State of play heading into final round of group fixtures in Limerick hurling championships

Ballybrown's Leigh Doolan gets a hand pass away during their Limerick SHC clash with Garryspillane last week. PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson

placeholder image — Ballybrown's Leigh Doolan gets a hand pass away during their Limerick SHC clash with Garryspillane last week. PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson

THERE is plenty to play for in all four Limerick club hurling championships heading into the final round of group fixtures next week.

In the Limerick SHC, Kilmallock are assured of a semi-final spot but they could derail Na Piarsaigh's hopes of a last four spot when they meet on Saturday next.

If Kilmallock do manage to beat the Caherdavin side, it could open the door for Patrickswell to enter the semi-final with a victory over already relegated Kildimo-Pallaskenry.

Elsewhere, Doon and Ahane will battle it out for the other remaining quarter-final place when they face off in the final game. A draw for Doon will be enough to see them through to the last eight.

In Group Two, Mungret St Paul's have already qualified for the quarter-finals but will land a spot in group one for next year with a win or draw against Ballybrown in their final game.

A win for Ballybrown will see them earn promotion ahead of Mungret, while a defeat would open up the possibility of Adare finishing second if they come out on top of their game against Monaleen.

On Friday evening next, South Liberties and Garryspillane meet in what is effectively a relegation decider. Liberties need a win to avoid dropping to Premier Intermediate, while a draw would be enough for the Bouncers.

In the Premier IHC, Bruff and Effin play in what is the marquee fixture of the second last round. Both sides are on eight points from their five games so far.

Below them are Newcastle West, Dromin-Athlacca and Blackrock on six points. Dromin-Athlacca play Glenroe, Newcastle West face Na Piarsaigh and Blackrock are up against bottom of the table Cappamore.

In the IHC, Croagh-Kilfinny and Granagh-Ballingarry look good for the semi-final spots with 100% records in their respective groups heading into the final round.

In the JAHC, Kilteely-Dromkeen top group one on scoring difference from Ballybricken-Bohermore, Caherline are on full points in group two, the same for Feenagh-Kilmeedy in group three and Mungret St Paul's in group four.