League 2012 draws throw up interesting groups

KILKENNY senior hurling champions, James Stephens will break into the 2012 season with what should be a crowd pulling league match against Carrickshock.

The Village, the championship winners, got a far from easy opener when the draws for the 2012 league/championships were made at the County Board meeting on Monday night.

Defending league champions, Ballyhale Shamrocks will open against intermediate champions, Danesfort.

The Fixtures Committee hopes to commence the leagues on the weekend of April 28/29, with the following two rounds on May 12/13 and 19/20. No dates are yet available for the two subsequent rounds.

Senior hurling league/championship

Group I - Danesfort v Ballyhale Shamrocks; Tullaroan v Dunnamaggin; Fenians (Johnstown) v St Martin’s (Muckalee).

Group II - Graigue-Ballycallan v O’Loughlin Gaels; Eerin’s Own (Castlecomer) v Dicksboro; Carrickshock v James Stephens.

Intermediate hurling league/championship

Group I - Tullogher-Rosbercon v St Patrick’s (Ballyragget); St Lachtain’s (Freshford) v Emeralds (Urlingford); Young Irelands (Gowran) v Conahy Shamrocks.

Group II - Rower-Inistioge v Clara; Glenmore v Mulllinavat; Mooncoin v John Lockes (Callan).

Junior hurling league/championship

Group I - Blacks and Whites v Graignamanagh; Kilmacow v Piltown; Galmoy v Thomastown.

Group II - Lisdowney v Bennettsbrdige; Slieverue v Barrow Rangers (Paulstown); Windgap v Cloneen.

Second teams from S. and I. clubs in JHL

Group I - Erin’s Own v Mooncoin; Dicksboro v Dunnamaggin; O’Loughlin Gaels a bye.

Group II - Clara v James Stephens; St Martin’s v Tullaroan; Fenians a bye.