PIFC semi-finals preview: Two tasty games in prospect

THE Bon Secours Hospital PIFC has arguably been one of the toughest championships to win, history has proved that.

We are down to the last four teams in the 2023 championship with all of them dreaming of succeeding Kanturk as winners.

Tomorrow at 5pm in Coachford, last year’s beaten finalists Bantry Blues take on last season's IAFC winners Kilshannig in what should be an absolute humdinger of a game.

Bantry Blues were beaten by the better side in the 2022 final, Kanturk were too physical and had more quality as the Duhallow side won by seven points, but the feeling is that the team in blue and white have certainly improved since last season. The hurt should be a motivation, but the depth of their panel is also stronger than it was in 2022.

Considering Bantry Blues played the last two games without their star man in Ruairí Deane and haven’t tasted defeat is a reflection of the other players ability to step up. Deane remains an injury doubt for tomorrow. The Carbery club drew with Macroom in the last group game which cost them a semi-final spot, but it didn’t matter, as a powerful second-half performance saw them defeat Nemo Rangers second team in the quarter-final two weeks ago on a scoreline of 3-12 to 2-6. Arthur Coakley kicked 2-4 while Seanie O’Leary and young Paddy Cronin also showed up well for the team in blue and white.

Back-to-back county titles remains a possibility for Kilshannig, they have momentum and won’t fear their opposition. Ciarán O'Sullivan, Killian O’Hanlon and Tom Cunningham provide the firepower while at the back, Colm O’Shea and Bill Curtin are accomplished defenders. The Avondhu team got a direct passage into the last four having topped their group on scoring difference ahead of Cill na Martra.

The other semi-final encounter will be played in Wolfe Tone Park in Bantry on Sunday at 3pm for the meeting of Cill na Martra and Castletownbere.

Cill na Martra are in many people's eyes the favourites for the championship. The extra-time defeat to Kanturk at the semi-final stage 12 months ago would have rankled with them during the winter and with John Evans in his second season at the helm, a lot is expected from the Mid-Cork outfit.

They looked in trouble in the previous round against fellow divisional side Iveleary as they trailed 0-10 to 0-4 after 40 minutes, but finished strongly to win 2-11 to 0-12, helped in no small part by two Ciarán Dineen goals.

Dano Dineen, Michael Desmond and Shane Dineen carry the threats up front. Keeping a clean sheet against a dangerous Iveleary attack two weeks ago would have been seen as a feather in the cap. Tadhg Corkery, Graham Vaughan and Colm McLoughlin played well in the Cill na Martra defence in that Muskerry derby win. 

Castletownbere won all three group games against Nemo Rangers second team, Rockchapel and Bandon respectively which was enough for a direct passage to the last four. The Beara side have gone under the radar this season but are certainly here on merit. The Beara outfit are guided by Morgan O’Sullivan who was boss when they won the IFC in 2012. The selectors include former player Alan O’Regan and former Cork senior football manager Peadar Healy.

They have a strong looking team with Lorcan Harrington, Trevor Collins and David Hanley integral defenders, up front Gary Murphy and James Harrington carry the threats. Andrew O'Sullivan's leadership and experience will be crucial this weekend. 

Two brilliant games in store. Tomorrow's meeting between Bantry Blues and Kilshannig is a toss of a coin. Cill na Martra will be expected to get over the line on Sunday and reach the final, but how many times have we said that in the last few years? Castletownbere have no pressure or baggage and can have a right go. Fasten your safety belts.