Hurling championship round 4 previews

27 August
Ballygunner v Tallow (6.30 at Fraher Field)
The Gunners already find themselves safely in the quarter finals after three wins and scoring eleven goals in the process. Tallow have held their own with three points from three games and competitive displays against Mount Sion and Passage. While Tallow’s need for a win may be greater, Niall O’Donnell’s side look set to continue their impressive start.
Odds: Ballygunner 1/5 Draw 11/1 Tallow 7/2
Prediction: Ballygunner

28 August
Ballyduff Upper v Stradbally (2.00 at Fraher Field)
A miserable run of double digit defeats leaves Stradbally in dire need of a win to stave off another relegation battle. Ballyduff stuttered after a convincing opener against Abbeyside to suffer two defeats at the hands of Lismore and Fourmilewater.
Nine points separated these teams last year and a similar margin looks likely on Sunday afternoon to get Stephen Molumphy’s side back on track.
Odds: Ballyduff 1/20 Draw 25/1 Stradbally 6/1
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

Passage v Roanmore (2.30 at Walsh Park)
Both sides could do with the points after unconvincing campaigns thus far. Roanmore have suffered three straight defeats but could consider themselves unlucky to be edged out by Dungarvan. Passage, meanwhile, have come down to earth from last year’s semi final highs to only pull off one win from three and found no answers to Ballygunner’s tidal wave two months ago. With Owen Connors and Eoin Kelly pulling the strings up front Passage should have sufficient firepower to emerge with a win but it may be a close call.
Odds: Passage 1/5 Draw 11/1 Roanmore 7/2
Prediction: Passage

De La Salle v Fourmilewater (3.30 at Fraher Field)
While the bookmakers give Fourmile’ a slim chance here, Fintan O’Connor’s team are the most improved in this year’s championship. If Shane Walsh and Jamie Barron can click again in attack they will fancy the prospect of an upset. De La Salle’s dismantling of Lismore in round 3 signalled their drive to retain the title however and another win is on the cards here.
Odds: De La Salle 1/7 Draw 14/1 Fourmile’ 4/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Mount Sion v Dungarvan (4.00 at Walsh Park)
In the corresponding fixture last year Dungarvan put in a valiant effort and should be confident after a win over Roanmore in the last round. Mount Sion are already safely in the knock out stages but will be looking to build momentum for stiffer tests to come as they continue to integrate youth with the experience of Tony Browne and Ken McGrath.
Odds: Mt Sion 2/9 Draw 11/1 Dungarvan 10/3
Prediction: Mount Sion

Lismore v Abbeyside (6.30 at Fraher Field)
Billed as the clash of the weekend, this one has a lot to live up to. Abbeyside need all of the Hurneys to step up to the mark and a big display from Richie Foley to get the win they need to ensure a quarter final place. Maurice Shanahan however comes alive at Fraher Field and capable of compiling a winning total almost single handed. His scoring influence should ensure a third win from four for Lismore.
Odds: Lismore 8/13 Draw 9/1 Abbeyside 11/8
Prediction: Lismore