With just three rounds, it’s already moving week in the senior hurling championships with quarter-final and semi-final places up for grabs.

Loughrea’s clash with Cappataggle starts a tasty double header in Athenry on Saturday that also includes the Killimordaly against Clarinbridge.

Turloughmore, St Thomas, Ardrahan and Sarsfields are also chasing second wins, but the losers of the games between Kilconieron and Maigh Cuilinn, and Oranmore/Maree and Tommy Larkins, could land in the relegation dogfight.

Kilnadeema/Leitrim, Killimor, Ahascragh/Fohenagh and Mullagh are playing for Senior B final four positions. However, the other four teams have effective intermediate relegations semi-finals of their own to overcome.

FRIDAY

GROUP 2

Turloughmore vs Gort (Kenny Park, 7pm)

Turloughmore started perfectly in running out 2-26 to 0-17 winners over Portumna. Conor Walsh’s return yielded 0-11, while Brendan Phelan (1-1) and Conor Shaughnessy (1-2) were also prominent.  Barry McDonagh also scored twice while Daithi Burke maintained his county form.

Ben O’Donovan’s four points from wing-back was Gort’s highlight as they fell nine short to St Thomas’, but Greg Lally’s knee injury is a blow. Aidan Helebert, and Paddy and Richie Cummins shared 0-14 and they’ll need something similar again.

Gort beat Turloughmore 1-19 to 0-13 in 2017 but their respective fortunes have reversed since.

Verdict: Turloughmore

SATURDAY

GROUP 3

Loughrea vs Cappataggle (Kenny Park, 4.30pm)

In a repeat of the league final, Loughrea were ruthless against Maigh Cuilinn but continue without Martin McManus and Darren Shaughnessy. Shane Morgan’s 0-3 from wing back were noteworthy.  All six forwards scored at least twice, with Anthony Burns and Joe Mooney both contributing 2-2.

Cappataggle have a clean bill of health after their first day win over Kilconieron. Niall and Liam Collins, and Jarlath Mannion shared 1-20. Mannion against Johnny Coen could be a fascinating duel.  While full back James Garvey will have his hands full with Mooney.

Loughrea overcame Cappataggle 1-23 to 0-18 last year.

Verdict: Loughrea

Kilconieron vs Maigh Cuilinn (Pearse Stadium, 5.45pm)

In a repeat of the 2020 intermediate final, Kilconieron took positives despite an opening day defeat to Cappataggle. Shane Caulfield (0-10) and Sean Connaughton (0-5) kept them in touch. Ian McGlynn (0-3) also excelled in midfield. However, they are now on a seven-game losing streak.

Maigh Cuilinn have lost Gary Bohan (ACL) for the season. It’s the latest woe for boss Caoimh Davoren who is already without four regulars. Their defence can’t be so generous if they are to avoid the relegation play-offs but they did show last year that they react when under pressure.

Verdict: Maigh Cuilinn

Pictured: Craughwell’s Jamie Ryan races away from the Sarsfields duo of Oisin Keane and Kenneth Cooney in Duggan Park last weekend. Photos: David Cunniffe.