Intermediate Group 3 Preview: One fancied team set for early exit

CTI BUSINESS SULTION INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 3

Group 3 will see one of the fancied runners in the race for the Intermediate title eliminated at the first hurdle as Young Ireland’s, Kilkerley Emmets and Hunterstown Rovers all battle it out for the two spots on offer in the knock-out stages.

Remarkably it is the exact same draw as in 2022, meaning all three will no each other well.

YOUNG IRELANDS 

The Irelanders were beaten by a superb showing by Huntertown's Ryan Burns, as 15 wides came back to haunt them in 1-9 to 0-8 points defeat, before they got their act together in the final round. Cathal Ferritter was on song with five from play in a comfortable 1-10 to 1-6 win over Kilkerley.

Their championship ambitions were eventually ended by beaten finalists St Kevin’s, as their lack of a clinical edge again proved costly as they bowed out on a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-6.

Looking to their 2023 league proceedings, the Dundalk side had mixed results. They lost just three of their first 12 games to make the top half, but only managed to win one of their final five games after the split.

With experimental county goalkeeper Peter McStravick back in his more preferred attacking role, and with the likes of Derek Maguire and Jordan O’Donoghue chipping in too, they will pose a threat. However, they need to be more clinical.

KILKERLEY EMMETS 

Their opening round opponents will be Kilkerley Emmets, a side that is on crest of a wave this season having possibly clinched promotion to Division 1. Albeit controversially, after their loss at the hands of Cooley Kickhams was overturned (this has yet to be confirmed at the time of writing).

This is a big turn in fortunes for the men in blue and yellow, as a year earlier they were in the bottom half of the league, fighting off relegation from both the championship and the league.

They were easily put to the sword by both Hunterstown and the Irelanders, as they struggled to contain teams capable of notching scores from a variety of sources.

But they are a different animal now. They have secured 10 wins (plus the overturned result) and one draw. With Tadgh McEnaney back at his best and the team seemingly defending better than ever, they will hopeful of a long Summer of championship football.

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HUNTERSTOWN ROVERS

Rounding off the group is Hunterstown Rovers, who will hold no fears of either of their group opponents having beaten both last season. Helping them to victory was the likes of county star Ryan Burns, Dean Burns and Glen Matthews. All will pose a threat again this year.

Despite being starved of possession at times, they made every attack account in their win over Clan na Gael, 4-8 to 1-8 in the Quarter-finals, Ryan Burns notching an impressive 2-6, before going out at the semi-final stage for a second year in succession.

This was a tough pill to swallow as it came via penalties, having drawn 2-10 to 1-13 with eventual winners Cooley Kickhams. Ryan Burns again the one playing the best to even get the tie this far.

Looking to their league form, it clearly fell short of the expectations. Without their county star, Rovers failed to make the top half prior to the split. But they did finish the league with a respectable record of eight wins, seven losses and one draw.

Hunterstown should see anything but a final appearance as a disappointment. They face the winners of the Irelanders and Kilkerley, but it is probably the final round tie that this team will target to guarantee progression. This group looks very tough to call.