PIHC Final Preview | Bruff and Monaleen battle it out for Premier Intermediate honours

Both sides have already won the Premier Intermediate since its inception in 2014.

A thrilling season of Premier Intermediate hurling action draws to a close this weekend when Bruff and Monaleen contest in the final on Saturday in Kilmallock.

It will be the eighth time that both sides take the field in the PIHC this season, with seven group games and a semi-final already put behind them since the season began at the end of July.

But this will undoubtedly prove to be the most valuable of all with a chance for either team to get their hands on silverware and a place in the Senior Hurling Championship for next season.

Last 10 Winners

2021 – Mungret St. Pauls

2020 – Kildimo Pallaskenry

2019 – Blackrock

2018 – Garryspillane

2017 – Murroe-Boher

2016 – Monaleen

2015 – Bruree

2014 – Bruff

It would be an instant recovery for Monaleen if they can get over the line on Saturday, as they were relegated from the SHC just twelve months ago after a relegation final defeat to Blackrock.

The 2016 premier intermediate champions responded well to their return to the ranks where they topped the group after seven games, losing just once with five wins to go with a solitary draw.

Similarly, Bruff will be looking to get themselves back to senior after five years away, their relegation coming in 2017. The South side were the inaugural winners back in 2014 and also reached the final in their first year back at the grade in 2018, losing out to Garryspillane.

Their respective places in the final this year were hard fought, with the four qualification places being decided on the final game week. Wins for both sides resulted in qualification to the semi-finals where they would both endure tight-knit games against Newcastle West and Effin resepctively.

After seeing off Effiin with ease the previous week, Monaleen only ensured victory in the semi-final late on after a trying contest. Bruff were pushed all the way by Newcastle West, eventually holding out for the win after extra-time.

Paths to the Final

Bruff

• R1 – 2-17 : 0-12 v Effin (W)
• R2 – 0-22 : 2-16 v Knockainey (D)
• R3 – 1-17 : 1-14 v Dromin-Athlacca (W)
• R4 – 2-17 : 0-24 v Monaleen (L)
• R5 – 1-14 : 0-19 v Newcastle West (L)
• R6 – 1-17 : 1-14 v Glenroe (W)
• R7 – 2-20 : 1-15 v Cappamore (W)
• SF – 3-17 : 1-22 v Newcastle West (W)

Monaleen

• R1 – 0-20 : 1-15 v Cappamore (W)
• R2 – 1-18 : 2-21 v Glenroe (L)
• R3 – 2-17 : 1-11 v Newcastle West (W)
• R4 – 0-24 : 2-17 v Bruff (W)
• R5 – 2-14 : 0-20 v Dromin-Athlacca (D)
• R6 – 0-26 : 1-13 v Knockainey (W)
• R7 – 1-22 : 0-11 v Effin (W)
• SF – 1-18 : 0-15 v Effin (W)

With the nature of their fourth round clash, an even contest is expected in Kilmallock this weekend. On that day, a pair of goals weren’t enough for Bruff as Monaleen held on for a one point win.

However, Bruff did beat the same opposition in the Premier U19 Final earlier this summer with a host of players from either team graduating to their respective adult sides.

The two sides will also have a handful of players remaining on their panel that were successful at Premier Intermediate level already in their career. Bruff will also carry the experience of losing the final just four years ago.

It promises to be anyone’s game on Saturday with so much on the line, who will handle the pressure better?

Monaleen face Bruff at 3pm on Saturday in Kilmallock in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship final.