Star-studded UCC dump out Sars to set up Imokilly showdown while Midleton will face the Rockies
UCC's defeat of Sarsfields was the big talking point from a bumper weekend of senior hurling action on Leeside.
The College were 0-20 to 1-14 winners over Sars, to set up a semi-final against holders and favourites Imokilly, while Midleton and Blackrock progressed on the other side of the draw. Those attractive games will form a double-header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on September 29 or 30.
UCC were defeated in a quarter-final replay last year, having beaten Midleton a round earlier, but capitalised on the Glanmire side's wastefulness in the first half at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday to take control until a late Daniel Kearney goal led to a dramatic finale.
Kerry native Shane Conway and Waterford's Andrew Casey hit 0-13 between them and the presence of non-Cork players irks many about UCC and CIT's participation in the competition. Conor Gleeson, Tom Devine and Michael Breen are among the high-profile College stars but the Cork contingent Seán O'Donoghue, the standout in defence, Eoghan Clifford, David Lowney, Darragh Fitzgibbon and Mark Coleman were key.
Aghada's Charlie Terry and Mallow's Dara Moynihan were among the point-scorers too.
UCC, who have the likes of Martin Walsh, Tom Kenny and Dr Paddy Crowley on the line, are more than capable of going all the way though Imokilly will surely be sharper the next day after getting a scare from Newcestown.
Unbackable favourites, Imokilly were seven points up with six minutes of injury time remaining but coughed up late goals to Sean O'Donovan and Tom Horgan before holding out for a 1-22 to 2-18 win.
Daniel Twomey and Luke Meade hit some super scores for Newcestown, whose work-rate and belief really rattled the East Cork division.
Seamus Harnedy knocked over 0-3, Paudie O'Sullivan hit 1-2 and Will Leahy struck 0-10, seven from placed balls, but they started without Colm Spillane, Deccie Dalton and Ger Millerick, who did come on, due to a combination of injuries and club commitments.
On Saturday at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Midleton defeated Newtown thanks to a late Cormac Beausang point, deep into injury time.
The Magpies weren't at their best but looked to have done enough when 1-17 to 1-13 ahead, especially after Micheal Thompson was sent off. However Tim O'Mahony, a first-half goalscorer and in top form throughout, set up Donagh Stack to raise a second green flag followed by two frees from Jamie Coughlan to snatch the lead.
A Conor Lehane free levelled matters before the lively Luke O'Farrell released Beausang for the key score. O'Farrell fired 0-4 and Beausang 1-3 and while Lehane wasn't as dangerous as he had been against the Glen, he still lobbed over 0-3 from play and five frees.
Seán O'Leary-Hayes once again looked the part at centre-back for Midleton, while minor Tommy O'Connell was impressive off the bench.
They'll still have it all to do against Blackrock though, as last year's runners-up dominated a St Finbarr's side who had shocked Douglas in round three.
The 1-20 to 1-11 scoreline reflected how consistent the Rockies were in every line of the pitch, with John Cashman and Gary Norberg teak-tough at the back, Stephen Murphy as sharp as ever in midfield and Kevin O'Keeffe landing 0-4 from play to go with Tadhg Deasy's goal. Alan O'Callaghan and Micheal O'Halloran also offered leadership up front.
