Football semi-finals top the bill

With Munster club deadlines fast approaching, the Cork County Board fixture makers will be keeping their fingers crossed in the hope that the weather gods will be kind to them with still a lot of big games to be played.

Their swift action last weekend was commendable as was the efforts of all the clubs to ensure every game scheduled took place and well done to all, and of course the condition of the pitch in Páirc Uí Chaoimh which hosted 4 games on the one day - remarkable!

McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Senior semi-finals

Sunday in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Mallow v Nemo Rangers at 2.30pm

There’s a very unfamiliar look to this game for 2 reasons. I cannot recall the last time these two sides met at this stage. In fact it’s 2004 since Mallow last contested a semi-final, while on the other hand it’s a matter of routine for Nemo to be here.

Mallow’s turnaround has been incredible. This time last year they were in a relegation play-off and here they are, sixty minutes away from a final appearance.

Captain Matty Taylor said while they are delighted to be here, they are determined to go further. “It’s exciting and a huge opportunity and while we know it’s a tough test, we are really looking forward to Sunday.”

The highlight of their group phase was the win over St Finbarr’s and while they lost to Douglas in the final game, they regrouped and impressed in seeing off Muskerry last Sunday.

Nemo Rangers captain Alan O’Donovan reflected on their penalty shoot out win over Clonakilty. “It was dramatic to say the least but we got there in the end. We looked in control but all credit to Clon they kept at it, now it’s time to recover and get ready for another big test.”

Nemo may have lost a few players and had a change of management but Nemo do what Nemo do and get to the semi-final.

Kevin O’Donovan, Ross Corkery, Brian Hayes, Micheál Aodh Martin and as ever Paul Kerrigan deliver when required.

Ryan Harkin, Kevin Sheehan, Sean McDonnell, Mark Tobin and Sam Copps are vital players for Mallow who will need to be at their very best to win this one.

Some might say Mallow are in bonus territory and with pressure off, have a bit of a free hit; they obviously won’t look at it that way, but you have to fancy Nemo to get to yet another final.

Castlehaven v St Finbarr’s at 4.15pm

This is the 5th year in a row they are meeting at this stage and what titanic battles they have produced including penalty shoot outs.

When speaking on Monday to Ian (St Finbarr’s) and Cathal (Castlehaven) Maguire they both more or less said the same thing with huge respect on both sides.

As Cork and Munster champions, the ‘Haven are tipped by many to retain their title and the resolve to do that was clear as they won their group comfortably and took the direct route to this stage.

Injuries have been an issue; Conor Cahalane has yet to play, Damien is doubtful after a minor operation, but knowing that man he will play, while captain Michael Hurley is also carrying a few niggles.

They have coped comfortably with Rory Maguire, Brian Hurley, Jack Cahalane and Mark Collins providing leadership when the need was greatest.

‘Barr’s had a bump in the road when losing to Mallow but their recovery has been exceptional.

Valley Rovers were comfortably seen off, and so were Ballincollig with a late scoring burst.

Steven Sherlock remains their main man in attack, while Brian Hayes, William Buckley, Ethan Twomey, John Wiggington Barrett, Darragh Newman and Ciaran Doolan are big players for them, who also have been disrupted with injuries at times.

There is very little between these excellent sides and like previous encounters. it will go to the wire and maybe, a penalty shoot out.

Extremely hard to call, but I have a sneaky suspicion the ‘Barr’s are going to end the champion’s reign.