Feast of U21 action with two divisional championship hurling finals this weekend

Kiladangan V Borris-Ileigh in Templederry, Saturday December 17th @ 2pm

The final throes of the U21 hurling championships this weekend signals the nearby sunset of the Tipperary club championships for 2022, and it is throwing up some very appetizing fare ahead of the festive season.

Firstly on Saturday, Kiladangan and Borris-Ileigh are getting ready to renew their rivalry in the North U21A hurling final in Templederry at 2pm.

Having played in the group stage already - a game which Borris-Ileigh won convincingly - there will be plenty of bite to this game as the men in blue and gold have bounced back very well with wins over Roscrea, before coming out on the right side of a real battle against Nenagh Éire Óg in the semi-final last weekend, winning on a right scoreline of 1-17 to 2-13.

Free taker Shane Gleeson greatly impressed for them in the win, hitting 1-7 of his side's total, while Sean Hayes had his moments to in a very hard fought and deserved win.

They will now have the opportunity to take on Borris-Ileigh again, who themselves were pushed to the pin of their collar in the semi-final win over Toomevara a few weeks ago, with a late JD Devaney score proving to be the winner after a strong second half comeback was staved off.

A flurry of senior players peppers their ranks, with Devaney joined by Kevin Maher and centre back, while Eddie Ryan and minor county star Paddy McCormack part of a rather potent attack.

Borris do look like the favourites considering the ease at which they won the group fixture last month, but this grade at this time of the year can really throw up surprises which could make this a tight one.

Verdict: Borris-Ileigh

Thurles Sarsfields V Drom & Inch in Holycross, Sunday 18th December @ 12 noon

The clash of Thurles Sarsfields and Drom & Inch promises to be a cracking contest, weather permitting this Sunday in Holycross.

Two teams who have been easily the two best in the competition, they had comprehensive victories in their semi-final matches against Holycross Ballycahill and JK Brackens respectively.

Drom & Inch were impressive in their win, with some experienced players at senior level making up a lot of their team through the likes of John Campion, Fintan Purcell, and Lorcan Campion the big players but they also have some young talent around the pitch to compliment those.

Dara Fitzpatrick was in fine form in the semi-final win, bagging 2-2 from play in the game while Brian Moore also contributed well while Tony Cahill is a player who has experience at intercounty and senior level with his club.

Sarsfields have plenty of quality as always with Paddy Creedon, Darragh Stakelum, and James Armstrong their go to men, but they are far from reliant on that trio.

Their demolition of JK Brackens in the semi-final was certainly a team effort, with Creedon bagging 2-2 along with big contributions from Darragh Stakelum (1-3), while Cian Stakelum (0-4), and Eoin Purcell (1-2) also had big impacts.

This is a game full young talent and should the weather hold up to a playable standard, it has the makings of a brilliant match up.

Verdict: Thurles Sarsfields