Blackrock and Dromin-Athlacca to meet in Limerick Premier IHC final:
John Keogh Limerick Leader Sport
BLACKROCK and Dromin-Athlacca are 60 minutes away from glory when they face off in the Lyons of Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Final at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.
The game, which also acts as a pre-cursor to the senior hurling decider, has a 3.15pm throw-in at the Ennis Road venue with the victors playing at Limerick’s top level in 2024.
Blackrock are looking to return to the senior grade after being relegated last year, while Dromin-Athlacca are trying to reach that level for the first time since 2008.
‘The Rockies’ saw off a fancied Effin side by five points in their semi-final with Dromin-Athlacca reaching the decider following a victory over Bruff.
Limerick star David Reidy has been in sensational form for Dromin-Athlacca in their run to the decider. He fired over 12 points against Bruff and Ger Hickey will be hopeful of a similar performance against Blackrock.
Blackrock’s captain Paudie Leahy has been their go-too man so often over the years and he has been very much to the fore again this year. Leahy captained Blackrock to the title in 2019 when they last were promoted.
Both sides will feel they have justifiable claims to the favourites tag but Blackrock’s experience at this level could be key in the crunch fixtures.
Dromin-Athlacca have a blend of youth and experience in their team but Reidy, captain Peter Ryan, David Breen and Ardscoil Rís Harty Cup player Daniel Scully leading their charge.
For Blackrock, they have the experience of Richie McCarthy, Liam Walsh, Richie Murphy and young gun Sean O’Neill spearheading their challenge. It’s all set up to be a tight affair with freetakers Reidy and Colm O’Keeffe sure to be front and centre.
If you can’t make it to the TUS Gaelic Grounds, the game is being streamed by Limerick GAA TV.