Seven standout fixtures in Limerick club hurling championships this evening

THERE are seven games taking place across the Limerick senior hurling championship and premier intermediate hurling championship this evening. 

Four games are down for decision in the Limerick senior hurling championship, while three games take place in premier intermediate hurling championship. 

Limerick SHC Group One

Ahane v Kilmallock in Doon on Friday at 7pm

Ahane will look to get things back on track against Kilmallock after their seven point defeat to Ballybrown. John Meskell's side were without Evan O'Leary and Gary Brennan.

Kilmallock will be aiming to make it two wins from two in the Limerick SHC. Ex Limerick hurler Graeme Mulcahy sat out Kilmallock's victory over Patrickswell with an injury.

Shane O'Brien and Oisin O'Reilly combined impressively in attack for the south Limerick side in their opening round victory.
Kilmallock have shown promising signs under James Hickey this season after winning the league earlier this year.

Verdict: Kilmallock

Limerick SHC Group One

Na Piarsaigh v Ballybrown in Claughaun on Friday at 7pm

Ballybrown produced one of the performances of the weekend across the senior hurling championship racking up 5-18.
Their physicality and pace in attack stood out in Claughaun last weekend, Aidan O'Connor, Brian Griffin, Barry Adams and Ross Kenny hit 5-9 between them. Kevin Lally began his reign as Ballybrown senior hurling manager with a victory.

Na Piarsaigh's performance in their draw against Doon was an indication that the city club haven't gone anywhere.
In the absence of Mike Casey, Peter Casey, Conor Boylan and Jerome Boylan, the younger players like Keith Dempsey, Vince Harrington, James Finn and JJ Carey stepped up. Former Limerick hurler Kevin Downes was in inspirational form with 1-7.

The clash between Na Piarsaigh and Ballybrown will complete the action in round two of group one of the SHC.

Verdict: Na Piarsaigh

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Limerick SHC Group Two

Dromin-Athlacca v Monaleen in Fedamore on Friday at 7pm

Monaleen got their group campaign off a positive start last week against Adare. Eoin Brislane's charges reached the SHC quarter-finals in 2024 and Monaleen are strong favourites to make the jump one to group one.

Limerick senior hurler Donnacha O'Dálaigh and Limerick u20 hurler Matthew Fitzgerald nailed 1-7 between them in the Castletroy's side victory.

Dromin-Athlacca came up short against Kildimo-Pallaskenry round one. After missing out on a qualifying for the knockout stages, Dromin-Athlacca will be keen to register their first win of the championship.

Limerick's David Reidy was in impressive scoring form finishing with 0-12 for the south Limerick outfit.

Verdict: Monaleen

Limerick SHC Group Two

Newcastle West v Kildimo-Pallaskenry in Sean Finn Park, Rathkeale on Friday at 7pm

Newcastle West showed tremendous character to dig out a draw against Mungret St Paul's. The Magpies have already showed they are able to compete at this level and this will give them huge encouragement after making the jump on from premier intermediate.

Newcastle West's Eoin Hurley was on target with 1-4 against Mungret St Paul's. It has been a positive start for Kildimo-Pallaskenry in both football and hurling this year. Declan Nash is in charge of both teams.

Kildimo-Pallaskenry's Kyle Hayes lined out in attack last weekend and the 2024 all-star will cause defences plenty of problems throughout this championship. Limerick U20 hurler Robert O'Farrell was another player who impressed landing 1-4 for Declan Nash's side in their opening round win.

Verdict: Draw

Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship

Croagh-Kilfinny v Garryspillane on Friday in Ballyagran at 7pm

Arguably one of the ties of the weekend between Croagh-Kilfinny and Garryspillane.Croagh-Kilfinny's jump up to premier intermediate after winning intermediate county final in 2024 has been impressive.

The west Limerick club have turned over Effin and Blackrock in the PIHC. Croagh-Kilfinny sharpshooter Cian O'Carroll has been in impressive form in front of goals scoring 1-21.

Garryspillane came up short in last year's PIHC final. The Knocklong side already look like one of the standout teams in the championship especially with the way they have dismantled both South Liberties and Bruff.

Limerick senior hurler Hugh Flanagan has been pulling the strings in attack for last year's county finalists hitting 1-13 in the PIHC.

Verdict: Garryspillane

Effin v Blackrock in Kilmallock on Friday at 7pm

Surprisingly Effin are yet to win a game in the PIHC this year. Adrian Barrett's side forced a draw last week thanks to a free late on from Paddy O'Donovan.

Nickie Quaid and Fergal O'Connor are crucial for Effin to turn their fortunes around in this year's championship.
It's been a mixed campaign so far for Blackrock with a win and loss in their opening two rounds.

Paudie Leahy has been target with 2-6 for the Kilfinane side, Jimmy Quilty has been in impressive form since his stint in America throughpout the summer.

Verdict: Effin

Granagh-Ballingarry v Bruff on Friday in Kilfinane at 7pm

Brother of former Cork hurlers Ben and Jerry O'Connor, John O'Connor has started his reign as Granagh-Ballingarry manager with two wins.

Granagh-Ballingarry attacker Sean O'Connor has hit 2-6 from play during the PIHC. 2024 semi-finalists. It’s been a promising opening for Granagh-Ballingarry, who came close to reaching the knockout stages last year.

Bruff are yet to win a game after defeats to Garryspillane and Blackrock.

Bruff will be aiming for their first PIHC victory on Friday, with their two losses so far raising eyebrows considering their run to a Premier U20 final last year and the presence of Limerick senior stars Sean Finn and Sean Casey.

Verdict: Draw