The Heath’s men’s and mixed rounders teams will go in search of a place in the All-Ireland finals this Saturday
Final places are up for grabs as the semi-finals take place in Clonguish, in Longford on Saturday, August 26.
First up on Saturday at 11am, is the turn of the men who look to end their bad semi-final record against Carrickmacross Emmets of Monaghan after losing out to them in two of the last three semi-finals.
The Heath men had to wait for the last day of the group stages to book a place in the semi-final after beating Adamstown to guarantee the last spot.
Beforehand, The Heath started the season in fine form racking up wins against Limekiln of Dublin in their opener and soon went to the top of the standings with a win against Emo, which was the first time both teams met at senior level.
They then suffered their first loss of the season to Cuchulainn from Carlow but bounced back with two wins on the trot, most notably against All-Ireland champions Erne Eagles of Cavan.
Next up was an away tie against Breaffy of Mayo, a depleted The Heath missing a host of starters battled well before been defeated.
They then travelled to Monaghan to play Saturday’s opponents Carrickmacross.
In the pouring rain and a sluggish start from the away side meant they would fall to another defeat.
This meant The Heath would need to beat Adamstown in the last game week and rely on other results to get over the line and that they did.
The men in black and amber will need a near perfect performance as Carrickmacross are unbeaten so far but don’t be surprised if The Heath will edge it out in a thriller and avenge past defeats.
Then at 1pm in Longford, it’s the turn of the mixed team who play Breaffy of Mayo.
Like the men, the mixed team finished 4th in their group and had to wait until the final day to learn their fate.
They too got their season off to the perfect start with a win against Limekiln, they then fell to defeat against Kevins of Dublin who are in their first season at senior level.
Importantly, The Heath learned from their defeat and regrouped with wins against Cuchulainn and Erne Eagles before losing to Breaffy.
They then had a three-week break before beating Glynn/Barntown of Wexford and Michael Glaveys of Roscommon all but booking their semi-final place.
Like their men they finished their season away to Adamstown who had it all to play for knowing a win would see them reach the semi-final.
The home side ran out eventual winners but despite defeat The Heath booked their semi-final place.
This too will be a close semi-final and could go either way, but The Heath will be quietly confident booking a final spot, but a much improved Breaffy team will prove a stern test.
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