The final round of the Galway Senior Hurling Championship arrives with plenty still at stake, from direct quarter-final or preliminary quarter-final qualification to the less appealing prospect of entering the relegation series.
Tommy Larkins and Athenry have already secured top spot in their respective groups and now won’t have a meaningful game until early October. While Moycullen and Killimordaly know they’ll be fighting for their lives. For the remaining 12 teams, there is something tangible on the line this weekend.
Group 1
Loughrea v Gort
A straight shootout for second place behind Tommy Larkins, with both sides locked on two points.
Champions Loughrea needed five of the final six scores and a controversial square ball call to eventually shake off Moycullen, having accumulated 14 wides. Anthony Burns’ return was a boost, although their overall form will be a concern for Tommy Kelly and co as they set about defending their title.
Gort, meanwhile, matched Larkins for long periods and were only three adrift with nine minutes remaining before being outscored down the stretch. Aiden Helebert remains their chief scoring threat, but Loughrea's greater depth and championship experience may prove decisive.
Prediction: Loughrea
Moycullen v Tommy Larkins
Nothing on this from a positional perspective. Larkins have secured top spot following impressive victories over Loughrea and Gort cementing their status as genuine contenders. While Moycullen are destined for the relegation series. Jason Flynn and company should maintain Larkins' perfect record.
Prediction: Tommy Larkins
Group 2
Craughwell v Cappataggle
Craughwell know avoiding defeat guarantees knockout hurling and could yet progress directly to the quarter-finals should Liam Mellows defeat Clarinbridge and scoring difference subsequently favours them.
Their victory over Mellows was encouraging, particularly with 17 of their 23 points coming from play. Tom Monaghan rediscovered his All-Star form while Ciarán Leen again carried a major scoring threat.
Cappataggle remain pointless but were more competitive against Clarinbridge than the final margin suggests. They desperately need victory to have any prospect of escaping the relegation series. Would love to have Ja Mannion back available.
Prediction: Craughwell
Liam Mellows v Clarinbridge
One of the weekend's most intriguing contests. Victory or a draw guarantees Clarinbridge top spot, while a Mellows win, coupled with Craughwell overcoming Cappataggle, would create a three-way tie on four points and bring scoring difference into play.
Mellows have demonstrated they belong back at this level, with Tadhg Haran and Adrian Morrissey particularly influential.
Clarinbridge possess greater attacking variety, however. Evan Niland remains hugely reliable and Dylan Dunne has three championship goals so far. Expect Mellows to test them, particularly in the physical stakes, but expect the Bridge should secure direct passage to the last eight.
Prediction: Clarinbridge
Group 3
Oranmore/Maree v Castlegar
A championship eliminator. Castlegar sit third on one point, while Oranmore/Maree remain pointless and know only victory can give them any hope of escaping the relegation play-offs.
Oranmore/Maree improved against Sarsfields, although their dependence on Niall Burke for scores remains concerning. Still, they can draw plenty of encouragement that one big performance can create a passage to knockout hurling still despite two losses.
Castlegar somehow emerged empty-handed after registering 1-25 against St Thomas'. Ger Farragher was extraordinary with 1-16 and their performance before Greg Thomas' dismissal – which reputedly has been overturned - suggests there is considerably more in Tomas Mannion’s side than their solitary point indicates.
Prediction: Castlegar
Sarsfields v St Thomas'
Top spot remains available to Sarsfields, with victory enough to leapfrog Thomas' and secure direct quarter-final qualification.
Éanna Cooney has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough campaign, while Diarmuid and Paddy MacCárthaigh and Joseph Cooney have also impressed.
Thomas', however, provided another reminder of their ruthless streak by striking six goals against Castlegar despite a lengthy absentee list. Darragh and Eanna Burke were particularly threatening and Conor Cooney remains hugely dependable. This should reveal plenty about Sarsfields’ credentials, but Thomas' still get the nod.
Prediction: St Thomas'
Group 4
Killimordaly v Athenry
Athenry have secured top spot after victories over Turloughmore and Ardrahan, while pointless Killimordaly are bound for the relegation series.
Niall Sunderland may manage his resources with a quarter-final ahead, but confidence is flowing through his improving side and they should complete a perfect group campaign.
Prediction: Athenry
Turloughmore v Ardrahan
A straight battle for second place behind Athenry.
Turloughmore responded to their opening defeat spectacularly, registering a whooping 0-39 against Killimordaly. Sean Loftus hit eight points, while Matthew Tarpey and Sean Linnane contributed six apiece in a devastating display of attacking depth.
Ardrahan’s defeat to Athenry was encouraging in a different way. Reduced to 14 men and trailing by 10, they produced a tremendous late rally to get within two.
Both are assured of knockout hurling, but second place offers a perceived easier tie. Turloughmore's greater scoring power earns them the nod.
Prediction: Turloughmore
