Intermediate Hurling Championship

Group 1

Ennistymon v Ruan @ Corofin, Saturday

A win here for Ruan would guarantee a place in the quarter-finals while their north Clare opponents will need a victory to get their campaign back on track after a defeat last time out to Sixmilebridge. Ennistymon could well be without scorer in chief Cathal Malone who is action on Sunday with the Clare minors in Croke Park. In his absence Tagdh Malone, Michael McDonagh, Michael Anthony Devitt and Martin Malone will carry the Ennistymon fight. For Ruan, Aidan Lynch, Cillian Ryan, Eoin Hanrahan and John Punch will be expected to lead the way. Overall Ruan appear to have too much for the north Clare side.

Verdict: Ruan

Sixmilebridge v Bodyke @ Broadford, Saturday 21st August

Sixmilebridge are dark horses for the Intermediate championship after defeating one of the favourites, Ruan, in round 2. Their opponents meanwhile got their campaign back on track in round 2 against Wolfe Tones. When these sides met in the Clare Cup back in May the honours were shared so expect another close game with the 'Bridge getting the nod. Indeed, the 'Bridge are an experienced side with Cathal Walsh, Stiofan Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Downes and Adrian Chaplin all seeing senior action in last year championship. For Bodyke, PJ Kelleher, Colm Madden, Keith Quigley and veteran Sean Doyle will be expected to fill the central positions.

Verdict: Sixmilebridge

Group 2

Clooney-Quin v Corofin @ Eire Og, Saturday at 7 pm

Clooney-Quin will be expected to win this one and advance to the knockout stages. Last time out Corofin gave a walkover to Eire Og meaning that they are out of the race for 2010 with a return to Junior A looking likely. For Clooney-Quin, Gary Hogan, Trevor Lee, Mark O'Halloran and Ronan Gallagher are all key players. While, Pat Ryan, Michael O'Dell, Tony McGann and Gearoid Kelly will be central to the Corofin cause. Despite the loss of three players to their senior side in recent weeks anything other than a Clooney-Quin victory would be a surprise.

Verdict: Clooney-Quin

Eire Og v Feakle @ Kilkishen, Tuesday at 7 pm

At the start of the year when the draws were made both these sides were being touted as possible champions. Some six months later this claim has proven to be right in the case of Eire Og but false for Feakle as they have been beaten in their two games to date and look set to lose out on a place in the knockout stages. Eire Og will have a number of their victorious Under 21 side in action including David O'Halloran, Danny Russell and Kevin Moynihan, add in the experienced Fergus Flynn and you have a side capable of going all the way. Feakle will look to Gary Guilfoyle, Raymond Bane, Francie O'Grady and Henry Hayes to lead the way.

Verdict: Eire Og Tweet

Most Read Stories