EVER since losing to Inniscarra in the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Junior A Football Championship semi-final last year (2-9 to 1-9), Kilmacabea were gunning to return to the last four.

This weekend, they have that chance again, facing Avondhu champions Charleville in Pairc Ui Rinn this Saturday (3pm). Kilmacs saw off Imokilly side Carraig na bhFear 1-11 to 0-5 to book their last four place.

Damien Gore hit 0-8 last time out while seasoned campaigner Daniel O’Donovan starred with 1-1, including a crucial goal which swung the pendulum.

Charleville are off the back of a 0-15 to 0-11 victory over Ballygarvan last weekend and this is a club that plays at the top grade of Cork hurling so this will be a tough game for the Carbery champions.

What is impressive for Kilmacs is their range of scorers and certain players’ abilities to turn up in key moments.

Take Daniel O’Donovan for instance. Didn’t score anything in the Carbery JAFC, he then pops up with big moments in the county semi-final.

When Damien Gore was held to 0-3 against St Mary’s in the Carbery final (0-15 to 0-10), captain Ian Jennings stepped up with 0-9, four two-pointers from play.

Their key man Gore has scored 3-44 in the championship football this year, which is still serious numbers. A former Cork senior, we all know his quality and he is well capable of showcasing it on the biggest of days.

Jennings has scored 1-22, adding to the Kilmacs’ arsenal.

Kilmacabea manager Donie O'Donovan.

Looking at other sharp-shooters, Liam McCarthy (1-8), goalkeeper Colin McCarthy (1-7), Eamon Shanahan (0-9) and Keith Whelton (0-6) are also shrewd operators.

Kilmacabea’s sole county final appearance was seven years ago, in a defeat to Dromtarriffe by the minimum (2-9 to 2-8).

Manager Donie O’Donovan knows his side belong at this stage.

‘We’re back in the same position as we were last year,’ O’Donovan said after his side’s win over Carraig na bhFear.

‘That seemed a long way off when we left Pairc Ui Rinn 12 months ago. You keep at it and hope things fall your way and get a bit of luck along the way.’

Having beaten Kilmeen (3-17 to 1-10), Randal Og (1-21 to 0-13), Argideen Rangers (1-12 to 1-5), Barryroe (3-8 to 0-9), Kilbrittain (1-25 to 3-15), Mary’s and Carraig, Kilmacabea have momentum.

They have averaged a score of 19.85 points per game while conceding 11.71.

Added to that, their county league Division 7 final appearance was great preparation for the championship in terms of playing competitive games.

Kilmacs are in a good place but a big test lies ahead.

As mentioned, Charleville is a club who operate at senior level in Cork hurling, playing the likes of Newcestown, Midleton and Sarsfields this season.

In terms of crossover, eight players who started in their football win over Ballygarvan were regular starters for their hurling team this season.

Jack Callaghan stands out as a dual player who is key for their footballers, who scored 0-5 in the quarter-final victory.

Darragh Fitzgibbon, who is well known for being one of the best hurlers in the country, came on as a sub last weekend, showing he has football in his locker too.

Even looking at the likes of Robert Carroll, another well known hurler for the North Cork club, he scored 0-3 from play in their win over Ballygarvan.

Despite not being totally recognised as a footballing club, they have players that can hurt Kilmacs and the West Cork club need to be on guard.

So far, they have overcame Deel Rovers (4-13 to 0-4), Killavullen (2-16 to 1-6), Mallow’s seconds (3-8 to 0-8), Ballyhooly (2-10 to 1-4), Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels (0-18 to 0-13) and Ballygarvan.

They have averaged a score of 18.83 points per game while conceding just 8.67. Winning by about ten points per game, this will be a tough test for Kilmacabea, probably the most difficult they have had all year.

They hurt the Leap club have been carrying since last year cannot be underestimated either. The elements to this semi-final make this clash even more fascinating.

A place in the final awaits against Donaghmore or Nemo Rangers’ thirds who meet on the other side of the draw on Saturday (3pm) in Glenville.