Duarigle face Rossa in delayed U-21 semi-final

AFTER a four month wait, Duarigle Gaels return to action in the County U-21 ‘B’ FC on a semi-final meeting against O’Donovan Rossa in Macroom on Saturday.

In their only outing todate, the Millstreet and Cullen combination possessed the flair and composure to stave off a determined Na Piarsaigh second half rally in a quarter final. For a lengthy spell, Duarigle dominated the key sectors and having built up a ten point advantage early in the second half, they were forced to defend it in the face of an improved performance from the city champions.

At their best, the Gaels blended intensity and an impressive workrate to earn a deserved win. Having come within three points of the Gaels, Na Piarsaigh failed to make further inroads and the Duhallow champions retaliated with crucial scores.

Overall, the initiative ran with Gaels, in defence Darren Kiely, Shane Hickey and Francis Cronin formed a solid barrier with Patrick Dineen and Colm Walsh dominant at midfield while Neil Flahive, Cathal Crowley and Michael Twomey bagged goals.

Saturday’s opponents O’Donovan Rossa present a sizeable challenge, easily emergng from West Cork and the Skibbereen side chalked up a highly impressive tally in a quarter final triumph over Beál Ath’n Ghaorthaidh.

With this championship put on hold owing to players involved in a number of other competitions with club and county, there is little current form to go on. From the other side of the draw, Charleville meet Midleton, two clubs remaining involved in key hurling engagements.