Plenty to play for in Limerick SFC’s final group games

The final round of the Limerick SFC group stage takes place this weekend with three knockout spots and the relegation playoff pairing yet to be decided.

In Group 1, Adare face Ballylanders knowing that they are assured of top spot in the group with four wins from four thus far and are already guaranteed a semi final spot.

Ballylanders have a chance at progression to the knockout stages but will need to beat Adare and hop results elsewhere go in their favour. They lie on four points, level with Ballysteen, who play St Senans.

However, Ballysteen have them on head-to-head having won the round one clash. As such, ‘Landers have to better Ballysteen’s result or hop to overturn a 28-point differential.

A win for Ballysteen will guarantee them a top-three position in the group. Their opponents, St Senans, will play in the relegation final regardless of the result as they are yet to pick up a point.

The final game in the group is more or less a dead rubber between Fr Caseys and Monaleen.

The city side are out of the competition but cannot be relegated. Fr Casey’s currently lie in second place and a draw or win will seal their place in second.

However, if they lose and Ballysteen and Ballylanders both win, then each of the three will finish on six points with only two qualifying.

Should they all finish on six points it will come down to points differential with Caseys (+11), Ballysteen (+17) and Ballylanders (-11).

Group 2 is far more straightforward with something to play for in each game. Newcastle West take on Oola in a battle for top spot.

Both sides have 100% records after four games and are both guaranteed a place in the knockout stages.

The winner of the game will finish top and move into the semi finals while the loser will come second in the group and play third place in the group one in the quarter final.

Should they draw then Newcastle West will finish top as they have a superior points differential.

St Kieran’s play Galbally with only one side to make it through to the quarter finals as the third placed side.

Kieran’s are on four points with a pair of wins and losses while Galbally have one win since their return to the senior ranks.

However, a win for Galbally will see them finish third, level on points with Kieran’s but having the head-to-head advantage.

The groups other game sees Na Piarsaigh take on Drom Broadford. A win or draw for Na Piarsaigh will see them retain their senior status for another year while condemning Drom to the relegation final without a point to their names.

A Drom win will see them leap the Caherdavin side and mean a Na Piarsaigh v St Senan’s relegation final, a repeat of the 2015 Intermediate Championship final.