Big two set to clash in Senior Championship

Senior Hurling Championship - Round 4

Bagenalstown Gaels v Ballinkillen

Netwatch Cullen Park, 

Saturday, 5pm 

With one series of games left to play after this weekend, the clash of these two sides all but defines their respective seasons. This is Ballinkillen’s last group game. A win here and they are into the knock-out stages. Bagenalstown know that even a win might not be good enough but at least, even if it is against the mighty Mount Leinster Rangers in their final game, their season is still alive.

Predicting a winner is far from easy. Both sides have had mixed seasons. Even some of their own were writing Bagenalstown off pointing out that they had at least nine players missing from last year’s semi-final.

If the Gaels can keep the in-form Sean Murphy quiet and avoid giving Ciaran Whelan frees which he can convert from all angles and distances then they have a great chance.

Up front, the Bagenalstown pair of JP Treacy and TJ Darcy have been a constant threat to defences. Alan Corcoran patrols the full-back and centre-back areas for Bagenalstown. He and his colleagues will have their hands full curbing the threat of Jack Treacy.

It will be on the night. Ballinkillen, after beating Naomh Eoin in the third round, are probably psychologically in a better position to eke out the win.

Verdict: Ballinkillen 

St Mullins v Mount Leinster Rangers 

Netwatch Cullen Park, 

Saturday, 6.45pm 

You can hear the respective managers already. Rangers and St Mullins are already heading for the knock-out stages. More than likely they will avoid each other in the semi-finals so when the preview of the final comes around the losing manager of this game will be quick to point out that they have already lost when the sides met in the group stages. On the other hand, the winner of this one, will claim the result has no bearing at what happens in the final.

Unlike the other game in the group on Saturday, the losing side will not be crushed. It will be a case of shaking themselves off and preparing for the next game. Rangers probably have a bigger panel of players looking for a start in future games so this could be a big motivation in winning here.

Verdict: Mount Leinster Rangers 

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Intermediate Hurling Championship - Round 6 

Friday 25th July First named team at home, 7.30pm 

Burren Rangers - Bye 

Naomh Eoin v Naomh Moling 

Mt. Leinster Rangers v Carlow Town 

Naomh Bríd v Kildavin/Clonegal 

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior Hurling Championship - Round 6 

Sunday 27th July First named team at home, 10.30am 

Ballinkillen v Carlow Town 

Burren Rangers v Naomh Moling 

Mt Leinster Rangers v Bagenalstown Gaels 

Naomh Bríd v Setanta