Knockout picture to emerge after third round of Offaly SHC “B”

A MUCH clearer picture of the potential semi-final line up should emerge into view when round 3 of the Senior “B” Hurling Championship takes place next weekend.

With three rounds played in this six team championship, the group has shaped up into two very distinct divisions so far – Lusmagh, Carrig-Riverstown and Clara are all on four points from two games while Clodiagh Gaels, Coolderry and Kilcormac-Killoughey are pointless.

K-K won back to back Senior and Senior “B” Hurling Championships in 2023 and 2024 but the loss of Peter and Thomas Geraghty and Mark Mulrooney to their senior side has damaged their prospects in a lower grade.

They were very dominant at this level in the past two years, a real force of nature but Peter Geraghty was their talisman and his loss along with that of his twin and Mulrooney means they are back in the pack. It doesn't mean they won't win the championship. They still could claim one of the four spots on offer for the semi-finals and they have enough good hurlers to beat anyone. With players returning to their senior side, they probably won't lose anyone else but it does mean that their prospects are no better than a few teams in this group.

Clodiagh Gaels were K-K's main contenders for the past two years but have also started badly. They have been missing players while Liam Langton is likely to be out for this week's game after getting a red card in their devastating loss to Clara in the last round.

Four points could get a team into the semi-finals but K-K and Clodiagh Gaels clash this Friday and the loser will be in serious bother. In many ways, this week's games will define a lot.

Kilcormac-Killoughey v Clodiagh Gaels, Friday August 8 in O'Connor Park at 7.30pm

A huge game for both sides and a 50-50 one. Clodiagh Gaels would have been slight favourites but the one match ban for their star forward Liam Langton is a devastating blow to them. It means that K-K now have that rating but there could still be a big performance in Clodiagh Gaels as they circle the wagons.

Verdict – Clodiagh Gaels.

Lusmagh v Clara: Saturday, August 9 in Banagher at 5pm

A huge game between two sides who have made excellent starts to the campaign. Clara and Lusmagh will learn a lot about themselves here and it will tell them where they are to an extent. Clara have a lot going for them and they could win this but there has been something very impressive about the way Lusmagh have gone about their business to date.

Verdict – Lusmagh.

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Carrig-Riverstown v Coolderry: Saturday, August 9 in Shinrone at 4pm

It is a crown that sits uneasily on their heads but there is a case for making Carrig-Riverstown championship favourites. Knockout hurling will dictate how good they are and it is where they have been found wanting in the last couple of seasons but they have a lot going for them and are moving very well. Coolderry are the rank outsiders in this grade. Intermediate champions last year, it is a big step up and they are finding this out. They will give Carrig-Riverstown a go but as things stand, Coolderry are favourites for the drop back to intermediate and C-R can book a semi-final place.

Verdict – Carrig-Riverstown.