Semi-final pairings decided in Offaly SHC “B” as Clodiagh Gaels retain status

IN a way, the determination of the semi-final pairings was of peripheral interest and the big news in the final round of group games in the Molloy Precast and Environmental Systems Senior “B” Hurling Championship was Clodiagh Gaels drawing a line under a horrific year by retaining their status.

The Killeigh-Killurin outfit finally clicked into top gear in the second half to send Coolderry back to intermediate ranks with a big 4-26 to 2-13 win on Friday evening. Beaten in the last two finals, Clodiagh Gaels endured a very poor campaign as they made a tame early exit.

Injuries and a suspension for their star forward Liam Langton for a crucial loss to Kilcormac-Killoughey did not help their cause but relegation to intermediate would have been an unmitigated disaster for them.

Clodiagh Gaels only led by 1-11 to 1-9 at half time but fired on all cylinders in the second half to stay up – the clubs had agreed to double up this group game as a relegation shootout, avoiding having to meet again.

Coolderry's relegation is not a surprise. They did well to win intermediate last year but with a few ageing hurlers in their ranks, the step-up was always going to test them.

The semi-finals pairings in two weeks time are: Carrig-Riverstown v Clara and Lusmagh v Kilcormac-Killoughey.

Carrig-Riverstown claimed top spot when they drew 0-17 each with Lusmagh in Birr. A win would have put Lusmagh on top and they had every opportunity to do so but a free deep in injury time earned Carrig-Riverstown a share of the spoils.

Champions of the last two years, Kilcormac-Killoughey continued their resurgence with a big 1-20 to 0-13 win over Clara. This saw them leap frog Clara into third place and K-K's recent form means that they are once again serious title contenders.

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With players gone to senior, they stared an early exit in the face when losing their first two games but have got back on track brilliantly. While C-R are marginal title favourites and a rejuvenated Lusmagh are in excellent form, Kilcormac-Killoughey's presence ensures it is all very unpredictable. At this stage, Clara are the rank outsiders and Lusmagh could pay a price for not closing out the deal against Carrig-Riverstown. On current form a semi-final against Clara is easier than one against Kilcormac-Killoughey but that is not to say that Clara and Lusmagh won't clash in the final and this championship is wide open.