Intermediate Hurling Power Rankings
- Golden/Kilfeacle – Gave a lot of 2024 in the top spot but came a cropper to Ballingarry in The County Semi-final in weather akin to a storm. Dylan Walsh built a big lead in the first half and Ballingarry held on by the minimum, Golden have started 2025 with a big win over Arravale Rovers and while they came unstuck late against Cappawhite in the West Final led by 4 points on time up. With Jack Leamy in tow they are still the team to beat in this grade.
- Ballingarry – Runners up last year to Moneygall and the team that came closest to them all year. They had a poor South Final against Kilsheelan albeit with a raft of injuries. They also contested the Division 3 league final again so are showing consistent form. Dylan Walsh as always is key.
- Cappawhite – Move up from a finishing spot of 4 last year with a last grasp comeback win over Golden in the West Final. Moved well against Moneygall in periods of the semi-final last year so a return to that stage is a must. Conor Martins form key here. Scorer of 1-7 from midfield in two West games.
- Newport – Last years relegated team. You just can’t count their North form as any team missing Colin Floyd & Pa Ryan along with an injured Sean O’Brien will struggle. As with all relegated teams they will find the going tough. Should have enough for Davins & Arravale Rovers and will have a real battle with Borrisokane for top spot in the group.
- Shannon Rovers – Followed up good form in last years campaign, topping the group and taking Cappawhite to extra-time in the Quarters with a North Final victory in ‘25. A huge win for a team growing in confidence. Their group is vicious though with Golden & Kilsheelan, Will need to get a win against one of them but have a prelim in the back pocket.
- Kilsheelan/Kilcash – A big jump from last year for the South side. But a brilliant South final victory and the form of Barry Kehoe is a big plus. Add to that maybe a return for Mark Kehoe and Kilsheelan could be back in business. Have the Prelim if they need it from a tough group and rumours of injury to South final hero Micheál Freaney & Barry Kehoe could dent their group chances.
- Portroe – Quarter-final & North final losers to Moneygall last year on a tough return to the intermediate grade. A last minute Shannon Rovers goal robbed them of a group top spot also. Will fancy getting out of the group and a round 1 tie with Cappawhite could tell a lot. 6 weeks waiting for this game and a potential return of AJ Willis following Tipp NY exit. Don’t write them off just yet.
- Knockavilla Kickhams – The unluckiest of last years Quarter finalists. Probably should have Ballingarry beaten. Lost out in a West Semi-final again this year but with Kieran Breen & Jamie Duncan due back they will have more options. Hopefully Conor Horgan makes a full recovery to play some part also. A tough opening game with Ballingarry but you would fancy them to win the other 2 & qualify & hope to avoid a prelim.
- Borrisokane – The north runner-up will feel hard done by to not be in the top 8. But a bad loss to Golden in last years quarters and a resurgent Kilsheelan sees them in 9th. Oisin Larkin is back from his travels and adds fire power alongside the Ryans Conor & Gary. We expect them in the top 2 in the group, getting into the top 8 could depend on avoiding a prelim.
- Skeheenarinky – These lads weren’t happy with us last year. Maybe we were harsh on them but the county championship is sacrosanct and you should complete all round robin games. 2025 is a new year however and they accounted for themselves really well in the South. Had Ballingarry on the rack despite being down a man. Will be an interesting battle with Cappawhite & Portroe in the group.
- Clonoulty/Rossmore – This weekend could tell a lot for the fortunes of the West Senior champions 2nd outfit. A poor showing in the 2nd half in a West Quarter final to Kickhams saw them lose out. A 1st round game with Drom will determine 3rd & 4th in this group.
- Arravale Rovers – Disappointed in the West but expect much better from them this weekend. Trying to bed in young players and find the right positions for them. Borrisokane will be a big test for them this coming weekend. They may move higher. Watch this space.
- Drom/Inch – As above with Clonoulty this weekend is vital for the year ahead. No form line for these lads this year though. No mid championship to play & didn’t partake in the league.
- Carrick Davin – The South side improved somewhat last year and need to keep going this year. A poor south outing but have had time to improve and get things right. Newport is a tough opener however.
- Ballybacon/Grange – Perennial escape artists. Have a tough tough group this year with 3 of the favourites. Good for one victory a year. Will Cummins be the hero again.
- Moyle Rovers – Newly promoted but rumours of an injury to Dara Ryan won’t help matters. Went down badly in the South. Will need a huge improvement but have a tough group with Cappawhite & Portroe.