How It Stands | Na Piarsaigh through as five battle for three knockout spots in SHC

The Limerick SHC is heating up with just one team assured of their place in the knockout stages.

As the only team in the championship with a 100% record in the Limerick SHC, Na Piarsaigh have confirmed their spot in the knockout stages of the championship. 

The six times champions sealed their place with a comprehensive win over Patrickswell. 

Elsewhere, Doon and Kilmallock are deadlocked on four points, two ahead of Patrickswell with Adare and Ahane tooted to the foot of the table on a single point.

With the next round taking place this weekend, and just two to go, there is plenty on the line for the six teams.

Group One

Na Piarsaigh have guaranteed their spot in the knockout stages of the competition after maintaining their 100% record. Another win will guarantee a top two finish and a place in the semi finals.

Kilmallock’s dominant win over Adare puts them in the driving seat for the second semi final place. Would need a huge swing of results to not guarantee a quarter final at the least.

Doon are in a similar position to Kilmallock with two wins from three. Like the Balbec, defeat to Na Piarsaigh was their only set back. They meet Kilmallock in round five where the winner would all but guarantee that semi final berth.

Patrickswell are on their own on two points from the first three games. Although they were beaten by Kilmallock and Na Piarsaigh, it has been the manner of defeats that will be worrying to the Well. A win against Doon or Adare would likely be enough to see them through but defeat to the former could be catastrophic.

Adare are joint last with Ahane but trail the east side on scoring difference after the hammering of Kilmallock. As things stand, Adare would be relegated at the first time of asking. However with Patrickswell’s patchy form, if they were to beat the City side in the final round, it could be enough to usurp them and advance to the knockout stages.

Similarly, Ahane are still on just the one point following the first round draw with Adare. Their scoring difference is better but they have difficult assignments ahead with both Kilmallock and Na Piarsaigh to come. Unless they pick up points there, they will have to rely on Adare also not adding to their point.

Group Two 

In the second group, it is far more even with four teams on four points with a pair of rounds to play.

Kildimo Pallaskenry were the story of the weekend as they brought Ballybrown’s winning start to an end. That drew them level with their city neighbours. South Liberties victory over Blackrock also moved them to four points, as did Garryspillane’s win against Mungret St Pauls.

Round Four Fixtures

Na Piarsaigh v Adare

Ahane v Kilmallock

Patrickswell v Doon

Ballybrown v Garryspillane

Mungret St Pauls v South Liberties 

Kildimo Pallaskenry v Blackrock