Hurling Semi-final previews
Down SHC #MorganFuels
8th Oct @ 1pm
Portaferry v Ballygalget
Portaferry would have to be the favourites to advance in this local derby, having already beaten Ballygalget four weeks previously in the round robin and will look to be extend their season with at least another game as they will surely be looking to strengthen their vice like grip on Jeremiah. Ballygalget should possibly have a full deck to play with, County stars Jordan Doran, Mark Fisher & possibly John McManus will be looking to curtail Tom McGrattan, Daithí & Eoghan Sands to the bare minimum. Ballygalget’s fortunes could hang on the welcome return of playmaker general Danny Toner. Toner’s input to the game could dictate the underdogs chances of success with Mick Dorrian, Tim Prenter & Cormac Coulter needing to all being on song if they’ve a chance to cause an upset.
8th Oct @ 4pm
Ballycran v Liatroim
On tradition this game would be a foregone conclusion, but Liatroim are on the crest of a wave, County & Ulster Intermediate champions and having possibly one of the best hurlers in the County & Ulster outside of the traditional ‘Ards clubs this millennia in Pearse Óg McCrickard, who would write them off. Ballycran, like their peninsula rivals have always seemed to have had the luxury of a bench of quality they can call upon when needed, not a luxury teams from across the lough have ever had. Liatroim are a different animal this year, with the injection of a few recent tactical transfers the Murphy brothers & Ryan McCusker, Liatroim have thrown down the proverbial glove and have the strength in depth in their panel to go the full distance. Ballycran have also seen benefits of the transfer trade, former Shamrocks player Paul Sheehan has performed impressively in the ‘Cran forwards since his transfer this season. Although there was eleven points between these side four weeks ago, I doubt it would be the same this week.
By Sun 8th Oct
