Knockout line-up decided in Offaly Intermediate Hurling Championship

THE knockout line-up has been decided for the Molloy Environmental Systems Intermediate Hurling Championship were finalised on Monday evening after Drumcullen defeated Shamrocks in a deferred match.

Drumcullen's 2-15 to 1-14 win over Shamrocks brought the curtain down on the group stages and ensured their qualification into the semi-finals as winners of group 1.

Coolderry topped group 1 with a convincing 2-24 to 1-12 win over Shinrone last week and also go straight into the semi-finals.

In the quarter-finals, Seir Kieran meet Shinrone while Shamrocks take on St Rynagh's. The relegation play off will be between Ballinamere and Edenderry, the last two junior hurling champions.

Drumcullen's win saw them pip Seir Kieran for top spot on scoring difference – they tied in group 1 on 5 points and had drawn their earlier meeting. Drumcullen had to hold off a strong Shamrocks second half rally to win but a soft goal and some missed chances by the losers saw them get across the line.

Seir Kieran defeated Edenderry by 3-19 to 1-14 last week while St Rynagh's beat Ballinamere by 1-19 to 1-14 to put Ballinamere out.

Coolderry and Drumcullen look to be the championship front runners at this stage and there is a case for making Coolderry marginal favourites. They have plenty of very experienced players playing, some with long time senior service. Former Offaly star Brian Carroll is back playing at this level for the first time – manager of the Coolderry senior team, he will have a big influence in this competition.