Wounded Déise back to brass tacks of county action

WATERFORD hurling begins the post All-Ireland healing process with a return to domestic championship action this weekend.

Thirteen of the side which featured in the crushing defeat to Kilkenny will play this weekend — defender Eoin Murphy and midfielder Jamie Nagle played with their clubs, Shamrocks and Dungarvan respectively, in the IHC last weekend.

Game of the weekend is today’s clash of champions Ballyduff Upper and Fourmilewater at Fraher Field (4pm). With three points from a possible four, Fourmile’ need a draw to advance to the quarter-finals.

The champions however must win if they are to remain in the title race. County players Stephen Molumphy, Tom Feeney, and Adrian Power may keep their hopes of back to back crowns alive.

Tallow are favourites to take the points and plunge Stradbally into a relegation dogfight at Cappoquin (4pm). Stradbally have lost both their group games while Tallow have picked up three of a possible four points.

Today’s remaining game is the derby between Ballygunner and De La Salle at Walsh Park (5.30pm). The Gunners are through to the quarter finals but they’ll be anxious to keep an unbeaten run going against their rivals who will be led by John Mullane, Kevin Moran, and Brian Phelan.

The meeting of Mount Sion and Passage East at Walsh Park is tomorrow’s standout fixture with Passage danger man Eoin Kelly lining out against his former club.

Amazingly both are without a point after losing two games, and the losers are destined for a relegation battle. It could also throw up Kelly and Ken McGrath in direct opposition which would be worth the admission price alone. At Cappoquin (1pm), Lismore and Abbeyside face off while Ballyduff Lower and Ardmore meet at Fraher Field (5.30pm).