ARDFIELD are proving to be Beamish Cup specialists.

Last season’s surprise finalists are back in the last four of this year’s competition after a 2–0 quarter-final win over Skibbereen Celtic on Sunday morning.

Skibb may sit above Ardfield in the current Championship standings, but Ardfield underlined their cup pedigree with goals in each half to book their semi-final place. Michael Maguire got them up and running with a fourth-minute goal, though the result was only put beyond doubt when Colm Hayes netted deep into injury time.

As well as a Championship Cup semi-final against Bunratty United in Drinagh this Thursday night (12th), Ardfield could yet have a major say in the Championship title race, with games in hand on the teams above them.

Awaiting Ardfield in the Beamish Cup semi-final are Castletown Celtic, who bounced back from their recent relegation from the Premier Division to defeat Lyre Rovers 3–1. Goals from Sean Bourke and Darren Coughlan put Castletown in control before Matthew Lyons halved the deficit with a 59th-minute strike. However, Michael O’Driscoll eased Castletown nerves with a late third goal.

With defending Beamish Cup champions Clonakilty Soccer Club knocked out by in-form Togher Celtic, the latter have set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Drinagh Rangers, who beat Castlelack 3–0 in their quarter-final. Barry O’Driscoll scored in each half for Drinagh, while Robbie McQueen was also on target after the break.

Before Togher and Drinagh lock horns in the cup, they meet in a huge Premier Division clash this Sunday afternoon (2.30pm). Table-toppers Togher lead Drinagh by three points, though Drinagh have a game in hand. Second-placed Clonakilty will be hoping to capitalise on any slip-ups when they host Castletown Celtic, as they look to bounce back from their Beamish Cup exit and keep their title defence on track.

Elsewhere, the first leg of the WCL Women’s Cup semi-final between Lyre Rovers and Beara United finished scoreless.

In the O’Brien Water Services Championship, Bay Rovers hammered Aultagh Celtic B 8–0 to draw level with Bunratty United on 36 points at the top of the table. James Desmond hit five goals for the winners, with Paddy Cronin, Ryan O’Boy and Luke Salter Townshend also on target. Bunratty have a game in hand on Bay, while Beara United – five points further back – have four games in hand, as do fifth-placed Ardfield, who sit on 28 points. Plenty of twists and turns remain.