Semi-final places at stake in Offaly IHC

TWO semi-final places are at stake in the Molloy Precast Environmental Systems Intermediate Hurling Championship this week.

Birr meet Shinrone while Drumcullen have Seir Kieran with Ballinamere and Belmont clashing in the relegation play off.

Shamrocks and St Rynagh's have qualified for the semi-finals as group winners and will be kept apart with a draw determining which of the quarter-final winners they meet.

Quarter-finals

Birr v Shinrone: Thursday, September 4 in Coolderry 7.30pm

Birr and Shinrone should be a real 50-50 game between two sides who have blown hot and cold. Birr are back out of senior “B” and their experience of playing there suggests they can this but it will be a very close battle.

Verdict – Shinrone.

Seir Kieran v Drumcullen: Saturday, September 6 in Crinkle 2.30pm

Drumcullen have great hopes of getting back up a rung but their meeting with Seir Kieran is a real banana skin for them. There is plenty of rivalry between these two neighbouring clubs and their players know each other well. Drumcullen are favourites but have to perform now and Seir Kieran won't fear them a bit.

Verdict – Drumcullen.

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Relegation play off

Ballinamere v Belmont: Thursday, September 4 in Clara 7.30pm

There should be very little separating Ballinamere and Belmont in the relegation play off. Both have won junior in recent years and are well capable of stepping back there. Both will want to stay up. Belmont got a win against Birr in their final group game and lost out on a quarter-final on scoring difference. Ballinamere lost their three games but may have been in the tougher group. It is hard to know how this will go.

Verdict – Belmont.