All on the line for hurling championship’s defining weekend
UP IN THE AIR: Colin Murray and his Athleague team-mates need a second successive championship win on Sunday next to guarantee knockout hurling over the coming weeks. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
A Pádraig Pearses side aiming to avoid crashing out of the championship at the group stages for the third time in four years come up against a Tremane outfit who have long ensured they will not be exiting at the first hurdle for the second successive year.
Tremane have been the story of the championship so far, sitting top of the pile less than 12 months after finishing bottom of the table following a winless run in last year’s championship.
Peter Kellehan is as sharp as ever in his roving role, but Evan Murray has been a revelation at full-forward, and his potential match-up against Karl Feehily could decide this game. Joe Brennan has excelled at full-back, but, overall, Tremane possess a nice balance across the field.
For Pádraig Pearses, there would have been plenty of soul-searching after their poor performance against Athleague. The loss of Seán Canning has robbed them of a considerable scoring threat but registering just seven points last time out would have been immensely frustrating for everyone associated with the Woodmount-based side.
Yet they still have quality operators in the Finn brothers — Darragh and Ronan — Keelan Ryan and Daniel Mooney who they will be looking towards to right the wrongs of Sunday week last.
A wounded Pearses is arguably the most dangerous Pearses to face but Tremane are equipped with the momentum and confidence to come through their latest test and nail down a place in the last four.
A rejuvenated Athleague side come up against a St. Dominic’s outfit that are aiming for their first win in three games.
Athleague secured a vital victory against Pádraig Pearses last time out, one that leaves their fate in their own hands. Yet, Robbie Fallon’s side could still be the team forced to watch on from afar with elimination from the championship remaining a possibility.
Roscommon Gaels, who have played all their four games, will be watching on with keen interest. The town side enjoy the head-to-head advantage over Athleague, with both teams, alongside Pádraig Pearses, locked on two points.
St. Dominic’s sit a point ahead despite their loss to Oran last time out. Martin “Thady” Beirne’s side enjoyed a rousing opening round win over Four Roads, but they have been unable to hit the same heights against Tremane and Oran.
Jack Lohan’s return from injury against Oran was a huge boost while Naos Connaughton has fired in 4-16 so far during the campaign.
Athleague received a shot in the arm with their triumph last time out, but they will need to be more ruthless after shooting 17 wides against Pearses and 15 in their opening round defeat to the Gaels.
St. Dominic’s won’t be as forgiving, and they got the nod to return to winning ways.
A straight shootout with the winner of this game guaranteed a semi-final berth.
Four Roads have responded in workmanlike fashion to their opening round defeat to St. Dominic’s, producing fast finishes to get the better of Athleague and Roscommon Gaels.
Micheál Kelly’s defending champions have yet to catch fire, but they have been boosted with Conor Mulry’s return to action.
Adam Donnelly has been another welcome returnee as his deep lying role has helped the five in-a-row chasing Tisrara kingpins keep successive clean sheets.
The Morris brothers continue to be leading lights while Liam Óg Coyle was razor sharp with four points in Lisnamult on Sunday week last.
Four Roads’ ability to plug gaps is unmatched on the club scene with Oisín Finneran, who normally lines out at centre-forward, keeping a clean sheet against Roscommon Gaels in the absence of Noel Fallon.
Oran rebounded to their only defeat of the campaign by raiding Knockcroghery for a valuable win. Francie Quine’s side possess an experienced and battle-hardened core while Seamus Hussey has proven right at home in the adult ranks.
This is the complete opposite of last year’s dead rubber group game, with last year’s finalists possessing the chance to produce a statement victory. Oran are capable but history suggests that Four Roads will find a way to win once more.
