Premier Intermediate Championship down to the last four

This Saturday four becomes two with the semi-finals of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship taking place in Kilmallock.

At 2pm Mungret take on Blackrock followed by the clash between Kildimo Pallaskenry and Bruff at 3.45pm.

Mungret St Pauls v Blackrock

Saturday September 20 in Kilmallock at 2pm

Second plays third in the first of the double bill on Saturday.

Mungret finished their group stage campaign with four wins, a draw and a pair of losses to finish on nine points.

Their opponents Blackrock were one point behind with three wins, two draws and two losses to show for their efforts.

These sides met in round two of the championship where Mungret won out a thriller winning by two points, 4-14 to 2-18.

They return to the last four stage having been beaten by Bruff in an extra-time classic twelve months ago hoping to go one better and reach the final.

2019 has been quite the turnaround for Blackrock after they finished last summer at the foot of the table, escaping relegation after defeating Feonagh in a play-off.

Mungret will be favourites but expect a tight clash with a point the likely difference between the sides.

Kildimo Pallaskenry v Bruff

Saturday September 21 in Kilmallock at 3.45pm

Table-toppers Kildimo-Pallaskenry face fourth placed Bruff in the days second game.

Kildimo were the only side to go undefeated in the group stages, with five wins and a pair of draws saw them have three points to spare at the top of the table.

Bruff’s round one win over Dromin-Athlacca would prove vital as they advanced to the semi-finals level on points but holding a superior head-to-head.

They had three wins, a draw and three losses from their seven group games.

These sides were both made it to the same stage last year where they had different outcomes.

As mentioned Bruff advanced to the final after a thriller with Mungret before being beaten by Garryspillane in the final.

Kildimo Pallas, in their first year at the grade in 2018, lost out to Garryspillane in the semi’s but were without Intercounty player Kyle Hayes for majority of the game after he was sent off in the first half.

Kildimo’s second year at this grade couldn’t have gone much beter and they will be expected to dispose of Bruff en route to a first final at this level.