In Senior Hurling, every year riveting championship action is provided. It’s now when club players across the county and country scene get to showcase the skills, the rivalries and the passion.
Faythe Harriers v Adamstown
Harriers hold evident strength in county minor, Rhys Clarke, Shane Howard and Jim Berry while St Abbain’s are indebted with county minor hurling star Tony French who claimed 1-15 in Adamstown’s dramatic victory over St Martins. Despite that euphoric display it’s difficult to see the Wexford town side slipping on this occasion.
Shelmaliers vs St Martins
St Martins were defeated by a newly promoted Adamstown in their final round robin game but were a depleted side with three absentees; Daithi Waters, Ciaran Lyng and Mark Butler. With those three musketeers not present, an over reliance scoring wise was placed on Barry Lambert and Diarmaid Lyng. The Shelmalier’s are impressive with Tommy Barron and Joe Kelly leading the country men. Despite this, it looks as if the Piercestown side should reach the last four by a small margin.
Rathnure vs St Annes
Rathnure are obviously lamenting the loss of Jack Guiney but still hold strength in Paul Codd, Trevor Hogan and John O Connor. Liam Og McGovern acts as a colossal tallyman for Rathangan. St Anne’s stabbed the Rapparees’s hopes for 2012 with a five point demolition in their last group game and as a powerful side in both codes they should surpass the Enniscorthy district side.
Ferns vs Oulart
Despite strength in James Tonks, Ian Byrne and Paul Morris, Ferns should be overpowered by the kingpins of Wexford county hurling since the turn of the century. Oulart have lead at the forefront of Wexford hurling with fundamental displays from Darren Stamp, Nicky Kirwan and Garrett Sinnott this year. While Ferns will act gallantly, they should be overcome by Oulart The Ballagh.
INTERMEDIATE
Since the reform of the adult championships, the intermediate scene has been revitalised with several competitive encounters on the plate for this weekend.
Bunclody v Askamore
It’s a local rivalry that should be one of most intense intermediate battles of 2012. Bunclody have performed strongly over previous years thanks to key tallymen Mylie Connors. Askamore are indebted with Conor Levingstone and Shane Tomkins and should see past their neighbours in this battle.
Rathgarogue Cushinstown V Craanford
The Gorey District side have preformed well during the group stages including a satisfactory win over St Patricks of Camolin in their last round game. James O Loughlin and Shane Kavanagh lead Craanford while their opponents find strength in Ollie Bolger. This one should be an evenly matched affair with the New Ross district side edging towards victory.
Geraldine O Hanrahans V St Brigids Blackwater
Despite good displays from Jimmy Goggins for the New Ross Side, Michael Lillis should lead Blackwater to victory on this occasion. A superb unbeaten run so far for Blackwater seems far superior to the form of Geraldine O Hanrahans for 2012.
Oylgate and Ballygarrett
This should be a one sided affair as Oylgate have impressed this year with an extremely active attacking line up. Jamie Reck, Eoin O Mahoney, Peter Nolan and Jim White have been exceptional for the southern side. Ballygarrett have some talent in Jack Hobbs, Colm Kinsella and James Gahan but Oylgate, the table toppers, should see past the North Wexford side.
INTERMEDIATE A
Despite the depressing letter that follows this grade of hurling for most clubs, there is a progressing style of hurling to be seen across the county thanks to the introduction of the Top Oil Intermediate A Championships.
Marshalstown v Monageer
Monageer are a convincing hurling side with a solid set up thanks to powerful displays so far by Tommy Breen, Marty Kelly and Peter Mernagh. Marshalstown are a tough hurling side also with Eoin Bennett, Michael Morris and Derek Byrne leading the troops. This is set to be the most intense battle of the grade’s quarter finals but Marshalstownseem to have a slight upper hand. Nevertheless an upset would be unsurprising.
Naomh Eanna v St Marys of Rosslare
Naomh Eanna have impressed so far with inspirational performances by Justin Kenny, Conor McDonald and Padraig Doyle. For the Rosslare men, Jordan Broaders, Oscar Pitt and James Sheil have performed strongly. Gorey will be the favourites for this encounter and should assert their unbeaten record.
Fethard v Buffers Alley
The Gorey district side have lacked flair in the group stages despite efforts from Paul O ‘Leary and Pierce Butler. Buffers Alley are at an immediate loss with Oliver O Leary struggling to return due to an ankle injury. The minor duo of Ciaran Dwyer and John Tubritt are dangermen for Fethard and should attain victory.
Clongeen vs Shamrocks
Another close affair is on the cards here. The Shamrocks are a good hurling side with George Jacob, Cyril Thorpe and Bob Jacob all performing exceptionally. Jamie B Curtis, Jamie Keating and Gary O’ Grady all have shone for Clongeen so far this season. During the last month, Clongeen were injury ridden which could lead the Shamrocks to victory.
Congratulations to the 24 teams who have managed to achieve what every team wishes at the start of the year; to be playing in the month of September. Injuries are sprouting in most club teams and these are the difficulties clubs now face over the coming weeks. Enjoy the last of the summer wine….or GAA as the case may be!
Enjoy the hurling!
The Briar
