It’s semi-final time in the adult hurling championships and this evening’s draw throw up some mouthwatering pairings in senior, intermediate and junior A, all of which will take place on the weekend of October 1 and 2.

South East Clare neighbours Cratloe and Clonlara will meet in the senior semi-final with followers of both fancying their chances of winning the Canon Hamilton trophy. The other semi-final will see Ballyea taking on Feakle.

At intermediate level, favourites Broadford will face Tubber with Sixmilebridge and St. Josephs, Doora-Barefield doing battle in the other semi-final

East Clare neighbours and rivals Bodyke and Ogonnelloe will face each other in the junior A semi-final and this will be the first of two meetings of the clubs in the coming weeks as these teams have also qualified for the division 4 league final. The other semi-final pairing is Kilmaley v Sixmilebridge.

A three way play off is required to determine who will join St. Josephs in dropping down from division 1B of the Clare Champion cup to division 2 for next season. Parteen, Wolfe Tones and Tulla are the teams battling to avoid the drop. Parteen will  play Wolfe Tones in the first game with the losers getting a second chance when they face Tulla

By Seamus Hayes