30 group games provided precious few highlights but the shadow boxing is now over as the knock-out stuff starts this weekend. With the title race reduced to eight runners, it’s peak time for those challenging for ultimate honours. While the opening quarter final looks predictable on paper, Passage versus Dungarvan promises much given their recent form. The relegation battle will probably produce the most ferociously contested fixture of the weekend between two proud clubs.
Relegation Play-Off
Thursday 4 September
Ardmore v Fourmilewater (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Fourmile’s patchy form and unsettled line-up leaves them dangerously close to the trapdoor. In the previous four seasons, they made three quarter finals and a semi final. A second round slip-up against Roanmore cancelled out their good work to put away Abbeyside the previous week. Two goals across five games is also a worrying figure. Dermot Ryan and Stephen Ryan punched a few holes in their recent cameo appearances and may be pushed into starting roles here. 48 points for Jamie Barron shows how heavily Fourmile lean on him. Liam Lawlor started at full forward in the draw with Lismore but Benji Whelan may be tempted to restore him to number six and shut down Seamus Prendergast. Ardmore’s first round defeat to Ballyduff Upper put them under pressure immediately and an absentee list containing Clinton Hennessy, Richie Hennessy and Declan Prendergast hasn’t helped. They showed a determination to soldier on when they came within two points of Tallow. Over-exuberance may lead to plenty of frees which puts the spotlight on Barron and Seamus Prendergast. Fourmilewater earned promotion back in 2001 and they will depend on their inter county quality to emerge with their senior status intact.
Odds: Fourmilewater 1/10 Draw 16/1 Ardmore 5/1
Prediction: Fourmilewater
Quarter Finals
Friday 5 September
De La Salle v Tallow (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Tallow’s reward for taking the last seat on the plane is a head-on collision against the title favourites. They did defeat Salle in the group stages last year but under different circumstances where their opponents had already advanced. Two years ago, De La Salle delivered a 4-20 to 0-9 drubbing. Damage limitation must be on their minds from the outset and any lack of appetite will be severely punished. A no holds barred full back line gives them a degree of security but pressure must be applied out the field. At the other end, chief goal scorer Evan Sheehan (five in three games), Thomas Ryan and Robert O’Sullivan need to be ultra-efficient. De La Salle will be disappointed by how Passage picked their pocket at Walsh Park and this offers the ideal opportunity to get that performance out of their system. Their squad has been boosted by recent underage success. Stephen Dalton, Adam Farrell and Shane Ryan are among those settling into the side. Jack Kennedy has been moved into a half back line where Shane McNulty shone brightest during the group phase. They neatly distributed the scores in those five games with fourteen different players chipping in. It’s hard to make a case for Tallow (the lowest scorers among the last eight) matching De La Salle’s power and fluency up front.
Odds: De La Salle 1/20 Draw 33/1 Tallow 7/1
Prediction: De La Salle
Saturday 6 September
Passage v Dungarvan (7.30 at Fraher Field)
High scoring potential here from two teams moving in the right direction. This pair exceeded a hundred points during the group stages. They also tend to generate a pile of chances with Passage firing 20 wides against De La Salle and Dungarvan entering double figures in their last three outings. After an convincing start to their title defence, Passage came out fighting against Fourmilewater and Eoin Kelly returned to strike 3-9 in three games. Conor Carey is also showing strong form in a forward line that also has reliable performers in Owen Connors, Thomas Connors, Sean Hogan and Rory Walsh. Regular point taker Killian Fitzgerald and the industrious Pa Walsh at midfield seem to hold the upper hand over their direct opponents. Dungarvan have purred along nicely since a first half no-show in their opener with Ballygunner. They have blasted ten goals and are approaching 24 points every game. Each forward is contributing their share and dismissing Mount Sion in a ruthless manner will boost their confidence. It’s a choice between the exuberance and experience. Neither side will hold back given their ability to chalk up big totals but maybe the pace at James O’Connor’s disposal will rattle the champions.
Odds: Passage 10/11 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan Evens
Prediction: Dungarvan
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