Limerick SHC quarter final double header preview

There is a Limerick SHC Quarter Final double header down for decision this Sunday in the Gaelic Grounds. In the first game of the day, last year’s Premier Intermediate champions Murroe Boher face Kilmallock which is followed by the meeting of Group 2 table toppers South Liberties and Patrickswell. Doon and Na Piarsaigh await the winners in the semi-finals.

Murroe Boher v Kilmallock

Sunday October 7 in Gaelic Grounds at 2pm

Heading into the final round of group games, Kilmallock were expected to overcome Doon and book their place directly into the final four. However, a below par performance saw Doon leapfrog Kilmallock into the semi-finals. The loss could spur the Balbec into life with the 2014 county champions in fine form prior to the setback. As for Murroe, they will be pleased with their performances on their return to the senior ranks, only missing out on promotion to Group 1 for next year with an inferior head to head record with South Liberties. Since the round 1 defeat to Liberties, Murroe have recorded four wins on the trot and are arguably the form team in the competition. Kilmallock’s star forward Graeme Mulcahy has carried his county form into the club championship but was well marshalled against Doon and if Murroe want to progress they will have to do a similar lockdown job on the man. However, Kilmallock’s experience should be enough to see the Balbec back into the semi finals as they look to go one step further than last year.

Patrickswell v South Liberties

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Sunday October 7 in Gaelic Grounds at 3.45pm
Sunday October 7 in Gaelic Grounds at 3.45pm unday October 7 in Gaelic Grounds at 3.45pm

Patrickswell started their campaign with a highly impressive fourteen-point victory over Adare to send a message to their rivals. However, a single win has followed in the four games since with consecutive ten-point defeats to Kilmallock and Na Piarsaigh in their previous two games seriously dampening their hopes in this year’s competition. South Liberties on the other hand have secured promotion to the Group 1 for next season and will look to build on this against a vulnerable Patrickswell side. At the start of the year, the city side will have looked at promotion as the main aim and with that secured they can play in the Gaelic Grounds this Sunday with no worries. In Barry Nash and Brian Ryan, Liberties have the firepower to hurt a Patrickswell team that have looked porous in the back in recent games. However, the Well were county champions only two years ago and will look to this game as the perfect opportunity to bounce back into contention. The longer route to the semi-final could very well suit this youthful Patrickswell team and with three All Star nominees in their ranks, they should have too much quality for Liberties.