Ep. 190 – U21 & Junior B round up

Episode 190, Premier View Podcast, delivers a full breakdown of a massive weekend across the Under-21 and Junior hurling championships in Tipperary.
The lads open with the standout North Under-21 A semi final where Borris Ileigh edged Toomevara in a fiercely contested clash that generated plenty of conversation afterwards. While some in Toome felt there should have been more stoppage time, the referee allowed the final puckout and the ensuing break to play out before blowing the whistle, a decision the panel felt was fair. The game itself was excellent, score for score, with Borris Ileigh leading 1-10 to 0-12 at half time thanks to a goal from Lar Stapleton. He struck a second in the second half, a brilliant team goal worked from deep that proved decisive. Toomevara hit four of the first five points after the restart, but Borris Ileigh kept replying and held their advantage all the way through.

The other North u21 semi final saw Silvermines survive a late rally to beat Newport 3-11 to 1-16. That sets up a fascinating North A final, Borris Ileigh versus Silvermines, with Borris Ileigh going in as favourites after dethroning last year’s champions. Silvermines will welcome the underdog tag, and the panel expect a genuine contest.

In the North B decider, Kilruane face Burgess. Burgess will lean on young David Nealon who has already featured for their Premier Intermediate side, while Kilruane carry serious momentum.

Attention then moves west where Golden Kilfeacle and Arravale Rovers collide in the A final. Arravale topped a four-team group and went straight to the final, while Golden came through a tight battle with Cashel, winning 0-17 to 0-14 with Ben Currivam hitting 0-12 from placed balls. Golden’s underage pedigree, including their success at Under-17 and Under-19, along with names like the Daltons, Ciarán Bourke, Lonergan, Currivan, Sam Hall, Jack Bergin and Iain Armshaw, makes them a strong proposition. Arravale counter with the emerging Adam and David Ryan, and the arrival of Orin Jones has boosted them. They already beat Golden in the Round Robin so this final will be tight.

The West B final sees Knockavilla Kickhams and Emly meet again after their one-point Round Robin meeting. Both had big wins in the semis, but this grade tightens when it leaves the division, and the lads flag Kilruane as a big force in the North B.

Down south, Fethard beat Knockmealdown Gaels after extra time to win the B final, while Ballingarry claimed the A final with a 0-22 to 0-17 win over St Pat’s. Jack Cahill hit 0-17, mostly from frees, and continues to shine after excellent Harty Cup form.

In the Mid, a familiar pairing returns, Holycross Ballycahill versus Thurles Sarsfields. Holycross beat Moycarkey Borris 3-22 to 3-14, while Sarsfields came through a high scoring 2-28 to 3-17 win. The lads highlight the excellent facilities in St Patrick’s College and praise the quality of hurling at this age group, especially given the time of year. They also note the importance of Under-21 for player retention, particularly once the county returns to Minor at Under-18.