. Entering with high expectations and both fell well short and now find themselves in a very precarious position. This should be tight, however, but Granagh/Balingarry should have enough quality to dig themselves out of a position they should never have found themselves in.
Prediction: Granagh/Balingarry
Sunday, 12noon, Caherconlish
Hospital/Herbertstown vs Murroe/Boher
Can only see this tie going one way. Murroe/Boher will sorely miss Seamus Hickey; however, they should have enough to prevail. They were unfortunate not to have been in a quarter final, unlike their opponents who have had a tough year.
Prediction: Murroe/Boher
Sunday, 6.30pm, Effin
Bruree vs Effin
Another game that will result in a high profile casualty. Effin have been super since their promotion; however, they now face a massive task. Expect a tight game and it may only go down to a puck of a ball.
Prediction: Extra time win for Effin
Sunday, 6.30pm, Bruff
Croom vs Patrickswell
Another big game for two sides who never expected to be in this position. Patrickswell, however, should have enough quality to see themselves through.
Prediction: Paterickswell
By Stephen Kinsella
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