Final places on offer as Limerick Premier IHC semi-finals take place
THE DREAMS of reaching the senior hurling championship hang by a thread this weekend with the semi-finals of the Lyons of Limerick Premier IHC down for decision.
In two mouthwatering fixtures, Blackrock take on Effin in the first of the last four clashes on Saturday afternoon, while Bruff play Dromin-Athlacca later in the day.
Blackrock are looking to go back up to the senior grade at the first attempt after being relegated last year and they meet an Effin side that only came back up to the Premier Intermediate level again since 2021.
Effin topped the group and qualified for the semi-final with a game to spare. They had six wins and one defeat from their seven games. Limerick keeper Nickie Quaid has excelled from centre back throughout their campaign, while Paddy O'Donovan has been in sensational form up front.
Blackrock have a tonne of experience in their side with former Limerick star Richie McCarthy lining out at full back. The Peter Finn coached side also have Liam Walsh and Richie Murphy within their playing ranks but have been without Limerick's panelist Jimmy Quilty due to injury throughout the championship.
'The Rockies' have four wins from their seven fixtures to date and will come into the game as underdogs. To reach the decider, they will have to curtail the red-hot O'Donovan.
When the sides met in the group stages last August., Effin earned a 2-19 to 1-17 victory. Blackrock versus Effin takes place in Bruff at 2pm.
The other semi-final sees 2022 beaten finalists Bruff take on Dromin-Athlacca in Kilmallock. Both teams had five wins and two defeats from their group fixtures with Dromin-Athlacca finishing second on scoring difference.
Ger Hickey's Dromin-Athlacca outfit will come into the game full of confidence following victory over their semi-final opponents during the group stage.
Bruff's only other loss came against table toppers Effin but Jerry O'Connor and the rest of their management team will be expecting a much better performance from their group of players against Dromin-Athlacca this time around.
Dromin-Athlacca will be slight favourites to reach the final but Bruff's experience at this stage could be vital. That game bbbegins at 4pm.