Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 3 Permutations: What Every Team Needs
The final round of the 2026 FBD Insurance Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship group stage takes place across Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, with qualification, group positions and relegation places all still to be decided.
After the opening two rounds, Arravale Rovers, Ballingarry and Borrisokane are already guaranteed to finish top of their respective groups, while Group 1 remains open.
At the other end of the tables, Carrick Davins and Ballybacon-Grange are already guaranteed to finish fourth and will enter the relegation semi-finals.
There is also another major factor.
The four 2026 divisional Intermediate Hurling champions are guaranteed a place in the Preliminary Quarter-Finals if they do not qualify through the group stages.
They are:
North: Portroe
Mid: Clonakenny
South: Skeheenarinky
West: Arravale Rovers
Under the official Tipperary GAA Structures and Regulations for the County Intermediate Hurling Championship 2026, Michael Maher Cup, a divisional champion who finishes second in their group is exempt from playing a Preliminary Quarter-Final.
If a divisional champion finishes outside the top two, however, they retain their Preliminary Quarter-Final qualification.
Crucially, divisional qualification does not remove the relegation consequences of finishing bottom of a group.
The bottom team in each of the four groups enters the relegation semi-finals.
Tipperary GAA’s regulations even specifically cater for the possibility of a team finishing bottom, qualifying through the divisional Preliminary Quarter-Final route and subsequently winning the county championship.
The Championship Rules That Matter
The 16 teams are divided into four groups of four, with each team playing three group games.
The four group winners advance in the championship.
The regulations provide for Preliminary Quarter-Finals, if required, involving divisional champions who have not already qualified through their groups.
If Preliminary Quarter-Finals are required, the divisional champion or champions will play group runners-up in an open draw, with repeat group-stage pairings avoided where possible.
A divisional champion who finishes second in their group is exempt from playing a Preliminary Quarter-Final.
Where teams finish level on points during the group stage, Tipperary GAA Rule/Code 11 applies.
For relegation, the bottom team in each of the four groups enters the relegation semi-finals.
The two relegation semi-final losers contest the relegation final, with the loser relegated to Junior A hurling for 2027.
GROUP 1
Current standings
1. Kilsheelan-Kilcash, 4 points
2. Portroe, 2 points
3. Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams, 2 points
4. Clonoulty/Rossmore, 0 points
Round 3 Fixtures
Saturday, August 22, 2.00pm
Kilsheelan-Kilcash v Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams
Venue: New Inn
Saturday, August 22, 2.00pm
Clonoulty/Rossmore v Portroe
Venue: Newport
Both Group 1 matches are scheduled to throw in simultaneously.
Kilsheelan-Kilcash
Kilsheelan are the only team in Group 1 with a perfect record after two rounds.
If Kilsheelan win
They finish on six points and are Group 1 winners.
If Kilsheelan draw
They finish on five points and again finish 1st.
If Kilsheelan lose
Knockavilla join them on four points.
If Portroe fail to beat Clonoulty/Rossmore, the final positions of Kilsheelan and Knockavilla are determined under Rule/Code 11.
If Portroe also beat Clonoulty, Kilsheelan, Knockavilla and Portroe all finish on four points.
In that case Rule/Code 11 determines 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Kilsheelan bottom line
Win or draw and they are Group 1 winners.
A defeat opens the group up.
Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams
Knockavilla remain firmly in the qualification race.
If Knockavilla win
They move onto four points alongside Kilsheelan.
If Portroe fail to win, the two clubs are level and their positions are determined under Rule/Code 11.
If Portroe also win, three teams finish on four points and Code 11 determines the final ordering.
If Knockavilla draw
They move onto three points.
If Portroe beat Clonoulty, Portroe move onto four and Knockavilla cannot finish second.
If Portroe draw, Portroe and Knockavilla both finish on three and Code 11 applies.
If Clonoulty beat Portroe, Knockavilla finish on three points ahead of both teams and are 2nd.
If Knockavilla lose
They remain on two.
If Portroe win or draw, Knockavilla cannot finish above Portroe.
If Clonoulty beat Portroe, Knockavilla, Portroe and Clonoulty could all finish on two points and Rule/Code 11 determines their final positions.
Knockavilla bottom line
A win gives them a major chance of qualification and potentially top spot.
A draw can still be enough for second, depending on Clonoulty/Rossmore v Portroe.
Portroe
🏆 2026 North Intermediate Hurling champions
Portroe have the major advantage of already possessing their divisional championship route.
If they do not qualify through the top two of Group 1, they are still entitled to a Preliminary Quarter-Final as North champions.
