THE Live 95fm Senior hurling championship is now down to the final four. Punters would have gotten long odds on Emmets, Na Piarsaigh, Kilmallock and Knockainey being in the semi final, but after last weekends final round of quarter finals, all four sides are well worthy of their spots in the September 12th weekend fixtures.
Na Piarsaigh ended Adare’s quest for four in a row with a 4-12 to 2-15 victory. Avenging last season’s 17 point mauling in the county final in the process. Under 21 stars Kevin Downes, Shane Dowling and Adrian Breen were the main men for the City side who at one point trailed by seven points. The light blues now face Kilmallock in the semi finals, while the other final four pairing is divisional side Emmets against Knockainey.
Emmets qualified for the final, all be it in Blackrock jerseys, against Murroe Boher on a scoreline of 2-23 to 3-13. The times and dates of the semi finals are to be announced this week, but they are however scheduled for the weekend of September 12th.
The Tony Considine managed Kilmallock side are now favourites according to the bookies to win the title for the first time since 1994, having lost the 2005 final to Garryspillane. Na Piarsiagh on the other hand are looking to win the championship for the first time ever. The Tim O Connor managed side are looking to add the senior crown to the under 21 premier title which is already in the club’s trophy cabinet.
In a season of firsts, Knockainey will be looking to reach their first ever final as Emmets look to make it back to the county’s showpiece after a gap of 47 years.
In other news, some well known senior clubs are in danger of slipping into relegation trouble as Claughaun play Ahane and Garryspillane will play Bruree in the playoff semi finals. It is a sign of Limerick hurling that these great clubs such as Ahane and Claughaun are in danger of becoming intermediate.
§Replacing one of the teams above will be the intermediate champions. Ballybrown face Hospital-Herbertstown in one semi-final. while Dromin-Athlacca and Glenroe will do battle in the other semi.
In the newly-inaugurated County Cup South Liberties will play Croom while Doon will play Bruff in the semi finals.
Finally, tickets are now on sale for the Irish Daily Mail International Rules Series Test between Ireland & Australia on Saturday October 23rd on ticketmaster.ie
