Fancied Drumcullen and Shamrocks get wins as Offaly IHC gets up and running

THE Molloy Precast and Environemental Systems Intermediate Hurling Championship got underway this week with results going according to expectations.

In group 1, Birr got away in the second half for a 1-22 to 2-11 win over Seir Kieran. The Clareen men were very competitive in the first half and a Colm Coughlan goal saw them go in level, 1-6 to 0-9 at half time.

Darragh Tierney got a three pointer to put Birr 1-12 to 1-8 ahead early in the second half. A goal from former county star Joe Bergin kept Seir Kieran alive and they were only 1-14 to 2-10 behind at the three quarter-way mark. However, they could only manage one more point as a fitter Birr added ten for a convincing win.

St Rynagh's had a 1-21 to 1-17 win over Belmont in the other group one clash. St Rynagh's were 1-11 to 0-11 up at half time and were able to extend that margin slightly at the final whistle.

There were very important wins for Shamrocks and Drumcullen in group 2. These are the only two clubs with their first team in this grade and are joint favourites, though it is an uncertain designation for both and Birr and St Rynagh's have equally good prospects, in particular.

It was, however, absolutely crucial that they made a winning start and they managed to do that.

Drumcullen got a 4-22 to 3-16 win over Shinrone in a thrilling, high scoring shootout in Shinrone last Thursday evening. The first half provided terrific drama as fortunes swayed all over the place with Drumcullen leading by 4-8 to 3-9 at the break. Surprisingly, there were no further goals in the second half as Drumcullen outscored the home side by 0-14 to 0-7 for the win they had to get. Colm Gath got a fantastic 3-3 haul and Drumcullen were very happy to get over a tricky opener.

Shamrocks finished well in the second half for a 2-23 to 2-13 win over neighbours Ballinamere in Mucklagh. Shamrocks were hot favourites for this but were pushed the whole way in the first half. The sides were level at 1-9 each at half time, however, Shamrocks went up through the gears in the second half and ended up comprehensive winners.

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The top team in each group will go into semi-finals with second and third criss-crossing in two quarter-finals. Drumcullen and Shamrocks will meet in an engrossing round 2 tussle in group 2 in Rath while Ballinamere host Shinrone.

In group 1 St Rynagh's host Birr and Belmont travel to Seir Kieran.