Youghal enjoying cup dream

IN their first year playing Dr Harty Cup hurling, Youghal CBS are within sight of a place in the knock out stages.

Tomorrow they play De La Salle Waterford in Kill (2.30pm) and victory would put them into the quarter-finals after Christmas.

It’s a crunch game also for the DLS who must win and then take the points from Waterford Colleges in their last outing if they are to reach the penultimate stage.

To add more spice to tomorrow’s encounter, a third of the Youghal team come from Waterford.

“We have always dreamed of playing Harty Cup hurling,” said Youghal coach Brian Lotty, “and we are enjoying the experience at the moment.

“When the groups were made out, I fancied ourselves to win our two opening matches, and we have achieved that which has given hurling in the school a tremendous lift.

“The beauty of tomorrow’s match is that it’s in our own hands if we are to qualify or not. We know what we have to do. But DSL are reputed to have an excellent side and need the win also to be sure of advancing further in the championship.”

Youghal include two Cork minors Brendan Barry and Brendan Ring. Both have been influential in their side’s progress to date. Goalkeeper Edmond O’Donovan, Colin Fogarty and Eoin O’Loughlin have also made major contributions.

DSL selector Dermot Dooley reports no injury worries but is concerned about his side not having had a competitive match for almost a month. “We are lacking in match practice which is a bit of a concern, but the incentive is there for us. Win our two remaining matches and we are through the knock out stages, that’s our goal.”

DSL will be hoping James Quirke can maintain his current scoring spree. He contributed 11 points in the recent Dean Ryan Cup semi-final win over Our Lady’s and he will be a crucial player for his side tomorrow.

Defensively, DSL are strong with Wayne Hutchinson, Niall Delahunty and Paul Hogan on form. Tommy Power, Padraig Nevin and Gearoid O’Connor are talented forwards who will pose problems for the Youghal defence.

Waterford Colleges, who have an outside chance of qualifying, should pick up their first brace of points from their game with Farranferris in Touraneena tomorrow, and hope DSL beat Youghal. It would mean Waterford would have to beat DSL in their last match to force a three-way play off.

In football, there are four crucial Corn Uí Mhuirí games down for decision which, if there are results in all four, will mean the eight quarter-finalists will be known.

Dingle CBS and Limerick CBS meet in Glin tomorrow with the winners going through. Douglas Community School need just a point from their game with St Colman’s to be certain of a place, while St Fachtna’s should beat St Flannan’s to make it.

The all-Kerry clash of Tralee CBS and Intermediate School Killorglin should be a rousing affair with the winners going through. A draw and there will be a three-way play off involving Colaiste Choilm.