Previewing the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship 4th Round with Matt O’Callaghan.

Fresh after the U21s thrilling Munster triumph, the Limerick senior Hurling Championship retunrs this weekend with a full set of fixtures to look forward to. Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock can secure semi-final spots with victories while a host of teams will be battling to ensure safety at the bottom of the group tables. We caught up with Matt O’Callaghan to get his thoughts ahead of the weekend.

Doon V South Liberties
Saturday July 29 @ 7.30 in Caherconlish

Doon know a victory over South Liberties this weekend will put them into the knockout stages. If they are to harbour any ambitions of going far in the SHC, Doon will be looking at this game as a must win and will want to lay down a marker.

South Liberties know that two wins from their final two games is a must if they are to progress into the knockout stages. However, with a win over Bruff almost securing safety South Liberties will head into the game with no fears. Expect Doon to come out on top in this East Limerick derby.

Matt: “I find it hard to make a case for South Liberties wiinning this one, I cant see it happening. I think you would have to tip Doon for that one.”

Ballybrown v Bruff
Sunday July 30 @2.45 in Kilmallock

Last seasons finalists lie in third place in three points heading into this game. A win this weekend may be enough for Ballybrown who face second placed Doon next. A win, a loss and a draw is a fair assessment from Ballybrown thus far who will know that if they can reach the knockout stages, anything can happen.

Bruff on the other hand lie bottom of the table and are in real danger of relegation. A win on Sunday is vital if they are to retain their senior status. Bruff will know that they should have beaten South Liberties in the opening round and this may come back to haunt them. Ballybrown should put one foot into the quarter finals with a win here.

Mattt: “I think they (Bruff) will be competitive with Ballybrown, but I think Ballybrown will have too much for them.”

Ahane v Kilamallock
Sunday July 30 @7.30 in Gaelic Grounds

The standout tie of the round sees Kilmallock seek to retain their position on top of the table and book a semi final spot. A win here will be enough for the Balbec to secure top spot and a place in the semi final as they look to win a first Limerick senior hurling title since 2015, a year which saw them reach the All-Ireland club final.

Meanwhile, Ahane are deadlocked on three points with Ballybrown. The draw against Ballybrown means that head-to-head will not come into it and Ahane will know a win or a loss by a small margin will go a long way in securing qualification.

Matt: “They (Ahane) will probably put it up to Kilmallock, but you would have to fancy Kilamallock in this one.

Na Piarsaigh v Adare

Saturday July 29 @7 in Askeaton

Na Piarsaigh will continue their quest to retain their Limerick Senior Hurling Championship title this Sunday against Adare in Askeaton. Na Piarsaigh have been flawless so far in the championship and will be looking to secure a semi final spot in Askeaton.

These sides drew in the League and since the last round of games Adare have gone on to clinch the League title. However, the Caherdavin outfit will be strong favourites and should claim victory.

Matt: “It’s very hard to see Na Piarsaigh slipping up, the semi final place is on offer for them and I think they’re going to grab it.”

Patrickswell v Monaleen

Sunday July 30 @5.15 in Gaelic Grounds

Patrickswell will be hoping to keep pressure on Na Piarsaigh with a win over last years Intermediate Premier Champions Monaleen. Last years champions will be aware a win will put them into the knockout stages with a quarter final berth the most likely scenario.

Monaleen sit on three points a pint behind their opponents and Adare who face the daunting task against Na Piarsaigh. Monaleen will be confident that a victory here will give them enough momentum to reach the knockout stages. However, Patrickswell are much further into their development than Monaleen and should come out in top in the Gaelic Grounds

Matt: “Monaleen will give it a go against Patrickswell but I feel it will not be enough. I think Patrickswell will win that one.”

Cappamore v Knockainey

Sunday July 30 @7pm in Childers Road

Essentially this could be a relegation decider. Knockainey picked up a point against Monaleen in the opening round whilst Cappamore remain pointless despite a few impressive performances against Na Piarsaigh and Adare. With Patrickswell and Na Piarsaigh up next respectively for these teams, the game on Sunday will go a long way in deciding who is relegated to Intermediate Premier.

With the competitive nature of the Intermediate Premier, neither team will be holding back in this do-or-die clash. Although Knockainey have points on the board, Cappamore have shown the greater form and may have enough to earn safety here.

Matt: “I think Cappamore might shade this one.”

Listen to Matt’s full preview here,