If Portroe win
They reach four points.
If Kilsheelan win or draw, Portroe are in a very strong position to finish 2nd.
If Knockavilla also win, Kilsheelan, Knockavilla and Portroe all finish on four points and Rule/Code 11 decides the final standings.
If Portroe draw
They move onto three points.
Their final position then depends on Kilsheelan v Knockavilla.
They cannot finish fourth.
If Portroe lose
They remain on two points and Clonoulty join them on two.
If Knockavilla collect at least one point, the final placing between Portroe and Clonoulty is determined under Rule/Code 11.
If Knockavilla also lose, three teams could finish on two and Code 11 applies across those teams.
If Portroe finish outside the top two
They still enter a Preliminary Quarter-Final as North champions.
If Portroe finish fourth
This is where the regulations become particularly interesting.
Portroe would:
qualify for a Preliminary Quarter-Final as North champions
and
enter the relegation semi-finals because they finished bottom of their county group.
The two routes operate independently.
Portroe bottom line
Win and they put themselves in a strong position for the top two.
Draw guarantees they avoid fourth.
Lose and relegation becomes a possibility.
Whatever their group position, their North title guarantees them a knockout championship route.
Clonoulty/Rossmore
Clonoulty/Rossmore have no room for error.
If Clonoulty lose
They remain on zero points and finish 4th.
If Clonoulty draw
They move onto one point but still finish 4th.
If Clonoulty win
They reach two points and Portroe remain on two.
If Knockavilla win or draw, Clonoulty and Portroe are level and Rule/Code 11 determines their final positions.
If Knockavilla also lose, Knockavilla, Portroe and Clonoulty all finish on two points and Code 11 determines 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Clonoulty bottom line
They must beat Portroe to have any chance whatsoever of avoiding the relegation semi-finals.
A draw is not enough.
GROUP 2
Current standings
1. Arravale Rovers, 4 points
2. Shannon Rovers, 2 points
3. Clonakenny, 2 points
4. Carrick Davins, 0 points
Round 3 Fixtures
Saturday, August 22, 5.00pm
Arravale Rovers v Carrick Davins
Venue: Clonmel
Saturday, August 22, 5.00pm
Clonakenny v Shannon Rovers
Venue: Toomevara
Both Group 2 games throw in simultaneously.
Arravale Rovers
🏆 2026 West Intermediate Hurling champions
Arravale are already guaranteed to finish 1st in Group 2.
They have four points and neither Shannon nor Clonakenny can move beyond four.
Whatever happens in Round 3, Arravale cannot be overtaken for top spot under the competition rules.
Arravale bottom line
Guaranteed Group 2 winners.
Their West divisional qualification is not required because they have already qualified through the group.
Shannon Rovers
Shannon’s game against Clonakenny will determine second place.
If Shannon Rovers win
They reach four points and finish 2nd.
If Shannon Rovers draw
Both Shannon and Clonakenny finish on three points.
Rule/Code 11 determines second and third.
If Shannon Rovers lose
Clonakenny move onto four and Shannon remain on two.
Shannon Rovers finish 3rd.
Shannon Rovers bottom line
Win guarantees 2nd.
A draw sends the decision to Code 11.
A defeat leaves them third and outside the county championship knockout route.
Shannon Rovers cannot finish fourth.
Clonakenny
🏆 2026 Mid Intermediate Hurling champions
Clonakenny are already guaranteed a knockout championship route because of their Mid title.
If Clonakenny win
They reach four points and finish 2nd.
Because they are divisional champions finishing second, they are exempt from playing a Preliminary Quarter-Final.
If Clonakenny draw
They finish on three alongside Shannon.
Rule/Code 11 determines second and third.
If Clonakenny finish third, they still qualify for a Preliminary Quarter-Final as Mid champions.
If Clonakenny lose
They remain on two and finish 3rd.
They then enter a Preliminary Quarter-Final as Mid champions.
Clonakenny bottom line
Win guarantees second and an exemption from the Preliminary Quarter-Final.
Otherwise their Mid championship keeps them alive.
Carrick Davins
Carrick Davins are already guaranteed to finish 4th.
They have zero points.
Even with victory over Arravale, they can only move onto two points, while either Shannon or Clonakenny must finish above them.
Carrick Davins bottom line
Guaranteed Group 2 bottom.
Guaranteed relegation semi-final.
