Monaleen and Bruff set up Premier Intermediate Hurling Final clash

The sides will meet in the PIHC decider in Kilmallock in just under a fortnight’s time.

Bruff and Monaleen moved one step away from promotion to the top tier of Limerick hurling as they progressed through their respective semi-finals over the weekend.

The pair will meet in the Limerick Premier Intermediate Championship final on Saturday October 29 in Kilmallock at 3pm.

Monaleen were crowned PIHC champions in 2016 before being relegated from the senior ranks last season. Bruff were the inaugural winners in 2014 before returning to the ranks in 2018. This is the first year the sides have both operated in the premier intermediate ranks.

On Saturday, Bruff were the first to seal their final berth, as they came through the challenge of Newcastle West after extra-time winning out 3-17 to 1-22.

The South side were 1-6 to 0-6 to the good at the half but Mike McMahon struck for a goal late on to give Newcastle West the lead. Paul O’Riordan replied in kind but Newcastle West found the leveller to send the game to an extra twenty minutes.

Bruff’s third goal proved the crucial score as they held out for a one point win and a place in a first final since 2018.

Monaleen sealed the final match up on Sunday afternoon as they saw off Effin for the second time in eight days winning 1-18 to 0-15 in their last four clash.

The City side were able to keep their distance throughout with John Nicholas’ goal half way through the half enough for a 1-8 to 0-7 lead at the interval.

Effin battled to reduce the margin moving within three in the second period. But Monaleen held on, adding a number of injury time scores to return to the decider they last participated in six years ago.