Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship reaches crucial stage

Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship is beginning to take shape after three rounds of action.
Round four of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship takes place later this week.

Newcastlewest remain the only unbeaten in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship having won their three opening games.

The west Limerick side at the moment look like firm favourites to win the PIHC title.

Bruff, Effin and Garryspillane are just behind them on four points.

All three teams have regsistered two wins and suffered one defeat in the opening three rounds of the PIHC.

Blackrock and Granagh Ballingarry are on two points after three games, while Na Piarsaigh and Glenroe are yet to register a win in this year's Championship.

Na Piarsaigh and Glenroe have played two games in this year's Championship. The sides will meet in refixed game on September 27.

Round Four of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship takes place this Thursday.

Table toppers Newcastlewest will look to make it four wins out of four against Garryspillane on Thursday at 6:30pm in Ballyagran.

Newcastlewest have finished games strongly this year but they will be fully aware of the challenge Garryspillane pose.
Last year's senior side Garryspillane were defeated by Granagh Ballingarry last week and the Bouncers will be anxious to get their campaign back on track.

At the same time on Thursday evening, third-placed Bruff face Glenroe in Knocklong.Bruff had a narrow victory over Blackrock on Friday. Last year's Premier semi-finalists will look to back that up this Thursday. Glenroe are yet to get a win in this year's PIHC and the South Limerick side will know a win is critical to their chances of climbing up the table.

On Saturday, Effin and Blackrock meet in a mouthwatering clash in Kilmallock at 3pm.Last year's Premier Intermediate finalists, Blackrock need a strong finish to this year's Championship.Two defeats in the PIHC have put Blackrock under pressure. The ‘Rockies currently sit in fifth place on two points, while Effin are in second place on four points.Effin will see this as a chance to record their third win of the PIHC.

The final game of the weekend sees Na Piarsaigh take on Granagh Ballingarry in Adare at 4pm on Sunday.It has been emotional time for Granagh Ballingarry after their sponsor Denny Ahern sadly passed away.Granagh Ballingarry paid tribute to their sponsor with a fantastic victory over Garryspillane in the last round.Na Piarsaigh remain winless in this year's PIHC Championship.