Carrig-Riverstown and Drumcullen favourites in Offaly IHC semi-finals

THE semi-finals of the Molloy Environmental Systems Intermediate Hurling Championship take place this weekend with Carrig-Riverstown and Drumcullen favourites to reach the final – but they will be very wary of the challenges presented by St Rynagh's and Coolderry.

Carrig-Riverstown v St Rynagh's: Saturday in Lusmagh at 6pm

Carrig-Riverstown have been the form team in the championship so far and have emerged as title favourites. They have played well and are moving well. St Rynagh's second team will be strong, with a lot of good hurlers. They will give them plenty of food for thought but Carrig-Riverstown's form has ben compelling.

Verdict – Carrig-Riverstown.

Drumcullen v Coolderry: Sunday in Crinkle 12 noon

A huge, difficult game for Drumcullen who are desperate to get back up to the second tier after being relegated last year. They were the championship favourites at the start of the campaign but their form has raised some doubts. They remain serious contenders, more or less neck and neck with Carrig-Riverstown. They ended up going the quarter-final after losing to Coolderry in their final group game.

That was a 1-18 to 0-16 defeat but their confidence was restored with an easy quarter-final win over Edenderry. Now they face a renewal with Coolderry and will be under no illusions about how difficult it will be to turn the tables. They can do so but this game is full of pitfalls for Drumcullen.

Verdict – Drumcullen.