Knockout lineup finalised in Offaly IHC

THE knockout lineup was finalised in the Molloy Environmental Systems Intermediate Hurling Championship last weekend. Coolderry and Carrig-Riverstown have qualified for the semi-finals as group winners and the quarter-final pairings are: Drumcullen v Edenderry and Shinrone v . Seir Kieran will meet Belmont in the relegation play off.

The two semi-finalists are seeded and a draw will determine which of the quarter-final winners they face.

The only surprise was Coolderry beating one of the title favourites, Drumcullen to top group 1 and qualify for the semi-finals direct.

While Carrig-Riverstown and Drumcullen remain the two front runners for this championship, it means that Drumcullen will have to take the more scenic route if they are to make an instant return to senior “B” – they will be hoping to get speed merchant, Colm Gath back to full fitness for the big games ahead.

Coolderry had a fine 1-18 to 0-16 win over Drumcullen in group 1 while St Rynagh's secured third spot with a hard earned 1-17 to 1-15 win over Belmont.

In group 2, Carrig-Riverstown continued their very impressive form with an expected easy win over last year's beaten finalists, Seir Kieran, 2-24 to 1-13. The border side have won their threes group games and are motoring very well.

Both Shinrone and Edenderry had qualified before last weekend's games but the result provided further food for thought for Edenderry, a 2-20 to 0-8 mauling. After beating Seir Kieran in their first game, last year's junior champions suffered a big 3-27 to 0-5 defeat by Carrig-Riverstown. They will face a big challenge to turn this form around against Drumcullen and the evidence of the last two games suggests that the jump to intermediate level has been too big for them – despite doing well to reach the quarter-finals.

The quarter-finals will take place on the weekend of August 18-20.