2024 Intermediate Hurling Championship Power Rankings
The Divisional’s are done and dusted and while they served as an amuse bouche, the main course gets its first serving Tomorrow evening in Toomevara between Drom/Inch and last Year’s relegated Premier Intermediate side, Portroe.
Click HERE for our 2024 Premier Intermediate Power Rankings, First Edition
Now It’s the turn of the 16 Intermediate Hopefuls.
16. Upperchurch/ Drombane
Pat Shortt was the scorer in chief for them in 2023 and they will need that experience again this year. Lost heavily in the Mid Final. Is all their attention on the Premier Intermediate team?.
15. Ballybacon/Grange
Didn’t have to fight relegation in 2023 but that might be a short-lived reprieve for the south men. still a little too over reliant on Brendan Cummins.
14. Arravale Rovers
The addition of Orrin Jones is major although the loss of Mikey O’Dwyer is huge. Johnny Ryan with another year of inter county under his belt is another plus, the Tipp Town side could rise through the rankings but will need to up their West semi final performance.
13. Clonoulty/Rossmore
A first year at the grade. They were perennial contenders at Junior A before finally trying over the line. Decent outing in the West but will need to perform a lot better to get out of the group.
12. Carrick Davins
So unlucky in 2023 although well beaten in their final group game. To not qualify on 3 points out of your group,is always tough. But they have something to build on and I expect to see them progress. Mikey Whelan and Lee Mackey still to the fore.
11. Shannon Rovers
Had the worst group draw of anyone last year and while performing admirably will look for a resurgence in 2024. Had a decent league but a tough North exit.
10. Skeheenarinky
Preliminary exit in 2023, a tough defeat to Kilsheelan in the South and a poor 2024 league sees these South lads under a bit of pressure. Should have Conor Sweeney back in action this Year.
9. Knockavilla Kickhams
Need to push on in 2024. Beaten quarter finalists for the last two years. Stephen Browne saw county action early in the Year and they pushed Cappawhite all the way in the West Semi Final.
8. Cappawhite
A strong west Championship along with a strong group stage saw the West side climb the rankings last year. Flattered to deceive in the Quarters in 2023 and serious questions following last weekend’s West decider.
7. Drom/Inch
The Mid lads are always a handful. The club is going from strength to strength winning Junior B and U21A counties in 2023. If their seniors avoid injury then the intermediates will be more than a match for anyone in the grade. Perennial Quarter finalists they won the Mid title with ease last weekend.
6. Borrisokane
Very strong in the North and group stages , only losing out to Moneygall in 2023. Gary Ryan and Oisin Larkin will keep them competitive again and could be a surprise package.
5. Kilsheelan/Kilcash
Surprisingly beaten in the semi final last year, wasn’t helped by the sending off of Mark Kehoe, potentially have the best set of forwards in the competition with the Kehoe’s, Mark & Barry, Senan Butler and Martin Gibbs giving them serious options upfront. TJ Connolly has departed to his native Cashel but Liam Stokes stays as manager.
4. Ballingarry
The Dylan Walsh effect. Ballingarry have failed to reach the knock out stage two years running but won the South Championship this year and look a more settled side. Conor Vaughan menacing upfront and Ian Ivors in the sweeper role. Bringing a lot of form with them. Unbeaten so far, in 2024.
3. Portroe
Can we compare Port with fellow North men Lorrha ?. Relegated but not having a full team for the whole year. Will Mulrooney & Willis be back and with a resurgent Robert Byrne, this looks like a replica of Lorrha in 2022 who steamrolled the intermediate grade. New management for 2024 with Clare’s Jimmy Browne as Coach.
2. Moneygall
So close again in 2023. Lost out in extra time in the semi final to eventual winners Boherlahan/Dualla. With Seanie Kenneally and the Fogarty’s up front, the impressive Bob Kenny and Andy Hoolan, these lads won’t be far away again in 2024. New management also with Kiladangan’s Dan Hackett at the helm. Easily dispatched Portroe in the North Final.
1. Golden/Kilfeacle
The surprise package of 2023, turned the season around half way through and deservedly reached the Final. Jack Leamy and Ben Currivan will always trouble and a fully fit Niall Heffernan will see the West side very competitive. Blitzed Cappawhite in the West Final last weekend. Killenaule’s Tony Shelly coaches.
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