GROUP 3
Current standings
1. Ballingarry, 4 points
2. Cappawhite, 2 points
3. Skeheenarinky, 1 point
4. Holycross/Ballycahill, 1 point
Round 3 Fixtures
Sunday, August 23, 6.30pm
Ballingarry v Holycross/Ballycahill
Venue: Littleton
Sunday, August 23, 6.30pm
Cappawhite v Skeheenarinky
Venue: Bansha
Both Group 3 games throw in simultaneously.
Ballingarry
Ballingarry are already guaranteed to finish 1st in Group 3.
They have four points.
Cappawhite are the only other team capable of reaching four, but cannot force Ballingarry out of top position under the applicable group rules after the results already recorded.
Ballingarry bottom line
Guaranteed Group 3 winners and through to the quarter-finals.
Cappawhite
Cappawhite control their own destiny.
If Cappawhite win
They reach four points and finish 2nd.
If Cappawhite draw
They reach three.
If Holycross also win and reach three, Rule/Code 11 determines the ordering of the teams level on points.
If Cappawhite lose
Skeheen move onto three and Cappawhite remain on two.
If Holycross beat Ballingarry, Holycross also reach three and Cappawhite finish 4th.
If Holycross draw, Cappawhite and Holycross finish on two and Code 11 determines their final order.
If Holycross lose, Cappawhite finish above Holycross and avoid fourth.
Cappawhite bottom line
Win guarantees 2nd.
A defeat combined with a Holycross victory puts Cappawhite into the relegation semi-finals.
Skeheenarinky
🏆 2026 South Intermediate Hurling champions
Like Portroe and Clonakenny, Skeheenarinky are guaranteed a county knockout route through their divisional title if they fail to qualify through the group.
If Skeheen win
They reach three points.
If Holycross fail to win, Skeheen are in a strong position to take 2nd.
If Holycross also win, both teams finish on three and Rule/Code 11 determines the final order.
If Skeheen draw
They reach two points.
If Holycross win, Skeheen finish below Holycross and are in danger of finishing fourth.
If Holycross draw, the two clubs finish level on two and Code 11 applies.
If Holycross lose, Skeheen avoid fourth.
If Skeheen lose
They remain on one.
If Holycross win or draw, Skeheen finish below Holycross.
If Holycross also lose, both finish on one and Rule/Code 11 determines third and fourth.
If Skeheen finish outside the top two
They still enter a Preliminary Quarter-Final as South champions.
If Skeheen finish fourth
They would enter:
the Preliminary Quarter-Final
and
the relegation semi-final.
Skeheen bottom line
Win gives them an excellent opportunity to finish second.
Their South title means they remain alive in the championship regardless of whether they finish second, third or fourth.
But it does not protect them from relegation if they finish bottom.
Holycross/Ballycahill
Holycross have a straightforward way of taking relegation out of the equation.
Win.
If they beat Ballingarry, they reach three points and cannot finish fourth.
Their exact finishing position then depends on Cappawhite v Skeheenarinky and, where required, Rule/Code 11.
If Holycross draw
They reach two.
They need the result of Cappawhite v Skeheen to go their way.
If teams finish level on two points, Code 11 applies.
If Holycross lose
They remain on one.
They then need Skeheen to also lose to have any possibility of avoiding fourth.
If both teams finish level on one point, Code 11 determines the final positions.
Holycross bottom line
Win and they are safe from the relegation semi-finals.
Anything less leaves them dependent on Cappawhite v Skeheenarinky.
GROUP 4
Current standings
1. Borrisokane, 4 points
2. Newport, 2 points
3. Moyle Rovers, 2 points
4. Ballybacon-Grange, 0 points
Round 3 Fixtures
Saturday, August 22, 4.00pm
Ballybacon-Grange v Borrisokane
Venue: Gortnahoe
Saturday, August 22, 4.00pm
Moyle Rovers v Newport
Venue: Templemore
Both Group 4 matches are scheduled for 4.00pm.
Borrisokane
Borrisokane are already guaranteed to finish 1st in Group 4.
They have four points and neither Newport nor Moyle Rovers can move beyond four.
Borrisokane bottom line
Guaranteed Group 4 winners and through to the quarter-finals.
Newport
If Newport win
They reach four points and finish 2nd.
If Newport draw
Both Newport and Moyle Rovers finish on three.
Rule/Code 11 determines second and third.
If Newport lose
Moyle reach four and Newport remain on two.
Newport finish 3rd.
Newport bottom line
Win guarantees second.
A draw sends second place to Code 11.
A defeat ends their county championship.
They cannot finish fourth.
Moyle Rovers
If Moyle win
They reach four points and finish 2nd.
If Moyle draw
Both teams finish on three and Rule/Code 11 applies.
