Preview: AIB All-Ireland Club IHC and JHC Semi-Finals

The AIB All-Ireland Club Junior and Intermediate Hurling Semi-Finals take place at the weekend. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Sunday December 21

AIB All-Ireland Club IHC Semi-Finals

Éire Óg Carrickmore v Tooreen , Kingspan Breffni, 2pm, Spórt TG4

Upperchurch-Drombane v Danesfort, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Spórt TG4, 2pm

The prize is considerable: an opportunity to perform at Croke Park in January.

An AIB All-Ireland final appearance is what every club craves so this weekend's matches are loaded with intrigue.

Sunday's Intermediate encounters should be extremely lively and hard fought tussles.

Danesfort, featuring the decorated former Kilkenny stars Paul Murphy and Richie Hogan, face a gritty Upperchurch-Drombane outfit.

Conor Fahey, Paddy Phelan, Pat Ryan, and Aaron Ryan were prominent in the Munster IHC triumph over O'Callaghan's Mills.

Danesfort finished with a flourish against Ratoath, clipping 2-9 without reply with Sam Hayes and Anthony Ireland Wall effective.

Éire Óg Carrickmore's clash with Tooreen will be worth monitoring also.

Following three Ulster decider losses in a row, Carrickmore enjoyed an impressive 1-18 to 0-15 win over Lisbellaw.

The experienced Aidy Kelly was instrumental, contributing 0-11, while substitute Seán Óg Grogan mined a vital goal.

Toorreen remain an accomplished team illustrated by a convincing Connacht success against Meelick-Eyrecourt.

Seán Kenny and Liam Lavin excelled in that game for Tooreen, who will be eager to book a return to GAA headquarters.

Saturday December 20

AIB All-Ireland Club JHC Semi-Finals

Kilbrittain v Davidstown Courtnacuddy, Clonmel Commercials, 1pm, Spórt TG4

Burt v Easkey, Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon, 1pm, Spórt TG4

Two attractive matches are scheduled on Saturday afternoon in the AIB All-Ireland Club JHC.

So impressive in the Munster final, Kilbrittain will be armed with confidence when facing Davidstown Courtnacuddy.

Mark Hickey was in brilliant form against Kilrossanty, while Bertie Butler also contributed an important goal.

David Dunne struck 2-1 in the Leinster decider as Davidstown Courtnacuddy defeated Clane.

Joe Doyle and Oisín Hayes are other key players for the Wexford club, who performed admirably in that provincial match.

The meeting of Burt and Easkey should be extremely lively too.

An extra-time victory over Lavey showcased Burt's ability and passion as substitute Fiachra Gill rifled over a gorgeous last gasp point.

Conor Gartland was a commanding figure for Burt, who recovered following a shaky start to prevail.

Easkey have won four Connacht Junior Championships in a row, overcoming Ballinasloe last month.

Centre back Rory McHugh, Andrew Kilcullen, and Finnian Cawley are important players for a consistent Easkey team.