Weekend hurling previews: Thurles Sarsfields bid to end almost 10-year wait for Tipperary SHC title

Elsewhere Inagh-Kilnamona and Kilmaley set for tight Clare SHC final

Thurles Sarsfields Stephen Cahill hits a first half point. Pic: Eamonn McGee

SATURDAY

Mayo SHC final

Ballyhaunis v Tooreen, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, 3pm.

This pair’s seventh consecutive final and 14th in 15 seasons. Tooreen have been victorious in the six meetings and Ballyhaunis will need something significant to shift them.

Verdict: Tooreen.

SUNDAY

Clare SHC final

Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley, Zimmer-Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 4.15pm.

A novel final and one that should attract a sizeable crowd to Ennis as sharpshooters Aidan McCarthy and Tom O’Rourke face off.

Inagh-Kilnamona look well placed to claim the Canon Hamilton Cup for the first time but there’s a dogged streak that runs through this Kilmaley team. Don’t be surprised if more than the regulation time is required.

Verdict: Inagh-Kilnamona.

Dublin SHC semi-finals

Na Fianna v Cuala, Parnell Park, 2pm.

Some of the Cuala crowd could be forgiven for being distracted by next weekend’s football final. Na Fianna go in search of their sixth final appearance and don’t have the distractions.

Verdict: Na Fianna.

Kilmacud Crokes v Lucan Sarsfields, Parnell Park, 4pm.

Kilmacud Crokes certainly have the pace to hurt Lucan but a lot of resolve has been built up in Charlie Carter’s group since last year’s painful final defeat.

Verdict: Lucan Sarsfields.

Kildare SHC semi-finals

Éire Óg, Corra Choill v Naas, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 1.30pm.

Darragh Kirwan has certainly sharpened the Naas attack since committing to the hurlers this season.

Verdict: Naas.

Celbridge v Maynooth, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 3.30pm.

A lot of things are pointing the right way for Maynooth as a club both on and off the field and they should win this derby.

Verdict: Maynooth.

Kilkenny SHC semi-finals

Bennettsbridge v Tullaroan, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm.

Tullaroan look a difficult animal since Ballyhale Shamrocks knocked them off their perch in the roll of honours list last year. They aim for a first final in 22 years. They can make it.

Verdict: Tullaroan.

Ballyhale Shamrocks v Thomastown, UPMC Nowlan Park, 4pm.

If the Donnellys are on song, Thomastown will be awkward opponents for their vaunted neighbours. They looked sharp against Clara in their quarter-final but Shamrocks usually step on the gas around now. 

Verdict: Ballyhale Shamrocks.

Limerick SHC semi-finals

Kilmallock v Monaleen, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 1.45pm.

Monaleen know they can’t afford to be as slack as they were at times in their quarter-final win over Mungret St Paul’s. Their attack has been to converting quicker. At the same time, Kilmallock could be rusty and might need Shane O’Brien hitting his straps early on.

Verdict: Kilmallock.

Doon v Na Piarsaigh, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3.30pm.

An intriguing clash between these two who have provided such a rivalry these past few seasons. On paper, the victors should be the Caherdavin men but it took them a late goal to thwart Doon in the group stages. Derek McGrath may have a tactical ace up his sleeve.

Verdict: Doon.

Meath SHC final

Kilmessan v Kiltale, St Loman’s Park, Trim, 2pm.

Kiltale have been the bridesmaids so often this decade but now that Ratoath and Trim are gone they have a great chance to right that record.

Verdict: Kiltale.

Roscommon SHC final

Four Roads v St Dominic’s, King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, 2pm.

It’s 27 years since St Dominic’s were last kingpins of the county. Four Roads aren’t unbeatable but they are a hard-beaten outfit.

Verdict: Four Roads.

Tipperary SHC final

Moycarkey-Borris v Thurles Sarsfields, FBD Semple Stadium, 4pm.

To think that it’s almost 10 years since Sarsfields had their hands on the Dan Breen Cup. Little in the last few years has suggested they would end that wait but they have been buzzing under Pádraic Maher this season despite being without his brother Ronan for so much of it.

At the same time, Moycarkey-Borris should not be 9/4 outsiders. They are greater than the sum of their parts. This final has provided some crackers in recent times and this should be no different.

Verdict: Thurles Sarsfields.

Wexford SHC semi-finals

Shelmaliers v Naomh Éanna, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 3pm.

A re-run of the 2020 final when Shelmaliers were crowned champions. The Gorey side are fancied on this occasion but they might experience a bit of history repeating itself.

Verdict: Shelmaliers.

Rathnure St Anne’s v St Martin’s, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 4.45pm.

Declan Ruth has helped turn Rathnure into contenders again but the result should be similar to last year’s decider.

Verdict: St Martin’s.