It may only be the second week of May, but already a number of clubs are facing elimination from the SHC.

Places in the group stages are on the line for eight teams, who will find themselves in the relegation dogfight should they lose. Carnmore take on Tommy Larkins in Athenry tomorrow evening in the first big knockout game of the weekend. This will be preceded by the second round preliminary clash of Ardrahan and Moycullen - the winners of which will face Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry in the second round proper.

There is another double-header at Kenny Park on Sunday afternoon which will see Kinvara taking on Sarsfields, and Beagh and Liam Mellows facing off. Later on Sunday, Athenry and Craughwell will do battle in Loughrea.

Last weekend, 2012 runners-up Loughrea and Turloughmore secured their places in the group stages following victories over Craughwell and Carnmore respectively. Tweet

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