Round-Up of Go-Ahead Ireland Premier Intermediate Hurling Semi-Finals

The finalists for the Go-Ahead Ireland Dublin Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship were confirmed last Saturday afternoon with St Sylvester’s booking their place in the decider following a relatively comfortable 1-22 to 1-13 win against Naomh Olaf in Broomfield. 

The hosts led by 0-11 to 1-6 at the break with Cian Whitney and Sean Murphy doing the bulk of the scoring and they began to put further distance between the teams as the third quarter evolved. 

A goal from the returning Kevin O’Flynn effectively settled the issue and with Whitney (0-7) and Murphy (0-4) to the fore, they pulled away by the final whistle courtesy of further scores by Tommy Costello, Eamonn McLoughney, Sean Foley, Ciaran McLoughney, Killian O’Flynn and Darragh McLoughney.  

In Rathcoole, Commercials continue to climb up the Championship ranks following their emphatic 4-21 to 0-14 victory over a disappointing Naomh Fionnbarra. 

After losing a Junior B final in 2021, the progressive club have now secured their fourth promotion in five years with much of their great work at underage in recent years reflected in their dominant display. 

Diarmuid Ó Dúlaing top scored with 2-10 (0-8f) as the hosts piled on the pressure through 1-3 from Daniel O’Kelly, three points apiece by Ferdia Ó Nualláin and Dean Simpson while Sean Cullinane made a strong impression when introduced from the bench. 

It proved a disappointing end to the campaign for the visitors, who failed to reach previous heights despite the battling efforts of Ger Dodrill at half-back and the scores of Tommy O’Neill.

There was plenty of drama in the relegation play-offs as Setanta preserved their Premier IHC status for 2026 with a thrilling 2-23 to 3-18 victory over St Vincent’s in Poppintree. 

The hosts were reduced to fourteen players by the end of the first quarter but they were never less that competitive throughout courtesy of excellent defensive performances from Devin Hart, Lee Richardson and Seán Ó Riain. 

A Luke Kelly goal following excellent approach play from the influential Fionntán Mac Gibb added further life to the Setanta challenge while the brilliance of Ryan Clarke was reflected in a personal tally of 0-18 by the final whistle. 

Clarke also turned provider in the pivotal moment of the game deep into injury time as he embarked on a mazy run before passing to Gareth Foxton, who applied a calm finish to the back of the Vinnies net.  

In Hyde Park, first-half goals by Fionn Ó Muirí and Conor Lowry proved telling as Cuala got the better of O’Toole’s by 2-20 to 0-18. 

Shane Hayes finished the game with ten points to his name as Cuala maintained their lead through a brace of Emmet Murphy scores and strong displays at the back by Lochlan Sheehan and Marc Grant. 

Premier IHC semi-finals: St Sylvester’s 1-22 Naomh Olaf 1-13; Commercials 4-21 Naomh Fionnbarra 0-14. 

Premier IHC relegation play-offs: Setanta 2-23 St Vincent’s 3-18; Cuala 2-20 O’Toole’s 0-18.