Mannion inspires Crokes as McCaffrey sees red

REIGNING Dublin senior football champions Kilmacud Crokes will face Thomas Davis in the semi-final after yesterday’s draw which also pitted St Jude’s against Ballyboden St Enda’s in two all-southside encounters.

Crokes came from behind to defeat Clontarf, 0-16 to 0-8, with the half-time introduction of Paul Mannion and the harsh sending-off of Clontarf’s Dublin star Jack McCaffrey turning the game the way of the Stillorgan men.

Mannion kicked four second-half points, three from frees, as Crokes came from a point down at the break (0-8 to 0-7) to run out comfortable winners.

Goals from Ryan Deegan, Ciarán Farrelly and Brendan Kirby helped Thomas Davis to a 3-12 to 1-17 quarter-final victory over Castleknock yesterday.

On Saturday, Colm Basquel scored 3-4 (1f) as Ballyboden St Enda’s defeated Na Fianna 3-15 to 1-15 after extra-time at Parnell Park. St Jude’s maintained their hopes of a first Dublin SFC title when they dominated St Vincent’s in the second half before running out 0-11 to 0-4 victors.

Nemo Rangers will meet Duhallow in the Cork SFC final on Sunday week after both were successful in yesterday’s semi-finals at Páirc Uí Rinn. North-western divisional side Duhallow stayed on course for a first title since 1991 after they saw off a dogged Newcestown, 0-12 to 0-7.

Despite losing Donncha O’Connor to injury, Duhallow led by 0-5 to 0-1 early on but Newcestown responded well as David Buckley and Daniel Twomey (two) kicked points.

Conor O’Callaghan and Fintan O’Connor ensured a 0-7 to 0-4 half-time lead for Duhallow.

Anthony O’Connor’s frees pushed Duhallow clear and while Luke Meade and Twomey brought Newcestown back to four, 0-11 to 0-7, Duhallow held out with Ian Walsh securing the win.

The final will be a repeat of the 1988 pairing after Nemo saw off fellow city side Douglas by 3-12 to 0-7.

While Douglas led in the early stages, Paul Kerrigan’s goal for Nemo pushed his side 1-4 to 0-3 up after 21 minutes. Nemo turned the screw after that and were 2-7 to 0-4 in front by halftime with Alan O’Donovan hitting their second goal after a strong run.