All to play for entering final round of Clare U-15 PPS Championship

A winners-takes-all showdown for a place in the inaugural Clare U-15A Post-Primary Schools Championship Final between Gort Community School and St Flannan’s Blue commences a much-anticipated final round of group matches this evening (Tuesday) in Caherlohan at 7pm, reports Eoin Brennan.

With Ardscoil Rís awaiting the victors in the Cup decider on Thursday week (December 9), it promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this new developmental initiative that has provided 30 preparatory matches for over 300 boys ahead of their provincial championships in the New Year.

Limerick side Ardscoil, Rís, backed by an eleven strong Clare contingent, are the only unbeaten team remaining in the competition ahead of their final round against St Flannan’s White in Shannon on Thursday evening at 7pm. Indeed, Gort and St Flannan’s Blue’s only defeat was at the hands of the tabletoppers, with a win or draw enough for Gort to advance to the flagship final whereas the loser will contest the Shield decider.

There’s also a straight shoot-out for the other shield final place when Rice College Ennis and St Joseph’s Tulla lock horns in Dr. Daly Memorial Park, Tulla on Thursday at 6.30pm.

Tula, the only side to take a point off Ardscoil Rís, currently lead their opponents by two points in the table and therefore can settle for a draw whereas it’s win-or-bust for the Ennis school who would leapfrog their hosts on the head-to-head if they prevail.

It’s even more delicately poised in the Under 15B Championship as all five teams lining can all potentially reach the championship decider. St Caimin’s have a bye in Thursday’s final round but could still sneak through if results or more aptly goals go their way as if three or more teams are tied on level points, then the teams with the least goals conceded progress.

Scariff Community College, St Munchin’s and St Caimin’s are joint top with four points apiece with St Anne’s Killaloe and CBS Ennistymon only two points behind in the chasing pack ahead of a final round double header in Caherlohan on Thursday evening at 7pm between Ennistymon and Scariff as well as St Anne’s v St Munchin’s.

Fixtures

Clare U-15A Post-Primary Schools Hurling Championship

Round 5

Gort Community College v St Flannan’s (1) at Caherlohan, Tuesday 7pm

Rice College v St Joseph’s Tulla at Tulla, 6.30pm

St Flannan’s (2) v Ardscoil Rís at Shannon, Thursday 7pm

Finals (Thursday, December 9, 7pm)

Cup – 1st v 2nd at Caherlohan

Shield – 3rd v 4th at Caherlohan

Plate – 5th v 6th at Tulla

Clare U-15B Post-Primary Schools Hurling Championship

Round 5

CBS Ennistymon v Scariff Community College at Caherlohan, Thursday 7pm

St Anne’s Killaloe v St Munchin’s at Caherlohan, Thursday 7pm

St Caimin’s Shannon a bye

Finals (Thursday, December 9, 7pm)

Cup – 1st v 2nd at Sixmilebridge

Shield – 3rd v 4th at Shannon