With a number of games up for decision this weekend, Michael O’Leary takes a look at what’s happening in the Michael Lyng Motors Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling League for the third round of fixtures.
Glenmore v Tullaroan
7pm Friday in Windgap
On a line of form through the opening two rounds of games, Tullaroan have a clear advantage. They recorded a resounding victory over Fenians last time out who in turn defeated a Graigue-Ballycallan team who beat Glenmore in the second round of games. Tullaroan will be determined to push foward and secure Intermediate success this year having been so disappointed to lose out to Carrickshock last year in the County Semi-Final. They were highly impressive against Fenians been without the services of the injured Padraic Walsh and they can make it a hat-trick of victories against a Glenmore who look almost certain to be without Ger Aylward.
VERDICT: Tullaroan
Graigue-Ballycallan v Dunnamaggin
7.30pm Friday in John Locke Park
Graigue-Ballycallan will feel confident having defeated a fancied Glenmore last time out, while Dunnamaggin will be encouraged by taking a point against Tullogher-Rosbercon. On a line of form through Dunnamaggin having lost their opening game to Glenmore, the Kilmanagh outfit have the edge here.
VERDICT: Graigue-Ballycallan
Fenians v Tullogher-Rosbercon
4.30pm Saturday in Palmerstown
In their first year in the Intermediate ranks having been relegated, Fenians will have been bitterly disappointed to have suffered a heavy defeat against Tullaroan, and they will their work cut out against Tullogher-Rosbercon who exceeded expectations under manager Martin Tyler to reach last years County Final before disappointing against Carrickshock. Expect JJ Delaney to marshal the threat of Walter Walsh. A close contest in store here and a draw perhaps a possibility.
VERDICT: Draw
Thomastown v St. Patrick’s Ballyragget
4.30pm Saturday in Clara
Thomastown suffered a narrow defeat against St. Lachtains and they will look to respond against the perennial bridesmaids at Intermediate level in recent years. The Ballyragget club have won their first two games, but one wonders whether their close shaves in County Finals in recent years have had a negative effect. Having said that they will be contenders again this year and can make it a hat-trick of victories here.
VERDICT: St. Patrick’s Ballyraggett
Mooncoin v Lisdowney
7.30pm Saturday in Thomastown
A potential early season relgation battle here with both teams having lost their opening two games. Could be an edgy contest with the fear of losing almost certain to plague on both teams mind.
VERDICT: Draw
St. Lachtains v Young Irelands Gowran
2pm Sunday in Johns Park
This game has been put back to Sunday because of a bereavement in Gowran Parish. Young Irelands have made a perfect start with consecutive victories against both Mooncoin and Lisdowney and victory here will ease any relegation worries. However, St. Lachtains will more than likely than represent a set-up, and they have been performing well against higher quality opposition. Having lost narrowly to St. Patricks Ballyragget, they bounced back with victory over Thomastown and they can carry that momentum and their great experience to victory here.
VERDICT: St. Lachtain’s
