Tense battles on cards in Galway Premier Intermeidate hurling semi-finals

Three teams have qualified from one group with Mullagh (3rd in Group 1) looking to repeat Ballinderreen’s heroics from 2023 and win the Mick Sylver Cup despite not finishing in the top two during the round-robin series.

In order to advance to a first intermediate final since 2003 (they were Senior B winners in 2023), they must avenge defeat to their group winners Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough, appearing at this stage for the first time ever, though Skehana were intermediate victors in 1952.

The second game sees defending champions Meelick-Eyrecourt, two games away from a historic back-to-back, go up against Kilconieron, last year’s senior relegated outfit.

2020 intermediate winners Kilconieron have had just one slip, a one-point loss to Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough in Round 2. Meelick-Eyrecourt, like the other group winners, come into this round with a 100% record.

Two action packed contests await, and two winners must be determined. Extra-time (and penalties) will occur if required.

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SATURDAY

Mullagh vs Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough

(Duggan Park, 3pm)

Mullagh have blown hot and cold during this year’s championship, but nobody can question their resilience in ensuring results against Kilnadeema-Leitrim and Ballinderreen to earn their final four spot.

Manager Gerry Spelman has been without long term absentees Paddy Hardiman (injured 10 weeks ago against Saturday’s opponents) and Senan Coen. But despite two group losses, Mullagh’s leaders have stepped up in the knockout series.

Keeper Eric Ward has been consistent; Shay Glennon and Sean Hardiman have been the pick of the defence. Ronan and Davy Glennon bring experience between defence and attack while Dean Finnerty has had a solid campaign.

Captain Conor Dolphin (with 1-22 in their last two outings) is a contender for player of the year. Damien Monaghan was among the goalscorers in the quarter-final against Ballinderreen (3-20 to 1-24) while Liam Curley chipped in with five points.

Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough’s rise has been well documented since their 2023 Junior A triumph, and they enter unchartered waters following their quarter-final against Portumna (0-25 to 1-18).

It’s 74 years since any team from their parish has hit these heights in hurling, while this is a first for the amalgamation.

Oisin Colleran, Seán Hansberry (one of five Menlough footballers beaten in last week’s football loss to An Spidéal) and Bryan Horgan have stood out in defence; Galway under-20 Michael Burke is the driving force from midfield.

Cillian Roche leads an attack that includes brothers Tiernan and Oisin Lohan, Darragh Newell and Sean McDonagh.

Ten points from Roche and four from Tiernan Lohan were crucial in their 2-20 to 2-18 win against Mullagh in August. Mullagh full back Luke Kennedy will likely take on Roche, while Ronan Glennon or Hardiman will watch Tiernan.

At the other end, Padraig Glynn will probably start on Dolphin who is essential for Mullagh’s hopes. Finnerty against Burke is also important while the Family Feud between Glennon and Hansberry could be decisive.

Dessie O’Brien, Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough’s manager, is a former Mullagh manager, and has worked with their camogie side this season. He’ll have an in depth knowledge on their opponents.

Mullagh are chasing a record fifth intermediate title and prior to the teams group tie this summer, their most recent meeting was the 2008 Junior A Final when Mullagh beat Skehana 0-13 to 0-7.

Dolphin is Mullagh’s main man but with 45% of their scores, he needs somebody else to take up the baton. Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough have a slightly better spread of attacking threats which might shade this.

Verdict: Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough

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Meelick-Eyrecourt vs Kilconieron (Duggan Park, 4.45pm)

After ending a 28-year-famine to finally claim intermediate honours, Meelick-Eyrecourt have dealt with all challengers, including Senior B opponents, to enter the semi-finals unbeaten as they target a return to senior hurling.

They’ve averaged over 29 points per game in wins over Portumna, Kinvara and Ahascragh-Fohenagh before the quarter-final victory against Ballygar (1-23 to 1-18).

Their spine is rock solid, led by Enda Lawless in goal, Colin and James Downey in defence; midfielders John Hynes and Lee McDermott, and forwards Finn Gohery and Galway senior John Fleming. Add in top scorer Nathan Earner, Tiernan Gohery and Niall Fleming, and manager Niall Lynch is blessed with multiple options.

Kilconieron have found their groove since the one-point reversal against Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough, with successive impressive showings in beating Mullagh and Ahascragh-Fohenagh, followed by their 1-22 to 3-14 result against Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry.

With senior experience from the previous five years, coupled with under-20 championship titles, including five starters from last month’s A1 victory, they are also a force to be reckoned with entering the business end of the season.

Shane Murray is a reliable stopper; Alex Evans, Daniel Keane, Niall Martin and Robert Burke have stood out in defence; midfielder Ian McGlynn and talisman Shane Caulfield, are among 2026’s best players, and they also have Keith Burke, Stephen Keane and captain Ultan McGlynn.

There are multiple stand out match-ups with centre back Downey against Caulfield immediately catching the eye. But Kilconieron, who conceded nine goals in their five outings, can’t afford to allow Niall Fleming, Finn Gohery and Nathan Earner many opportunities in the full forward line.

John Fleming against Kilconieron’s number six Niall Martin can also be influential; while Meelick-Eyrecourt’s Hynes and McDermott must ensure they win the midfield battle against Ian McGlynn and Sean Burke.

Kilconieron’s Keith Burke will test opposing wing backs Tiernan Gohery or Tommy Fleming; while Colin Downey must ensure Sean Connaughton doesn’t get a run in attack.

These sides met in the 2019 under-21 final which Meelick-Eyrecourt won 1-15 to 0-16 thanks to McDermott (0-11) and Niall Fleming (1-1). Connaughton (0-10) was Kilconieron’s top scorer.

Their last intermediate match-up was the 2018 semi-final when Kilconieron won 1-16 to 0-17, before they lost out to eventual All-Ireland champions Oranmore-Maree. Meelick-Eyrecourt manager Niall Lynch scored 11 points that day.

It’s promised to be sunny and dry for two teams known for pushing forward, which means their high scoring averages could be maintained, setting this up for a shoot-out.

Verdict: Meelick-Eyrecourt