Silverware on the line in Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship next weekend

GARRYSPILLANE and Effin have booked their places in this year's Lyons of Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling final.The Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship decider takes place on Sunday October 19 in the TUS Gaelic Grounds at 1pm.

Effin's Frankie Herr, Pierse O'Kelly and Ruairi O'Connor all the hit the net for Adrian Barrett's side in their ten-point semi-final victory over Blackrock. Patrick O'Donovan missed his side's victory through injury, however. Limerick senior hurling stars Nickie Quaid and Fergal O'Connor both impressed for Effin in their semi-final victory over the ‘Rockies.

Garryspillane edged past Croagh-Kilfinny by the minimum margin. Aaron Considine's side had goalkeeper Adam Sheehan to thank for their place in the decider with his brave save in additional time from Cian O’Carroll’s shot from close range proving decisive. Calum Sheehan and Hugh Flanagan were on target with 1-6 for the Knocklong-based club.

Glenroe defeated South Liberties 1-18 to 0-11 in their play-off which means Liberties will be playing intermediate hurling in 2026. Former Limerick goalkeeper David McCarthy was in influential form for Glenroe scoring 1-6 in the PIHC relegation final.

‘The Bouncers’ will be aiming to go one step further than last year after coming up short in the 2024 decider against Newcastle West. In 2023, Garryspillane were relegated from senior ranks.

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After falling short in the last three semi-finals, Effin have advanced into their first ever PIHC final. They will now be hoping to return to the senior hurling for the first time since 2015. Effin manager Adrian Barrett was pleased to see his side finally get past the semi-final stage.

“I'm absolutely over-the -moon, I am thrilled especially for this group of players. It's our fourth year in a row getting to a semi-final and it's our first time bridging that gap and actually winning a semi-final and getting all the way to the final.

“I'm absolutely  ecstatic for that group inside,” said Effin hurling manager Adrian Barrett after his side's victory over Blackrock. 

The sides met in round five of the PIHC when Effin defeated Garryspillane 1-23 to 0-24. Adrian Barrett is expecting a tough battle against Garryspillane.

“I know we beat them previously in the round-robin game, that counts for absolutely nothing in two weeks,They were missing a lot of personnel on that day, we've players to come back into the team as well. It's a huge challenge for us facing Garryspillane.”

The winners of the PIHC will face Waterford champions Tallow in the Munster intermediate hurling championship quarter-final on November 2 at a Waterford venue