If Moyle lose
They remain on two and finish 3rd.
Moyle Rovers bottom line
Win guarantees second.
A draw leaves their fate to Code 11.
They cannot finish fourth.
Ballybacon-Grange
Ballybacon-Grange are already guaranteed to finish 4th.
Even victory over Borrisokane cannot get them out of the bottom position under the possible Round 3 outcomes.
Ballybacon-Grange bottom line
Guaranteed relegation semi-final.
All Eight Intermediate Round 3 Fixtures
Saturday, August 22, 2.00pm
Kilsheelan-Kilcash v Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams, New Inn
Clonoulty/Rossmore v Portroe, Newport
Saturday, August 22, 4.00pm
Ballybacon-Grange v Borrisokane, Gortnahoe
Moyle Rovers v Newport, Templemore
Saturday, August 22, 5.00pm
Arravale Rovers v Carrick Davins, Clonmel
Clonakenny v Shannon Rovers, Toomevara
Sunday, August 23, 6.30pm
Ballingarry v Holycross/Ballycahill, Littleton
Cappawhite v Skeheenarinky, Bansha
What Is Already Decided?
Guaranteed group winners
Arravale Rovers, Group 2
Ballingarry, Group 3
Borrisokane, Group 4
Kilsheelan-Kilcash will guarantee Group 1 by avoiding defeat against Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams.
Guaranteed relegation semi-finalists
Carrick Davins
Ballybacon-Grange
The other two relegation semi-final places will come from Groups 1 and 3.
Divisional champions
🏆 Portroe, North
🏆 Clonakenny, Mid
🏆 Skeheenarinky, South
🏆 Arravale Rovers, West
Arravale have already qualified by winning their county group.
Portroe, Clonakenny and Skeheenarinky will enter a Preliminary Quarter-Final if they fail to qualify through the top two of their respective groups.
If any of those teams finishes second, the Tipperary GAA regulations exempt them from playing a Preliminary Quarter-Final.
How Many Preliminary Quarter-Finals Could There Be?
The answer depends on how Portroe, Clonakenny and Skeheenarinky finish.
If all three qualify through the top two, no Preliminary Quarter-Final is required.
If one finishes outside the top two, one Preliminary Quarter-Final is required.
If two finish outside the top two, two Preliminary Quarter-Finals are required.
If all three finish outside the top two, three Preliminary Quarter-Finals are required.
Under the Tipperary GAA regulations, where Preliminary Quarter-Finals are required:
Divisional winners play group runners-up
The draw is open, with repeat group-stage pairings avoided where possible.
Can A Team Be In The Knockout Championship And Relegation At The Same Time?
Yes.
The Tipperary GAA regulations explicitly allow for that possibility.
If Portroe or Skeheenarinky finish bottom of their group, their divisional championship still qualifies them for a Preliminary Quarter-Final.
At the same time, finishing fourth means they must enter the relegation semi-finals.
The regulations then make specific provision for the extraordinary scenario where a team that finished bottom of its group subsequently goes through the Preliminary Quarter-Final route and wins the Michael Maher Cup.
In that situation, relegation changes to a three-team round robin involving the other bottom-placed teams, with the bottom club relegated to Junior A for 2027.
Round 3 At A Glance
Kilsheelan-Kilcash: win or draw guarantees Group 1.
Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams: victory puts them firmly in the battle for top spot.
Portroe: chasing a top-two finish, but already guaranteed a knockout route as North champions.
Clonoulty/Rossmore: must win to have any chance of escaping the relegation semi-finals.
Arravale Rovers: guaranteed Group 2 winners.
Shannon Rovers: victory guarantees second.
Clonakenny: victory guarantees second, while their Mid title guarantees a Preliminary Quarter-Final route if required.
Carrick Davins: guaranteed fourth.
Ballingarry: guaranteed Group 3 winners.
Cappawhite: victory guarantees second, but defeat combined with a Holycross win sends them into the relegation semi-finals.
Skeheenarinky: chasing second but already guaranteed a knockout route as South champions.
Holycross/Ballycahill: victory guarantees they avoid fourth.
Borrisokane: guaranteed Group 4 winners.
Newport: victory guarantees second.
Moyle Rovers: victory guarantees second.
Ballybacon-Grange: guaranteed fourth.
With Group 1 still open at both ends, a complicated survival battle in Group 3, and the divisional champions potentially creating Preliminary Quarter-Finals, there is still plenty to be settled when the Michael Maher Cup group stage reaches its conclusion on August 22 and 23.