Who will join Newcestown and Dohenys in last four?

BY DENIS HURLEY

WHILE Dohenys and Newcestown are safely through to the semi-finals of the Clóna Milk Carbery U21AFC semi-finals following their wins over O’Donovan Rossa and Castlehaven respectively, the other two spots remain up for grabs following postponed games last week.

Clonakilty, seeking a fourth title in a row, had been due to meet Bantry Blues in Skibbereen last Saturday, but Dunmanway is now the venue this Sunday, March 20th, with a 3pm throw-in.

With both their senior and intermediate sides going well in the county football league divisions 1 and 4 respectively, Clon have been able to ensure that almost of all their side have been playing regular football in the early months of the year.

Of the side which tasted glory last year by beating Castlehaven in the final, Clon are missing just three and have players like Cork U21 star Sean White, Jack O’Mahony and Jack Cowhig seeking their fourth consecutive medals.

Bantry have been beset by injuries but, while Joe Murphy and Denis O’Leary remain ruled out with long-term problems, other niggles may have cleared up as a result of the extra week’s rest. Cork panellist Sean O’Leary is sure to be a key figure for them.

Aughaville remains the venue for the meeting of Ilen Rovers and Carbery Rangers, who have also seen their game pushed back eight days to Sunday at 3pm.

Ilen have already had a testing clash against Kilmeen, which will have helped them prepare. Sean O’Donovan and Stephen Leonard should have a lot of influence for the Baltimore men, but their Rosscarbery opponents won’t be easy to beat, despite having a relatively young side. Cathal O’Rourke, Dan Lane and Sean Gordon are likely to be key men for them.