Hurling season hits boiling point – SHC Quarter Final Previews

The serious business starts here and serious contenders may tumble out of the championship arising from these quarter final dealings. So far, we have witnessed gripping local derbies and sparkling individual displays from the likes of Jake Dillon, Michael Kearney, Patrick Hurney and Eoin Kelly. Knock out hurling reveals deeper layers however.

14 September

De La Salle v Ballygunner (5.30 at Walsh Park)
Since 2008, the News and Star Cup has been passed back and forth between these two although they may have expected to meet each other at a more advanced stage of this year’s championship. Due to injuries, De La Salle have yet to field their strongest fifteen in any of the group games but they will need all of their first choice starters here. Ballygunner bring more momentum into this knockout clash after their fighting their way out of a tight corner to make the last eight. On the other side, De La Salle were already assured of their spot after winning their first three games. The key area where the Gunners must break even at the very least is the De La Salle half back line. Pauric Mahony has steered the ship from centre forward in their last two triumphs and a crucial confrontation with Kevin Moran may materialise. He tends to drop deep and either shoot from distance or pick out the lively pair of Brian O’Sullivan and JJ Hutchinson in the corners. It’s a matter of maintaining a brisk tempo for Andy Moloney’s side and stretching the Salle rearguard. They may struggle to deal with the power and strength of the holders all over the field. Derek McGrath can look to Abbeyside’s win over Ballygunner as a blueprint. They have also planned meticulously and always aim to hit their peak at this time of year. Jake Dillon has also taken over the mantle from John Mullane in the leadership stakes up front. Salle to survive in a tight squeeze.
Betting: De La Salle 2/5 Draw 10/1 Ballygunner 9/4
Prediction: De La Salle

15 September
Mount Sion v Tallow (1.30 at Fraher Field)
The numbers of injury setbacks leaves Sion vulnerable here. The Bridesiders’ hopes hinge heavily on another goalscoring return from Thomas Ryan. Tallow struggled badly when Ryan was watched closely against Lismore and Fourmilewater. Anthony Kirwan must ponder whether Chris Ryan, John O’Leary or Stephen O’Neill will take up that duty. In the scoring stakes, Austin Gleeson and Stephen Roche carry the burden. The 2011 runners-up will rely on their battle hardened defence where James Murray is holding firm but Sion can cope with their absentee list for now.
Betting: Mount Sion 1/5 Draw 12/1 Tallow 4/1
Prediction: Mount Sion

Passage v Ballyduff Upper (3.00 at Fraher Field)
Peter Queally’s side have progressed steadily through the group stages. They hold a variety of weapons in attack and tend to leave things open at both ends of the field. They managed ten goals in five matches with two time All\ Star Eoin Kelly accountable for six of those. Midfielder John Whitty also bursts forward at regular intervals. Their opponents have been boosted by an injection of youth led by All Ireland medallists Cian Leamy and Michael Kearney. They are reliable championship performers and this year tend to adopt a sweeper in defence. Despite these persuasive arguments for the Reds, the forward flair in the Passage ranks may prove significant.
Betting: Passage 4/7 Draw 8/1 Ballyduff Upper 13/8
Prediction: Passage

Fourmilewater v Abbeyside (4.30 at Fraher Field)
The toughest one of the quarters to make a conclusive call. Fourmile’ arrive at this stage with less fanfare that last year but they still won four out of five in a tough group. The availability of Shane Walsh boosts them further. Abbeyside are brimming with confidence since unsettling Ballygunner at Walsh Park. They present a physical obstacle for their opponents and build their attacks from the half back line. They need to find greater consistency in their shooting as they shot 15 wides against Dungarvan. Patrick Hurney has scored 8-9 so far and may unearth some weakness in the last line of the Fourmile’ defence. To make those gains however, they will have to find a way past Liam Lawlor at number six. A major collision in store here.
Betting: Fourmilewater 1/2 Draw 10/1 Abbeyside 7/4
Prediction: Abbeyside