As We head into the Business end of the 2025 Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, eight teams remain in the hunt for glory. With knockout tension rising, we break down the four quarterfinal matchups through the lens of scoring stats, defensive resilience, and standout performers. Let’s dive into each clash with predictions, insights, and data-backed odds.
🔵 Match 1: Upperchurch/Drombane vs Killenaule
Avg Scored: Upperchurch 21.33 | Killenaule 27.67
Avg Conceded: Upperchurch 17.33 | Killenaule 20.00
This may be the tightest tactical battle of the quarterfinals. Upperchurch/Drombane are the best defensive team in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, conceding just 17.33 points per game. Their ability to keep games tight and force errors has carried them through a group of death.
Killenaule, on the other hand, boast the second-highest Premier Intermediate scoring average at 27.67 points per game, led by Luke Ryan (0-14 from frees and 0-01 from play) and Mark Stakelum (2-07 from play), who’ve consistently found the target. They’re one of the few sides capable of cracking a well-organized defense, thanks to a forward line that shares the scoring burden across multiple lines.
Upperchurch’s scoring has been modest, with Luke Shanahan their key man, (0-24 and 0-03 from play). If they’re to cause an upset, he’ll need support from Gavin Ryan (1-12) and Paddy Phelan (0-06 from play), who have chipped in but lack the consistency of their Killenaule counterparts.
Prediction:
A fascinating clash of styles. Upperchurch’s defensive steel will frustrate Killenaule, but the latter’s scoring depth should see them edge it.
Value Odds:
- Killenaule win: 4/6
- Upperchurch win: 13/8
- Draw: 10/1
Verdict: Killenaule by 3–5 points.
🔴 Match 2: Gortnahoe/Glengoole vs Ballina
Avg Scored: Gortnahoe 28.00 | Ballina 24.00
Avg Conceded: Gortnahoe 22.00 | Ballina 22.50
Gortnahoe/Glengoole have been the top scorers in the Premier Intermediate competition, averaging a stunning 28.00 points per game, and have the best scoring differential (+6.00) of any team. Their attack is led by the brilliant Keane Hayes (1-33 in total and 1-13 from play), who has been virtually unmarkable at times and is a major free-taking threat. Darragh Maher matches Hayes in the from play department with 3-09 from play.
Ballina, while more balanced, haven’t quite matched that firepower. Their key scoring threat is Matthew Power (1-30) a dynamic player capable of turning a game. Charlie King provides a consistent second option though with a brilliant 2-11 from play so far, second in our current from play scoring tables, but their overall tally suggests they’ve relied on defensive solidity to grind out results.
Defensively, both teams are near identical. Gortnahoe concede slightly less (22.00) compared to Ballina (22.50). But it’s the midfield and breaking ball wins that separate these two – Gortnahoe’s half-back line has been immense in launching counterattacks and setting the tempo.
Prediction:
Unless Ballina can silence Hayes on Frees and Maher from Play, and force Gortnahoe into a shootout on awkward terms, the form team will have too much.
Value Odds:
- Gortnahoe win: 4/7
- Ballina win: 2/1
- Draw: 11/1
Verdict: Gortnahoe by 5–6 points.
⚫ Match 3: Boherlahan/Dualla vs Moneygall
Avg Scored: Boherlahan 24.67 | Moneygall 23.75
Avg Conceded: Boherlahan 25.67 | Moneygall 22.25
This matchup is incredibly hard to call. Boherlahan/Dualla have a slightly better attack, thanks to the exploits of red hot Tossy Ryan (2-34 with 2-06 from play ), currently the most prolific forward in the Premier Intermediate competition. But their big issue is defense – conceding nearly 26 points per game, which is one of the worst tallies among the final eight.
Moneygall are steadier on both ends, with a solid spine and the electric debutant Eoghan Doughan (4-26 in total 4-04 from play, lethal on the break. The 2024 Intermediate Champions are the dark horse of this year’s championship – under the radar, efficient, and physically strong.
Boherlahan’s hopes rest on keeping possession and feeding Ryan. If they go behind early, their leaky defense could unravel.
Prediction:
Expect a dogfight. Moneygall have more momentum and a stronger defense. Slight upset incoming.
Value Odds:
- Moneygall win: 11/10
- Boherlahan win: 6/5
- Draw: 9/1
Verdict: Moneygall by 2 points.
⚪ Match 4: Carrick Swan vs Silvermines
Avg Scored: Carrick Swan 21.33 | Silvermines 24.00
Avg Conceded: Carrick Swan 18.33 | Silvermines 21.00
This is another clash of attack vs defense. Carrick Swan have kept things very tight all year, conceding just 18.33 points per game, the second-best defense in the Premier Intermediate after Upperchurch. They’ve built their campaign around a rock-solid full-back line and the scoring contributions of Calum Lanigan (0-29) Aaron Dunne (1-06 from play) and the young tyro Stefan Tobin (2-05 from play), both capable of game-changing goals.
Silvermines are more attack-minded. Jason Forde (2-32) remains their talisman, and if he gets going, he’s near unstoppable. Their forward line has spread the scoring well, and Sean Nolan (2-05 from play) has chipped in with important goals. However, Silvermines can be inconsistent – dominant one day, sluggish the next.
Carrick Swan will look to slow the tempo and make this a war of attrition. If they succeed, Silvermines may find it hard to build rhythm.
Prediction:
A classic battle of grit vs flair. Silvermines should win on paper, but this has upset potential.
Value Odds:
- Silvermines win: 8/11
- Carrick Swan win: 7/4
- Draw: 10/1
Verdict: Silvermines by 1–2 points, possibly after extra time.
🧠 Summary & Premier Intermediate Semi-final Predictions:
- Likely Winners: Killenaule, Gortnahoe/Glengoole, Moneygall, Silvermines
- Most Competitive Tie: Carrick Swan vs Silvermines
- Top Value Bet: Moneygall to win at 11/10 or better
Quarter final Weekend is poised for drama. With proven scorers, tight defenses, and tactical battles galore, the stage is set for a thrilling finale to this year’s Premier Intermediate Championship.
🏐 Club Scoring Averages
| Club | Avg Scored |
|---|---|
| Gortnahoe/Glengoole | 28.00 |
| Killenaule | 27.67 |
| Templederry | 27.00 |
| Boherlahan | 24.67 |
| Silvermines | 24.00 |
| Ballina | 24.00 |
| Moneygall | 23.75 |
| Eire Óg Annacarty | 23.50 |
| Burgess | 23.25 |
| Thurles Sarsfields | 23.00 |
| Sean Treacys | 22.33 |
| St Mary’s Clonmel | 21.33 |
| Carrick Swan | 21.33 |
| Upperchurch/Drombane | 21.33 |
| Moyne/Templetouhy | 19.25 |
| Clonakenny | 18.00 |
🛡️ Club Conceding Averages
| Club | Avg Conceded |
|---|---|
| Upperchurch/Drombane | 17.33 |
| Carrick Swan | 18.33 |
| St Mary’s Clonmel | 19.67 |
| Killenaule | 20.00 |
| Moyne/Templetouhy | 20.75 |
| Silvermines | 21.00 |
| Gortnahoe/Glengoole | 22.00 |
| Moneygall | 22.25 |
| Ballina | 22.50 |
| Eire Óg Annacarty | 24.25 |
| Sean Treacys | 24.67 |
| Thurles Sarsfields | 25.00 |
| Boherlahan | 25.67 |
| Templederry | 26.50 |
| Clonakenny | 27.75 |
| Burgess | 29.75 |