It’s quarter-final weekend in the St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship with all four games live on KCLR.
League champions’ Tullaroan take on Erin’s Own in the opening game on Saturday afternoon (2.30pm throw-in) before Bennettsbridge meet James Stephens later in the day (4.15pm throw-in).
Then on Sunday, Dicksboro face Mullinavat in the first of a double header (2pm throw-in) that is completed with the mouth-watering clash of five-in-a-row chasing Ballyhale Shamrocks and Clara (3.45pm throw-in).
With all of the ties taking place at UPMC Nowlan Park, it promises to be a feast of hurling action for supporters across the county.
Here, we preview the third quarter-final of the weekend between Dicksboro and Mullinavat.
Dicksboro vs Mullinavat – St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final – Sunday, 2pm, UPMC Nowlan Park
Strangely, this clash sees two teams coming into the quarter-finals under the radar.
Mullinavat have quietly gone about their business in excellent fashion, easily avoiding relegation in a highly competitive group before coming out on top in an incredible first-round encounter with O’Loughlin Gaels last weekend.
Likewise, not too many remarks have been passed on Dicksboro.
Following a disappointing defeat to Bennettsbridge in their league opener, they reeled off four straight victories effortlessly to book a shield final date with Clara that ended in a narrow defeat.
The two teams’ have taken on a calm and measured approach to date and that could well be the type of game supporters who make the trip to UPMC Nowlan Park will see.
Michael Walsh’s side will go into the game as slight favourites, but the nature of that victory for Mullinavat last weekend and given they have the passed the perfect championship test ahead of this game, one wonders if they could cause another upset.
Dicksboro have improved on last year when they were knocked out at this stage and Walsh’s stamp of intensity and composure can be seen across the team.
That might be the key to victory on Saturday. If they remain patient and bide their time, Dicksboro’s stronger panel and classy forwards should get them over the line.
However, you can write off this Mullinavat side at your own peril.
Verdict: Dicksboro will prove too strong in the final stages after a really close game. Expect a high-scoring affair with the city team edging it out by two scores.
You can find out who will take their place in next weekend’s St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals on KCLR as we bring you live coverage of the quarter-final ties this Saturday and Sunday, with Dicksboro and Mullinavat continuing a busy weekend of hurling from 2pm on Sunday.
