Clough-Ballacolla Targets Shamrocks Ballyhale Showdown While The Harps Strive to Maintain U-20 Supremacy
In an exciting Sunday schedule, two significant GAA fixtures are on the horizon. Clough-Ballacolla faces a challenging match against Shamrocks Ballyhale in the AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals. Meanwhile, The Harps go up against Abbeyleix in the Laois Shopping Centre U-20 Hurling Championship semi-final.
Clough-Ballacolla vs Shamrocks Ballyhale
Clough-Ballacolla, the Laois Senior Hurling champions, will confront the formidable Shamrocks Ballyhale at UPMC Nowlan Park at 1:30 PM. Recently, Clough-Ballacolla secured their fifth title in six seasons and earned a spot in the semi-finals by defeating Castletown Geoghegan with a score of 2-16 to 0-20.
The performance from Willie Dunphy, who scored two crucial goals, was pivotal in overcoming Castletown, particularly amid a late comeback attempt. This victory came just three weeks after Clough-Ballacolla retained their Laois crown, marking a remarkable period for the team.
Shamrocks Ballyhale, on the other hand, boasts a rich history in the province, having won the Leinster title 12 times, with the most recent victories in 2021 and 2022. In their quarter-final match, TJ Reid led the team with 12 points, including 11 from frees. Despite the squad’s strong performance, they will be missing Adrian Mullen due to a broken thumb, sustained during a recent match that also led to a field incident and subsequent disciplinary action.
Match Preview
- Matchup: Clough-Ballacolla vs Shamrocks Ballyhale
- Date & Time: Sunday, 1:30 PM
- Venue: UPMC Nowlan Park
- Clough-Ballacolla’s Last Match: Defeated Castletown Geoghegan 2-16 to 0-20
- Shamrocks Ballyhale’s Last Match: Defeated Kilcormac-Killoughey
- Key Players: Willie Dunphy (Clough-Ballacolla), TJ Reid (Shamrocks Ballyhale)
The Harps vs Abbeyleix
The second fixture features The Harps facing Abbeyleix in the Laois U-20 Hurling Championship semi-final at 11:30 AM in Durrow. The Harps aim for their fourth consecutive title and enter the match after an impressive group campaign.
They topped Group B decisively, recording a series of dominant victories. Their matches included a convincing win over Camross (4-15 to 0-16), a solid performance against Borris-Kilcotton (1-16 to 1-8), and a dominating defeat of Clough-Ballacolla (2-22 to 1-7).
Abbeyleix, finishing as Group A’s runners-up, had mixed results, including notable victories but a significant loss to Castletown in their opening game (4-14 to 1-5). They will need a near-perfect performance to challenge The Harps as they strive for a final spot.
Match Preview
- Matchup: The Harps vs Abbeyleix
- Date & Time: Sunday, 11:30 AM
- Venue: The Harps GAA
- The Harps’ Last Matches:
- Defeated Camross 4-15 to 0-16
- Defeated Borris-Kilcotton 1-16 to 1-8
- Defeated Clough-Ballacolla 2-22 to 1-7
- Abbeyleix’s Notable Matches:
- Defeated Ballyfin-Mountrath
- Defeated Rathdowney-Errill
Both matches promise to deliver high-stakes action and showcase the talent within the GAA community. Fans can look forward to thrilling displays of hurling skill and determination.
